Disney Debates: #1 Snow White should be redubbed for blu-ray

[Marky_198]

Of course everyone is used to the old voices.
There is a lot of nostalgia involved etc.

But we have to admit, Snowwhite's voice is extremely annoying.
There are plenty of actresses/singers out there nowadays who could give Snowwhite a much more fitting voice.
And give the movie much more of a sparkle.

Look at the French version.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0H-pd0c8FjA

A new voice in English actually would make the movie watchable.

Maybe they could put both versions on blue ray.
To choose in the menu, original version or redubbed version.

[akhenaten]

u ppl r picky. i never haf any qualms about her voice since i was small up to now.not like her shriek can break glasses. and i bet we should dub all hindi songs too because indian female singers sounds akin to snow white. and the voice adds to her personality, giving her a vulnerabilty and warmth because she sounds neither too girly or too adult.

and to think some people here are upset about the new restoration colors that looked not as they remember them, too flat and childish..what about the vocals then? will we then have drsd2kill posting comparisons of different audio editions?

and since everyone's nitpicking .lets redub the 50s musical. i can never stand marni nixon in king and i.

[PeterPanfan]

Uhm...NO?

The voice is part of her personality and they shouldn't get rid of it.
Obviously it wasn't a problem to Walt,or we would have changed it.

[UmbrellaFish]

I'll be the first to admit that Snow White voice can get on my nerves. A lot, but her voice is apart of our and Disney's history. It would be like giving the Mona Lisa a beard just because you think she needs more facial hair. I don't think Disney would be that stupid, anyway.

[Disney Villain]

If Disney ever did something like this, I would lose all respect for the company. It's one thing to restore a film - both the animation and soundtrack, to preserve it for future generations, but to re-dub a film like this, or any Disney feature (with the exception of Enchanted Tales) is disgusting. I don't think Disney would ever this, and if they did there would be allot of revolt by fans. Snow White's voice never got on my nerves. Her voice makes her who she is. Each princess in different, especially when it comes to their voices. Cinderella has a soft whispery voice, Aurora has a mature operatic voice, Ariel has that bubbly beautiful teenage rebellious girl voice, Jasmine and belle have their own distinct voices as well, and Snow White has that sweet shrilly voice. It makes her, her. Adriana Casseloti, Lucille La Verne, and the other voices in that film, and throughout all the other films in the Disney canon are special and unique to their films. To re-dub these classic films would be the most despicable, horrible, disgusting thing a company could do.

What I do like about the Disney Character Voices department today is that they really make a sincere effort to cast voices that match the originals as close as possible. I visit Disneyworld allot. Every show and parade there is set to a soundtrack. The actors portraying the characters just move their lips along to the words. I love watching these shows and saying "wow, that was great casting, Aurora really sounds like Mary Costa in Dream Along with Mickey, even though she's being voiced by Christie House". I think it's absolutely amazing. Louise Chamis has been providing the voice of Snow White's Evil Queen (Grimhildie) for years. You can hear her as the Evil Queen in Fantillusion, Fantasmic!, the Snow White Platinum DVD, and in Wishes at the Magic Kingdom. In my opinion she is great for the part. Melissa Disney, in my opinion, is the best Snow White voice Disney has. You can hear her in various princess merchandise, and the Princess CD's. She's really amazing. She gives you Snow White's voice in a way that doesn’t hurt your ears, while keeping it VERY faithful to the original. What I would like to see is how the film would sound like using the current Disney voice actors. I want to hear how close Louise Chamis portrayal to the Evil Queen, is to Lucille La Verne’s portrayal, and how close Melissa Disney's portrayal of Snow White is to Adriana Casseloti portrayal. I DO NOT want a re-dubbed version of Snow White; I just think it would be interesting to see how close the current Disney voice actors are to the originals. I think the new voices (omit Erin Torpey's portrayal of Aurora in Enchanted Tales) are pretty darn close to the originals, if not Exact.

[Ariel'sprince]

If Disney ever did something like this, I would lose all respect for the company. It's one thing to restore a film - both the animation and soundtrack, to preserve it for future generations, but to re-dub a film like this, or any Disney feature (with the exception of Enchanted Tales) is disgusting. I don't think Disney would ever this, and if they did there would be allot of revolt by fans. Snow White's voice never got on my nerves. Her voice makes her who she is. Each princess in different, especially when it comes to their voices. Cinderella has a soft whispery voice, Aurora has a mature operatic voice, Ariel has that bubbly beautiful teenage rebellious girl voice, Jasmine and belle have their own distinct voices as well, and Snow White has that sweet shrilly voice. It makes her, her. Adriana Casseloti, Lucille La Verne, and the other voices in that film, and throughout all the other films in the Disney canon are special and unique to their films. To re-dub these classic films would be the most despicable, horrible, disgusting thing a company could do.

