Prime Video is currently testing generative AI voices to dub anime, but the quality is disappointing, raising concerns about the impact of AI technology on the entertainment industry. The use of generative AI in animation, especially Japanese anime, has become a contentious issue as stakeholders debate the value and potential drawbacks of this technology.

Recently, Prime Video quietly introduced AI-generated anime dubs as part of a beta program over the holiday break in the US. This program includes English and Latin American language dubs for various anime series in their catalog, such as Banana Fish and No Game No Life Zero. Despite not being officially announced by Amazon, the rollout sparked backlash from anime fans on social media due to the poor quality of the dubs.

The subpar intonation, pacing, and lack of emotion in these AI dubs have disappointed fans, surpassing long-standing perceptions of dubbed anime being inferior to the original Japanese versions. It is concerning that Amazon deemed these dubs acceptable for release, especially for shows like Banana Fish that have been eagerly awaiting official English dubs for years.

The decision to replace existing human-made dubs with AI-generated ones raises questions about prioritizing innovation over quality. The negative reception to these AI dubs should prompt Amazon to reconsider future endeavors in this area. As studios navigate the integration of generative AI content into their productions, it is crucial to balance technological advancements with maintaining high standards in dubbing and translation to ensure a positive viewing experience for non-Japanese audiences.