Sailor Moon - Five Times the DiC Dub Made Pure Gold!

Sailor Moon is known by pretty much everyone at this point. The Sailor Senshi are iconic in today's weeb culture.

While the show is still extremely popular amongst old and new fans alike, getting a remake (Sailor Moon Crystal) in 2012 and a new two-part movie in 2021 (Sailor Moon Eternal), its first release to America ran into some hiccups. Fans are not shy to vocalize their disdain for the original DiC dub released in 1995. From drastic plot changes, white-washing, and the voice acting - if you talk to an old fan around for the first release in America, chances are they will have something to say about DiC. Although despite its glaring flaws, there were times when DiC got it right, and here are the top five.

5. "Fighting evil by moonlight, winning love by daylight."

It is undeniably one of the catchiest theme songs of all time. Back in the peek of its popularity, you could walk into any anime convention and have the whole hall singing along within the first line. It wouldn't be surprising if it still happened at a convention today. The opening to the original DiC dubbing is so packed with 90's nostalgia it's almost impossible for any anime fan not to sing along!

4. The soundtrack in general

Speaking of the theme song, one could argue that the entire soundtrack was a work of art. It is somehow dated (in a good way) but not dated at all. DiC somehow found music so fitting for the time and style of the show. It's beautiful and elegant while also being powerful. There are plenty of times the music alone has given me chills or brought me to tears. In the same way, the opening is packed with nostalgia; the OG soundtrack is nostalgic and empowering!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3cLNERGKUk

3. Linda Anne Ballantyne and Serina's other Voice Actresses

It's probably a surprise to many that Linda Anne Ballantyne and the other voice-over artist are on this list. Many of the complaints about the DiC dub was in part to its voice acting. And the biggest voice acting complaint amongst fans surrounded Usagi (Serina in the DiC dub). Fans complained that her voice was annoying, whiny, and shrill, which are all accurate. It's something that, as a child, most of us probably looked over, but as an adult re-watching, we all cringed at. But Ballantyne is an amazingly talented voice actress, and fans have been overlooking her range. All the talented women who voiced Usagi had this uncanny ability to put so much love and emotion in their voices. When needed, they could make Usagi regal, strong and mature. They were able to highlight what drives her in serious emotional scenes.

2. The Unbridled Sas!

The late '90s and early 2000s are seemingly a completely different world now, especially when it comes to child animations. Nowadays, you're more likely to find overly cutesy characters in media aimed at children, even in anime. This is exemplified by the rise in popularity of loli anime. Sassy female characters blossomed in the late '90s. Sailor Moon especially. All of the Sailor Senshi had unapologetic sass and cockiness, all while remaining classy and feminine.

1. "I still pity you!"

In the season finale of the Dead Moon Circus arch of Sailor Moon, the Sailor Senshi find themselves facing Queen Nehelenia - the vane and petty queen of the Dead Moon Kingdom. In the DiC dub, Nehelenia's motive was fueled by her vanity and desire to be recognized for her beauty. Sailor Moon and Sailor Chibi-Moon find themselves floating high above Juban on a piece of the Dead Moon Circus' arena rises towards the moon. Sick with the look of pity Sailor Moon is giving her, Queen Nehelenia throws an unconscious Chibi-Moon off the platform in a fit of rage. Triumphantly, she laughs at Sailor Moon's dispair as Chibi-Moon plummets towards Joban. Sailor Moon then climbs to her feet, stands over the ledge of the platform, sharply turns to face the Dead Moon Queen, and says, "I still pity you." before jumping after Chibi-Moon. This scene is arguably the best of the entire DiC dub. So much power and strength are held in those four words. It's impossible for you not to feel something when watching this scene. Usagi's deep love for Chibi Usa is palpable as you watch her jump towards her daughter.

There is no hiding the fact that DiC took drastic liberties with the storyline of Sailor Moon in order to make it "children friendly" and "more digestible" to an American audience. Credit should always be given when due, and we have to admit, the infamous DiC dub wasn't a complete disaster.