What I do like about the Disney Character Voices department today is that they really make a sincere effort to cast voices that match the originals as close as possible. I visit Disneyworld allot. Every show and parade there is set to a soundtrack. The actors portraying the characters just move their lips along to the words. I love watching these shows and saying "wow, that was great casting, Aurora really sounds like Mary Costa in Dream Along with Mickey, even though she's being voiced by Christie House". I think it's absolutely amazing. Louise Chamis has been providing the voice of Snow White's Evil Queen (Grimhildie) for years. You can hear her as the Evil Queen in Fantillusion, Fantasmic!, the Snow White Platinum DVD, and in Wishes at the Magic Kingdom. In my opinion she is great for the part. Melissa Disney, in my opinion, is the best Snow White voice Disney has. You can hear her in various princess merchandise, and the Princess CD's. She's really amazing. She gives you Snow White's voice in a way that doesn’t hurt your ears, while keeping it VERY faithful to the original. What I would like to see is how the film would sound like using the current Disney voice actors. I want to hear how close Louise Chamis portrayal to the Evil Queen, is to Lucille La Verne’s portrayal, and how close Melissa Disney's portrayal of Snow White is to Adriana Casseloti portrayal. I DO NOT want a re-dubbed version of Snow White; I just think it would be interesting to see how close the current Disney voice actors are to the originals. I think the new voices (omit Erin Torpey's portrayal of Aurora in Enchanted Tales) are pretty darn close to the originals, if not Exact.

Agreed,each Princess has something uniqe in the voice,also i think you should add Pocahontas's voice (her singing voice is amazing) and Mulan's.

[jeremy88]

Uh, NO!

Even though Snow White's voice is least favorite among every other Disney voice overs. Still, re-dubbing the movie would be a diservice to the original voice actors. Not to mention ruining Walt Disney's original work. So no, I could never imagine it being re-dubbed no matter how old or dated it gets...it's still going to sound fine on everyones Home Theater...just as long it doesn't get blasted so you can hear every little flaw. Besides it's age give it it's classic charm.

But yeah, that would be like 60 years from now re-dubbing over Jodi Benson, Paige O'Hara or Lea Solonga...that would just be depressing...

[2099net]

If Disney ever did something like this, I would lose all respect for the company. It's one thing to restore a film - both the animation and soundtrack, to preserve it for future generations, but to re-dub a film like this, or any Disney feature (with the exception of Enchanted Tales) is disgusting. I don't think Disney would ever this, and if they did there would be allot of revolt by fans. Snow White's voice never got on my nerves. Her voice makes her who she is. Each princess in different, especially when it comes to their voices. Cinderella has a soft whispery voice, Aurora has a mature operatic voice, Ariel has that bubbly beautiful teenage rebellious girl voice, Jasmine and belle have their own distinct voices as well, and Snow White has that sweet shrilly voice. It makes her, her. Adriana Casseloti, Lucille La Verne, and the other voices in that film, and throughout all the other films in the Disney canon are special and unique to their films. To re-dub these classic films would be the most despicable, horrible, disgusting thing a company could do.

Although, as has already been pointed out, and keeps popping up on the International forum, Disney already have revoiced lots of non-English dub soundtracks. Does this mean Disney has already lost your respect?

It it okay for Disney to obliterate non-American's memories and (not even offer them the option of their original voice artists that they have grown-up with) but not okay to do it to the English voice soundtrack?

Personally I say, why not. As long as the original soundtrack is available as an option. In that case nothing would be replaced, it would just be an alternative.

[Dottie]

Absolutely ridiculous!! I am sorry.
Look what has happened to many European dubbings (France, Germany, Spain...)

I do admit, Sow White's voice is (depending on what mood one might be in) kind of annoying, but it also enfroces how young and innocent she really is.
And actually it's really cute.
Something e have to remember is that this movie was made 70 years ago, people's taste was different at that time and the movie reflects this.

[Disney-Fan]

Personally I say, why not. As long as the original soundtrack is available as an option. In that case nothing would be replaced, it would just be an alternative.

I'm actually gonna have to agree with Netty. I am hesitant in suggesting it though, because knowing Disney, if this actually turns out to be a good change they might scrap the original audio alltogether in future releases.

[MagicMirror]

Though Snow White's voice is unusual, I certainly don't find it grating, irritating or even inappropriate to the character. Snow White is a heroine so innocent and pure that she cannot notice or comprehend evil, even when it is staring her in the face. Adriana Caselotti's voice, child-like and high-pitched, is perfect for that character.
The other voices are similarly irreplaceable, particularly those of the dwarfs; and replacing Lucille La Verne is as bad as dubbing over Eleanor Audley or Betty Lou Gerson.

