Hercules - To Dub or Not to Dub

[AndyC]

I replaced my tape of Hercules in New York with a DVD a few months ago. Now, if I show it to someone, there is always the question of which audio track to play - dubbed Arnie or his actual voice.

So, which does everyone think is funnier?

Personally, I think dubbing, in general, adds to the cheese factor of a movie, especially when it's this obvious. It's also funny to remember that this famous actor, in his youth, was considered sufficiently unintelligible that he needed to be dubbed. Really, much of the fascination this movie holds for people is that it is a big star's clumsy first steps. For purists, it's also the way the movie was originally released.

Of course, hearing a Greek demigod speaking with a thick Austrian accent is also funny. Remember that this is Arnie before any speech lessons - "A fine chariot, but vere are ze hosses?" Not to make fun of accents, but an Austrian Hercules is a bit jarring in a non-Austrian movie. Perhaps more significant, the dubbed actor said the lines with more feeling than Arnie, who was a block of wood. Original Arnie might well be cheesier than dubbing.

Question is, which is funnier?

[The Burgomaster]

I'm ashamed to say that I have never seen HERCULES IN NEW YORK.

My "Bad Movie Fan" license is in danger of being revoked because of this.

[Vermin Boy]

You're not alone-- I've only seen bits and pieces on TV. One of those bits, however, included one of the most astounding lines I've ever heard (spoken by Arnold Stang):

"I'm Pretzi. They call me Pretzi, because, you see... I sell pretzels!"

[AndyC]

Vermin Boy wrote:

> "I'm Pretzi. They call me Pretzi, because, you see... I sell
> pretzels!"


It got even worse with that joke about the pretzels coincidentally coming from "Food of the Gods Bakery."

[Newt]

I vote dubbed.  Must be the 'cheese' factor, but I prefer it that way.

[GLAM DRUMMER]

I personally dont like dubs!