Crunchyroll Tests AI to Implement Subtitles and CC in Upcoming Anime Episodes

Summary

• Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini confirmed that the company is testing generative A.I.
• The company is testing to improve processes and release subtitles in more languages.
• In October 2023, Crunchyroll released the first episode of ‘The Yuzuki Family’s Four Sons’ anime with subpar subtitles. 

Subtitles are integral to any TV series or movie.  They are as significant as the plot, the quality of animation, or the graphics. It helps shows and series to reach a broader audience, regardless of language barriers.

For companies like Crunchyroll, which dubs hundreds of anime and movies every year, subtitles are crucial. They have taken serious measures to ensure the quality of their subtitles, which we will discuss below.

Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini confirmed that the company is testing generative A.I. (artificial intelligence) use on subtitling and closed captioning.

The company is conducting testing to improve its processes and enable the release of subtitles in more languages closer to the Japanese broadcast date of seasonal anime episodes. 

Furthermore, the company is also experimenting with generative AI to support users in personalizing their experience and discovering new titles. Lastly, they are testing A.I. in different workflows within the company.

In October 2023, Crunchyroll released the first episode of ‘The Yuzuki Family’s Four Sons’ anime with subpar subtitles. After receiving complaints on social media and their website, the episode was taken down and re-uploaded a week later with improved subtitles, following collaboration with the series’ licensor.

This decision has received mixed reactions from anime fans. While some believe that the company’s decision is purely based on monetary factors, others think AI could do a better job than human translators who have previously made mistakes in the subtitles. 

In addition, it is encouraging to see that some fans support this decision, as it may eliminate subpar translators and localizers who alter the source material to make it more appealing to local viewers. We look forward to the release of more dubbed and subbed series in the near future without any reduction in quality.

Source: CBR