I think the reason Japan chose the name Optimus Prime instead of Convoy is because Japan was desperate to release the movie at the same time it came out in the USA. That's one reason why the Transformers movie toys in Japan had American packaging with Japanese decals instead of entirely 100% Japanese packaging. I've always loved and admired both names, Optimus Prime and Convoy but undoubtedly my favorite transformers name of all time is Big Convoy.
I have the Jap DVD and as much as I dislike most overdubbed voice acting in Japanese Ironhide and Ratchet sound better without the faux 1840's British Army General 'Tally-ho old chaps' voices. Prime is better with Cullen and agent Smith is still a questionable choice for Megatron
Whilst I prefer Peter Cullen, Tessho Genda has a great, bass deep, authoritative sound to his voice that befits a leader-type character such as Optimus Prime (or, "Convoy," as they prefer it). I give the edge to Cullen only for two minor reasons:
1) English is my first language, so Cullen is a bit easier on the ears to me.
2) Cullen gives Prime a more gravelly tone when he speaks, which gives Prime (in my opinion) more of an experienced sound. Genda makes him sound a little too...green. IMO.
Yep. I reconize Genda's voice anywhere. Just as Peter Cullen returned to reprise his role as the original English voice or Prime. It's just amazing. Though I find it strange how in the Japanese version, he is still called Optimus Prime rather than Convoy.
They probably did it to assist with the Japanese dubbing mouth movements (as some of the names are much longer in the English) at first, but with the film being big in Japan and making them realize that it's a serious franchise, the english names seem to have become better known.
the guy who dubs optimus also dubs the demon fox from naruto, and just like peter cullen, this guy has also dubbed prime in other transformers series.
I think the reason Japan chose the name Optimus Prime instead of Convoy is because Japan was desperate to release the movie at the same time it came out in the USA. That's one reason why the Transformers movie toys in Japan had American packaging with Japanese decals instead of entirely 100% Japanese packaging. I've always loved and admired both names, Optimus Prime and Convoy but undoubtedly my favorite transformers name of all time is Big Convoy.
alangentrinapestegui 1 year ago
I have the Jap DVD and as much as I dislike most overdubbed voice acting in Japanese Ironhide and Ratchet sound better without the faux 1840's British Army General 'Tally-ho old chaps' voices. Prime is better with Cullen and agent Smith is still a questionable choice for Megatron
stoltobot 2 years ago
Where can I download the video with japanese dub?
cause I was looking for it everywhere and couldn't find it even in my country is only English dub.
Please find it for me...
ericard7 3 years ago
first time I EVER heard Prime actually called "Optimus Prime" in Japan. Its usually Convoy
bowlofarthritus 3 years ago 7
Whilst I prefer Peter Cullen, Tessho Genda has a great, bass deep, authoritative sound to his voice that befits a leader-type character such as Optimus Prime (or, "Convoy," as they prefer it). I give the edge to Cullen only for two minor reasons:
1) English is my first language, so Cullen is a bit easier on the ears to me.
2) Cullen gives Prime a more gravelly tone when he speaks, which gives Prime (in my opinion) more of an experienced sound. Genda makes him sound a little too...green. IMO.
TheShockMaster 3 years ago 2
that was cool,i guess the japanese decided to go with the american names.
Forte89 3 years ago
I can't see why they didn't give them their original Japanese names.
optronix16 3 years ago
Tessho Genda returns as the Japanese voice of Optimus Prime.
YamatoBushi 3 years ago 8
Yep. I reconize Genda's voice anywhere. Just as Peter Cullen returned to reprise his role as the original English voice or Prime. It's just amazing. Though I find it strange how in the Japanese version, he is still called Optimus Prime rather than Convoy.
MDthornton83 1 year ago
@MDthornton83
He's still Optimus Prime in the Japanese version of Animated too.
I think they're trying to phase out the Japanese names to keep the brand names the same in both countries.
bob1986 7 months ago
@bob1986 Well, I think they should retain the names they have in the Japanese version. I don't have a problem with it really.
MDthornton83 7 months ago
@MDthornton83
They probably did it to assist with the Japanese dubbing mouth movements (as some of the names are much longer in the English) at first, but with the film being big in Japan and making them realize that it's a serious franchise, the english names seem to have become better known.
bob1986 7 months ago
@bob1986 I see.
MDthornton83 7 months ago
This is very interesting. "Optimus Prime" not "Convoy". And "Autobots" not "Cybertrons".
MartinusPrime 3 years ago 2
the guy who dubs optimus also dubs the demon fox from naruto, and just like peter cullen, this guy has also dubbed prime in other transformers series.
jasiohla 3 years ago
I thought his name was Convoy!
DarkHunter335 3 years ago 2
Wow these are soo cool. i've been searching this clip for awhile already. thanx for sharing it with us man!
rizuan76 4 years ago
Wow they're actually called autobots not the cybertrons
wwwooowwwooo 4 years ago
where did u find this at?
Inuyasha217 4 years ago
Is that the original Convoy's voice?
1337Batgirl 4 years ago
Yes.
TMRvestige 4 years ago
First time EVER A japanese prime CALLS himself "Prime" and not "Convoy"
bowlofarthritus 4 years ago