[my chicken is infected]

I do agree that Snow White's voice can be slightly grating, but so what? I still enjoy watching the film and even hearing her sing. I wouldn't much like a redub. Especially since they were able to restore the original audio for the DVD so splendidly.

[Disney Duster]

Ichabod, I'm going to say I only think you started this debate to see what people think, and you don't really believe the movies should be re-dubbed.

Now blu-ray offers us superb picture and sound, so Snow White's original soundtrack is lagging far behind what blu-ray sound can offer.

But that doesn't make any sense, because then you could make the same argument for the picture lagging behind! Just like the sound doesn't hsave the dimensions, the picture doesn't have the dimensions, being 2-D.

Snow White's original voice is far too whiny and at times almost unpleasant to listen too. So a new dubbing would make the film watchable.

So then why was it watched enough times to make it such a success back when it was first released, people bought the tickets but closed their eyes? And why is it still watched today for people to review the film, their reviews show they actually watched the movie? And the people on here will tell you they've seen it too, and some people will say they feel it is the best or one of their favorites. Her voice also ca't possibly be too whiny, as Disney chose that voice personally, whinyness and all. He felt it was perfect.

Animated Disney films are frequently redubbed with new voice actors in other countries, so why shouldn't the English language version be redubbed too?

This makes no sense, as any other language is going to make the film different from the original. In fact, the only thing that changes (I believe) in the dubbings is the voices at the parts where they say words, not the sound effects or music, and sometimes not even the gasps or screams. The only reason a foreign-language dub should stay the same (other than fans wanting it to stay the same) would be if Walt Disney himself had part in the foreign-language dubs, or saw them and liked/wanted them that way.

Now, perhaps a new dub of the voices would be allright on the DVD as long as the choice to watch the movie with the original dub was also available, but Walt Disney wanted the voice for Snow White's that he chose to be the one heard by anyone who could understand English and hear.

[2099net]

This makes no sense, as any other language is going to make the film different from the original. In fact, the only thing that changes (I believe) in the dubbings is the voices at the parts where they say words, not the sound effects or music, and sometimes not even the gasps or screams. The only reason a foreign-language dub should stay the same (other than fans wanting it to stay the same) would be if Walt Disney himself had part in the foreign-language dubs, or saw them and liked/wanted them that way.

I don't agree with this. Why should Walt's wishes be put above people's fond childhood memories? It's like Lucas and his Star Wars meddling. They're Lucas' films, but most people, including the fans, object to the changes he has made. People expect lynchpins in their growth and development to remain the same. Walt's wishes or not (and incidently, why wouldn't Walt of has some involvement in voice dubbing done at the time?).

Now, perhaps a new dub of the voices would be allright on the DVD as long as the choice to watch the movie with the original dub was also available, but Walt Disney wanted the voice for Snow White's that he chose to be the one heard by anyone who could understand English and hear.

Just like people expect their childhood memories to remain the same, there is a whole new audience who have yet to experience these films. And revoicing them them will add to their appeal - even if it does mean putting Lindsay Lohan in as Snow White. And even if Lindsay Lohan is chosen to "be" Snow White, it still doesn't mean the re-recording can't be done with respect and skill.

Whatever gets these films a bigger audience - that's what's important. Disney is updating the Famous Five (a beloved UK book series by one of the UK's biggest selling children's writers) for a modern audience (See here). Is that right or wrong? Personally, I'm a little disappointed but it may being a whole new audience to the Famous Five, who may decide to pick up some of the original books. Likewise the new Nancy Drew movie is updated for a new audience.

Scrooged was updated - and so was Mickey's Christmas Carol and A Muppet Christmas carol. All different versions of the same story for new audiences. All were done with respect and entertaining. Even if only a fraction of those viewing A Christmas Carol for the first time sought out the original book, it will have been educational.

As long as the original soundtrack is available, nobody is being ignored, or favoured. Let's face it, Blu-Ray keeps boasting about its 50GB capacity. You'd expect it to be able to handle a the original mono soundtrack in addition to a new recording.

[Disneykid]

Just like people expect their childhood memories to remain the same, there is a whole new audience who have yet to experience these films. And revoicing them them will add to their appeal - even if it does mean putting Lindsay Lohan in as Snow White. And even if Lindsay Lohan is chosen to "be" Snow White, it still doesn't mean the re-recording can't be done with respect and skill.

This coming from the man that was opposed to Doogal's re-dubbing for the American market.

