I've been thinking about this for a while.
Of course everybody is used to the original voices from the Disney classics. For many people it's hard to imagine a different voice for for example Snowwhite, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, or Ariel.
But I wonder if those original American voices are always the best and fit the character the best. I've always found the original Snowwhite voice a bit annoying and find (for example) the French version much more fitting.
Like this:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0H-pd0c8FjA
I think the original Cincerella's voice is far to sleepy and jazzy. It sounds a bit lazy. Not Disney princess like at all. I like the Dutch version of Cinderella's voice much better. It's different, but clearer and fresher.
You can listen to it here:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=s_fKFQZxtAA
As for Ariel in the Little Mermaid, I think she sounds too old for a 16 year old girl. People are used to it now, but it never felt right for me.
When you'd never have heard it before, I think this version would be much more fitting:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2hlqWwZsEoQ
I also like Ariel's sisters better here:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=VP7a5ZcXwtk
And this Icelandic version is great too:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rUSDc4IUrX8
The same thing for Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, I think she sounds a bit too old for such a young girl. Just a little bit too deep and classical. Personally I like this version better:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_W0CS2BL5yY
Or this one:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_mt-agIh1Nk
Anyway, that's how I feel about it.
I wouldn't mind if they'd re-dub some of the old classics with more fitting voices and that you can choose from the old and the new language reel on the dvd.
Hope you take the time to watch all the movie clips and let me know what you think.
Original princess voices/foreign versions
Ok, I know you are entitled to your own opinion and all, but you have single handedly bashed some of the most popular Disney Princess voices! I for one am shocked at your opinions on their voices. Jodi Benson sounds too old? Illene Woods sounds lazy? Jodi Benson is widely regarded as having one of the loveliest voices of all the Princesses, after all, that is what Ariel is famous for; her beautiful voice. Illene has a beautiful, warm and pure voice, making "A Dream Is A Wish .." one of the most popular Disney songs. I'm not bashing the foreign dubs of the Princess voices, I'm sure they are beautiful as well, but to totally disregard the originals is insane in my opinion.
There has already been a discussion thread on Princess Voices, so maybe the two can be merged together? Here is the link if you want to take a look Marky_198.
http://www.ultimatedisney.com/forum/vie ... ess+voices[/b]
There has already been a discussion thread on Princess Voices, so maybe the two can be merged together? Here is the link if you want to take a look Marky_198.
http://www.ultimatedisney.com/forum/vie ... ess+voices[/b]
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Dottie
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It is true that some of the voices may appear to be more fitting especially Snow White's since her original voice is really "special".
But with all the other princesses especially Cinderella's and Aurora's it's the way Walt Disney himself wanted it to be.
Re-dUbbings should totally be out of question!!!
We've had several re-dbbing with our German versions and every time they turned ot to be awfull. (Snow White has 3 different German dubbings of which the third is the worst)
The worst, though, is The Little Mermaid which was considered one of the best German dubbings ever and redubbed in 1998
And let me guess: You're Dutch? Sometimes we also consider better what we grew up with because we can relate to it.
Here's a link to "our" original Ariel:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=334I_MPWG ... ed&search=
I know she sounds sometimes a bit hoarse but that's the German pronunciation of many words.
And the new Ariel:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_mop3iCx9Sg
But with all the other princesses especially Cinderella's and Aurora's it's the way Walt Disney himself wanted it to be.
Re-dUbbings should totally be out of question!!!
We've had several re-dbbing with our German versions and every time they turned ot to be awfull. (Snow White has 3 different German dubbings of which the third is the worst)
The worst, though, is The Little Mermaid which was considered one of the best German dubbings ever and redubbed in 1998
And let me guess: You're Dutch? Sometimes we also consider better what we grew up with because we can relate to it.
Here's a link to "our" original Ariel:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=334I_MPWG ... ed&search=
I know she sounds sometimes a bit hoarse but that's the German pronunciation of many words.
And the new Ariel:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_mop3iCx9Sg
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PeterPanfan
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Yes, people are used to Jodi Benson's version now.
But she doesn't sound like 16 at all as Ariel is supposed to be.
Her voice is beautiful, no doubt of it, but not innocent enough and young enough. She sounds like 30. Lady's of that age can sound beautiful too, but it's about a character here.
Cinderella's voice fits her in a way, but I think other type of voices suit the character much better.
It's true that people appreciate the versions they hear first and grew up with, and it's hard to appreciate other versions or look at versions without any prejudice.
I understand people just see it as the way it is, Illene Woods is Cinderella, because they just don't know any better and never heard it differently (maybe better).
I can also understand why people think Jodi Benson has one of the most princess like voices, because in my opinion, Snowwhite, Cinderella and Aurora weren't princess like at all (unlike the other languages).
I have to admit, I grew up with the Dutch Cinderella, crystal clear sweet lyrical soprano, so the original version with Ilene Woods was a shock for me. But I grew up with the Dutch Aladdin too, and I admitted immediately that Lea Salonga was a perfect and much better Jasmine.
I really try to look without prejudice.
And Dottie,
I listened to both of the German Little Mermaid clips you've added (Part of your world reprise), and I've never heard them before, but I'm sorry to say that I like the new one (1998) much better. Both are not my favourites, but the new one just fits the character much better.
But she doesn't sound like 16 at all as Ariel is supposed to be.
