This question is for the Europeans here, I know that most European countries dub the films to their native language, even the ones that are not aimed for children. I wanted to ask:
1. What is the reason for this?
2. Do you have an option to see films in English with subtitles at theaters or do you have to wait until they are available for purchase?
3. Do you prefer it that way?
Dubbing in films
Re: Dubbing in films
Bosnian here... We get dubbed movies from either Croatia or Serbia (not to bore anyone with the details, but all three countries used to be a part of a larger federal republic, so all three languages are effectively the same one, but for nationalistic reasons everyone insists theirs is "different" and the other two are mere "copies". The differences are minor if they even exist, think British English vs American English).
As for your questions:
1. What is the reason for this?
Only animated and some live-action family movies are dubbed here. I believe the reason is that animation is still mostly seen as something for kids. It's something I typically don't mind, because I understand that even kids who are not of school age (and thus not able to read subtitles yet) should be able to enjoy animation.
2. Do you have an option to see films in English with subtitles at theaters or do you have to wait until they are available for purchase?
No, or rather mostly no. We are rarely if ever given the option of both subbed and dubbed versions, and are basically forced to suffer through terrible dubs and hollow or overly theatrical performances. Disney dubs are generally well-done but I'd still like to be given an option to watch the original version.
For all Disney movies released from 2003 to date I had to wait for the DVD/Blu-ray to see them the way they were meant to be seen (or rather heard). There was one exception though, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was offered both dubbed and subbed (I suppose superheroes evade the "just for kids" stigma
). Also, the aforementioned live-action movies (like Maleficent and Beauty and the Beast) were also available both dubbed and subbed.
3. Do you prefer it that way?
Not really. Regardless of the quality of a dub, I'd like to experience a movie the way it was originally created. I watch all movies with subtitles on anyway (either English or local language), it actually helps a lot with learning a new language.
However, sometimes it's also a matter of which version you were exposed to first. I grew up with a dubbed version of The Swan Princess and I think that may even be my preferred version now. It's extremely well-done and quite melodic, and the first time I watched the original version it sounded dull and clunky to me.
As for your questions:
1. What is the reason for this?
Only animated and some live-action family movies are dubbed here. I believe the reason is that animation is still mostly seen as something for kids. It's something I typically don't mind, because I understand that even kids who are not of school age (and thus not able to read subtitles yet) should be able to enjoy animation.
2. Do you have an option to see films in English with subtitles at theaters or do you have to wait until they are available for purchase?
No, or rather mostly no. We are rarely if ever given the option of both subbed and dubbed versions, and are basically forced to suffer through terrible dubs and hollow or overly theatrical performances. Disney dubs are generally well-done but I'd still like to be given an option to watch the original version.
For all Disney movies released from 2003 to date I had to wait for the DVD/Blu-ray to see them the way they were meant to be seen (or rather heard). There was one exception though, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was offered both dubbed and subbed (I suppose superheroes evade the "just for kids" stigma
). Also, the aforementioned live-action movies (like Maleficent and Beauty and the Beast) were also available both dubbed and subbed.3. Do you prefer it that way?
Not really. Regardless of the quality of a dub, I'd like to experience a movie the way it was originally created. I watch all movies with subtitles on anyway (either English or local language), it actually helps a lot with learning a new language.
However, sometimes it's also a matter of which version you were exposed to first. I grew up with a dubbed version of The Swan Princess and I think that may even be my preferred version now. It's extremely well-done and quite melodic, and the first time I watched the original version it sounded dull and clunky to me.
Re: Dubbing in films
In Israel it's pretty much the same except we do get animated films in English as well for the first month or so of release.