[2099net]

I'm all for everything: extended cuts, revoicing, new special effects etc. As long as the original is supplied. We have the technology. I just don't see why most of the time we don't use it.

Although I'm not buying it, the upcoming Ultimate Collectors Edition of Blade Runner is a perfect example of what DVD can do. More directors/extended cuts etc should be done the same.

[Wonderlicious]

I agree. Snow White ought to be re-dubbed. And cropped to look like it's widescreen. And re-animated so Snow White ought to look like what she did in Shrek the Third. Disney isn't what it was. This would make me like Disney more.

[Disney Duster]

2099net: Okay, I think you do have a point. Keeping people's memories available for re-visitation contends well against the importance of making a director's vision accurate to what he/she really wants. It's a hard debate, I once thought a director should go above the audience because it's about what he really wants people to see, but this is art, and everyone has different views an art and sees things differently, and once it's viewed, perhaps it up to the public from then on. But I don't think the public has a right to change the film, but at least be able to keep the original film they watched intact. And that is important, so then, all directors should do what George Lucas did: Make the movie the way he really wanted, but also offer the movie the way his fans saw it.

I didn't think Walt could partakein the voic dubbings because he was too busy to go over to other countries for every dubbing but I have no idea how that went on back in the 40's and 50's, so...I can't really have an opinion on something I don't know much about. But if he DID have some choosing in the foreign-language dubs, that does mean those originals should stay as well, made available to the public somehow even after a re-dubbing.

And Netty, I think your examples of changing books when made into movies is a stretch, it's not like they're changing the original book and all versions of the original book cease print while all new prints are the new version! And that's not just for books, any source. They're not changing the original source.

The difference is a big one: The author of the book has their book intact, their vision is left alone. The creator of Snow White would not have his movie intact, his vision left alone, if it were changed.

Since I think it's obvious the film in it's original state should be made available to the public, I guess what it comes down to is: Would a re-dubbing mak it so people only want to listen to NEW Snow White, and so the Snow White Walt WANTED people to hear isn't heard anymore (with exceptions for purists and older audiencs and people with with respect for the original, etc.)

[Disney Duster]

I agree. Snow White ought to be re-dubbed. And cropped to look like it's widescreen. And re-animated so Snow White ought to look like what she did in Shrek the Third. Disney isn't what it was. This would make me like Disney more.

BRILLIANT. Perfectly said.

2099net: Okay, I think you do have a point. Keeping people's memories available for re-visitation contends well against the importance of making a director's vision accurate to what he/she really wants. It's a hard debate, I once thought a director should go above the audience because it's about what he really wants people to see, but this is art, and everyone has different views an art and sees things differently, and once it's viewed, perhaps it is up to the public from then on. But I don't think the public has a right to change the film, just be able to keep the original film they watched intact. And that is important, so then, all directors should do what George Lucas did: Make the movie the way he really wanted, but also offer the movie the way his fans saw it.

I didn't think Walt could partakein the voic dubbings because he was too busy to go over to other countries for every dubbing but I have no idea how that went on back in the 40's and 50's, so...I can't really have an opinion on something I don't know much about. But if he DID have some choosing in the foreign-language dubs, that does mean those originals should stay as well, made available to the public somehow even after a re-dubbing.

And Netty, I think your examples of changing books when made into movies is a stretch, it's not like they're changing the original book and all versions of the original book cease print while all new prints are the new version! And that's not just for books, any source. They're not changing the original source.

The difference is a big one: The author of the book has their book intact, their vision is left alone. The creator of Snow White would not have his movie intact, his vision left alone, if it were changed.

Since I think it's obvious the film in it's original state should be made available to the public, I guess what it comes down to is: Would a re-dubbing mak it so people only want to listen to NEW Snow White, and so the Snow White Walt WANTED people to hear isn't heard anymore (with exceptions for purists and older audiencs and people with with respect for the original, etc.)

[2099net]

If we're talking about Blu-Ray, I think it's assumed the original mono soundtrack can be included - and should be included. I've no interest in the idea at all if the original is removed.

Would it really matter if people only listened to the new re-dub. As long as the old one was there? Presumably such people would have made the decision the new one was "better".

I get frustrated when I hear people going on about various cover versions of popular songs - especially when people don't even know the original ever existed (and nine times out of ten the original versions are still the best).

But in the Blu-Ray example we're hypothetically discussing, at least everybody would be aware the original existed and it would easily be available.

As far as I'm concerned, the Blu-Ray Snow White can have all sorts of amendments - Put the soup eating bit in! Re-record the orchestral score in 7.1 surround! Revoice Snow White! Add snazzy CGI glows and effects to the magic! Do anything they can. But make sure the original is also on the disc. It's state of the art technology. Use it.