A Chinese-dubbed re-release of the 1957 film Witness for the Prosecution premiered in December at a Shanghai cinema, drawing mainly nostalgia-seeking viewers as interest in dubbed films weakens. [1]
Greater subtitle literacy among streaming viewers is cited as one reason fewer Chinese audiences now favor dubbed movies. [1]
The Shanghai Dubbing Studio brought back Witness for the Prosecution with several veteran Chinese voices, including 83-year-old Qiao Zhen as the presiding judge. [1]
Qiao said the dubbing trade had fallen to a low point several years ago and that many people now preferred original-language versions. He asked the audience, "Do you still enjoy Chinese-dubbed films?" and said, "Several years ago we felt this profession had fallen into a low point," adding that many people were "unwilling to watch the translated or dubbed versions, and preferred the original." [1]
He also argued for the craft's artistic value, saying, "But I believe that to truly appreciate the creative art of a foreign film, one should watch a genuine dubbed version. Dubbing is the reshaping of a soul." [1]
By late January, the dubbed film had grossed about 6.31 million yuan, or $925,000, at the mainland box office. [1]
