At MHz Choice, our motto has always been “Don’t fear the subtitles.” As the home of the world’s best mysteries, dramas, and comedies, foreign-language television is our “pain et beurre”!
While we do believe that viewers should not fear subtitles, we also know that dubbing foreign-language content is valuable to many. Whether you want to introduce a subtitle-skeptic to your favorite foreign-language drama, have impaired vision that makes reading difficult, or simply want to watch Murder In… while you make dinner, there are many needs for dubbed content.
That’s why we put the “Choice” in MHz Choice, after all. We’re proud to be expanding our dubbed catalog but viewers can rest assured that everything we offer dubbed in English will always be available in the language-of-origin with English subtitles.
So, subbed or dubbed? We asked the same question to MHz Choice subscribers on our Facebook and Instagram pages, and here are a few reasons why they might choose subbed or dubbed:
WHY SUBTITLES?
To take in an actor's performance
“I want to experience the original actor’s performance. The tone and delivery are just as important as the ‘words.’ My brain combines what I am reading with what I am hearing. Subtitled all the way for me.” – Pam L.A.
“You miss out on the personalities of the actors if you don’t hear their real voice. So much can be conveyed with the tone of a conversation rather than the words.” – Sandra S.
To learn and appreciate different languages
“I watch MHZ not just for the great stories, but also it is part of my attempt at language immersion.” – Pamela M.
“I like to hear the different languages, the ones I know help to keep them fresh, so I don’t lose them; the ones I’m learning, help with getting a grasp on pronunciation and grammar; and the others I’m not as familiar with, just to enjoy the sound of them.” – Stacey P.
“I like hearing the languages and different dialects and pronunciations. It also helps when learning a language.” – Kimberly W.
Struggle with hearing
“I am severely hearing impaired. I use subtitles and closed captioning on all my television viewing.” – Rebecca L.
“I prefer the subtitles because I don’t hear well & I don’t like to turn the volume up.” – Carol H.
WHY DUBBING?
Inability to read subtitles
“I live with an Autistic adult whose language skills are not that great, so dubbing is good to have so we can enjoy watching something together. So thanks for having both!” – Lauren W.
“I can see how someone with reduced vision would prefer dubbed, it’s good that MHz Choice provides both.” – RB B.
Multi-tasking while you watch
“If I’m multitasking (cleaning, etc.) while the show is on I like to be able to follow what’s being said without having to look at the screen.” – Rusty A.
“Sometimes I don’t have time to sit in front of the TV and read the subtitles. Then I look for something dubbed. Some dubbing is excellent, but regardless, it lets you hear the plot without having to read. So depending on the series and what time I have, I do both.” – Diana D.
Introducing foreign-language TV to someone
“I am trying to get my sister to try watching a show on MHz Choice, but I only think she might watch if it is dubbed.” – Tracy M.
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