In 2010, the distribution company Lucky Red acquired the rights to the Studio Ghibli catalog and embarked on a massive project to re-release the films theatrically with brand-new Italian dubs. These new versions were overseen by Gualtiero Cannarsi, a controversial figure in the Italian anime community known for his hyper-literal translation style. The 2010 version saw a complete recast:
For fans wanting to experience Porco Rosso in the most immersive way possible, the Italian dub is a must-watch. It bridges the gap between Ghibli’s Japanese aesthetic and the Adriatic setting, offering a richer, more authentic atmosphere.
For international anime fans, experimenting with different dubs can reveal hidden dimensions of a film. Here is why the Italian track of Porco Rosso is worth your time, even if you rely on English subtitles:
Corvo’s voice is rugged, gravelly, and deeply emotive. He brings the perfect blend of tough-guy cynicism and hidden vulnerability required for Marco. He captures the "I’d rather be a pig than a fascist" ethos perfectly. porco rosso italian dub
The supremacy of the Italian dub is not accidental; it is the result of a perfect alignment between subject matter, casting, and cultural soul.
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Porco Rosso takes place in Italy and the Adriatic region during the late 1920s. The story follows Marco Pagot, a veteran World War I Italian fighter ace who was cursed to look like an anthropomorphic pig. He now lives as a freelance bounty hunter, chasing air pirates across Mediterranean waters. In 2010, the distribution company Lucky Red acquired
Furthermore, the Italian dub has played a significant role in promoting the works of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli in Italy. The success of "Porco Rosso" helped pave the way for other Ghibli films to be dubbed into Italian, introducing Italian audiences to a wide range of Japanese animation and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art form.
Celentano does not sound like a cartoon character. He does not do a "voice." He speaks as Adriano Celentano. His natural timbre is gravelly, weary, and laced with a sardonic, knowing smirk. When Porco Rosso declares, "Meglio essere un porco che un fascista" ("Better to be a pig than a fascist"), you feel the weight of a man who has seen the worst of humanity.
Because the film is set in Italy, the Italian dub makes the dialogue flow naturally with the backdrop. The references to Italian politics, geography, and aviation slang sound authentic. It bridges the gap between Ghibli’s Japanese aesthetic
Porco Rosso Italian Dub: A Masterclass in Atmospheric Voice Acting
The success of the Italian dub is also a testament to Hayao Miyazaki’s deep knowledge of the setting. Miyazaki is a noted Italophile, and the film is saturated with accurate details—from the design of the Savoia S.21 seaplane to the geography of the Adriatic coast. Because the visual setting is so authentically Italian, the Japanese language track sometimes creates a subtle cognitive dissonance. The Italian dub resolves this friction. When the characters speak Italian, the world of the film becomes cohesive. The songs, the radio announcements, and the background chatter all click into place, creating an immersive realism that the original Japanese track, however beautiful, cannot quite replicate in terms of atmospheric accuracy.
Captured a softer, yet fiercely determined innocence that perfectly balanced Porco’s cynicism.
For purists and casual fans alike, exploring the Italian localization reveals why this version is considered by many to be the definitive way to experience Miyazaki's aviation classic. Linguistic Authenticity and Cultural Synergy
Unlike many Ghibli films that received a single definitive localization in Europe, Porco Rosso boasts two distinct Italian dubs. This dual history reflects the changing landscape of anime distribution in Italy and a continuous effort to achieve linguistic perfection. 1. The 2003 Buena Vista Version