Amazon Removes AI-Synced Film After Backlash

Amazon Prime Video recently took down the film Deadly Patient following a wave of ridicule on social media. Despite holding a modest IMDb rating of 4.8 out of 10, this 2018 US thriller became the center of attention in Germany, not for its cinematic quality, but for its poorly executed German dubbing, which was generated entirely by artificial intelligence. {{img:123}}

The film's AI-generated dialogue has drawn significant criticism from viewers, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where content creators have shared clips highlighting the absurdity of the translations. One particularly striking line features a character saying, "I should have died there," delivered in a completely emotionless tone, which has left audiences both confused and amused. {{img:123}}

In response to the backlash, an Amazon spokesperson stated, "The German synchronization of the film 'Deadly Patient' did not meet Prime Video's quality standards. The film is no longer available on Prime Video for the time being." However, Amazon distanced itself from the responsibility for the AI dubbing, clarifying that they did not commission the synchronization directly. Instead, the film was uploaded to their platform via Prime Video Direct, allowing third-party contributors to publish their content. {{img:123}}

The controversy surrounding Deadly Patient has sparked broader concerns within the dubbing industry, where many voice actors fear the implications of AI technology on their livelihoods. Raphael Galuska, an actor and voice artist, highlighted on Instagram that Deadly Patient is merely the tip of the iceberg. He pointed out that numerous other films on Amazon Prime feature similarly poor AI-generated dubbing. To find these films, he suggested searching for "Reel One International," the company behind Deadly Patient. Galuska shared excerpts from other films by the same company that are even more bizarre, including a dialogue where a character states, "I am more than just penguins," to which another responds, "But there are also cakes." {{img:123}}

Looking ahead, Amazon has plans to experiment with AI synchronization technology. In a statement from early 2025, the company announced its intention to test AI dubbing as a means to overcome language barriers that might prevent viewers from enjoying content produced in different regions. They aim to enhance accessibility to their extensive streaming library by implementing AI-assisted synchronization for licensed films and series that would otherwise remain undubbed. {{img:123}}

However, Amazon emphasized that this AI technology would not operate independently. The company stated, "This AI-assisted pilot program is a hybrid approach to dubbing, where localization experts collaborate with artificial intelligence to ensure quality control." {{img:123}}