Her voice is beautiful, no doubt of it, but not innocent enough and young enough. She sounds like 30. Lady's of that age can sound beautiful too, but it's about a character here.
Cinderella's voice fits her in a way, but I think other type of voices suit the character much better.
It's true that people appreciate the versions they hear first and grew up with, and it's hard to appreciate other versions or look at versions without any prejudice.
I understand people just see it as the way it is, Illene Woods is Cinderella, because they just don't know any better and never heard it differently (maybe better).
I can also understand why people think Jodi Benson has one of the most princess like voices, because in my opinion, Snowwhite, Cinderella and Aurora weren't princess like at all (unlike the other languages).
I have to admit, I grew up with the Dutch Cinderella, crystal clear sweet lyrical soprano, so the original version with Ilene Woods was a shock for me. But I grew up with the Dutch Aladdin too, and I admitted immediately that Lea Salonga was a perfect and much better Jasmine.
I really try to look without prejudice.
And Dottie,
I listened to both of the German Little Mermaid clips you've added (Part of your world reprise), and I've never heard them before, but I'm sorry to say that I like the new one (1998) much better. Both are not my favourites, but the new one just fits the character much better.
The same thing happened in France.
They redubbed it in 1998.
Many people that grew up with the old version were angry.
But I have to say, the new one is much better.
Old one:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ht4SKJB3FE
New one:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fPO_6EDoSlY
They redubbed it in 1998.
Many people that grew up with the old version were angry.
But I have to say, the new one is much better.
Old one:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ht4SKJB3FE
New one:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fPO_6EDoSlY
Last edited by Marky_198 on Fri Aug 10, 2007 12:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Disney Duster
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Re: Original princess voices/foreign versions
Marky_198, I listened to all of the voices, and in my opinion they all sound younger and perhaps more fitting to what most girls their ages are, but what if Disney princesses trasncend the average young girl? Anyway, Disney cast the girls for the parts, and Walt Disney chose thegirls for his movies himself. He wanted them to sound like they do.
The French Snow White has a less irritating voice, and I do admit I prefer it, but Walt chose that voice because it sounded young and innocent. Sometimes innocence and cuteness can be obnoxious, but that's what he wanted.
I admit I really loved Cinderella's Dutch voice, but it's not what he wanted. It's not as warm, and there's something spunky in Ilene Woods' voice that was not present in that Dutch voice.
Jodi Benson not only has a beautiful voice, but a soulful, fiery one. The girls you prefer sang beautifully, especially the Icelandic one, but not near as good as Jodi, in my opinion. Not fitting, not as spunky as Jodi, as the Ariel I know.
And the Auroras you gave were nowhere as wonderful as Mary Costa's Aurora! Disney was trying to make a very artsy, classy movie and wanted the operatic, classy voice of Mary Costa. And I want it too! Were it not for Mary Costa's voice I wouldn't love Sleeping Beauty as much as I do!
But here's the big thing: The voices were chosen before the animation was done. This means the characters were made to match the voices. So they made Ariel feisty because Jodi's voice had that. They made Aurora seem older and more mature because that's how her voice (and live-action refrence model) was. Disney wants the girls to sing and act more mature than perhaps most girls do (except Snow White who sounds younger than she looks), it's part of art and making something different than how real life is. But they always base their characters on how their real-life references and voice actresses are.
Dottie...okay, I watched those videos and I think they both sound quieter and have less oomph than Jodi's Ariel. I can see how the re-dubbed voice (the later one) sounds more popish, but I'm going to admit I prefer that one and think it sounds more like Jodi than the first one. I can see how it would be annoying and seem less mature, but I liked what I heard. I'm sorry. You should still get the dub you want back, though!
The French Snow White has a less irritating voice, and I do admit I prefer it, but Walt chose that voice because it sounded young and innocent. Sometimes innocence and cuteness can be obnoxious, but that's what he wanted.
I admit I really loved Cinderella's Dutch voice, but it's not what he wanted. It's not as warm, and there's something spunky in Ilene Woods' voice that was not present in that Dutch voice.
Jodi Benson not only has a beautiful voice, but a soulful, fiery one. The girls you prefer sang beautifully, especially the Icelandic one, but not near as good as Jodi, in my opinion. Not fitting, not as spunky as Jodi, as the Ariel I know.
And the Auroras you gave were nowhere as wonderful as Mary Costa's Aurora! Disney was trying to make a very artsy, classy movie and wanted the operatic, classy voice of Mary Costa. And I want it too! Were it not for Mary Costa's voice I wouldn't love Sleeping Beauty as much as I do!
But here's the big thing: The voices were chosen before the animation was done. This means the characters were made to match the voices. So they made Ariel feisty because Jodi's voice had that. They made Aurora seem older and more mature because that's how her voice (and live-action refrence model) was. Disney wants the girls to sing and act more mature than perhaps most girls do (except Snow White who sounds younger than she looks), it's part of art and making something different than how real life is. But they always base their characters on how their real-life references and voice actresses are.
Dottie...okay, I watched those videos and I think they both sound quieter and have less oomph than Jodi's Ariel. I can see how the re-dubbed voice (the later one) sounds more popish, but I'm going to admit I prefer that one and think it sounds more like Jodi than the first one. I can see how it would be annoying and seem less mature, but I liked what I heard. I'm sorry. You should still get the dub you want back, though!
I don't see how Jodi sounds any older than the Dutch or German versions. She stands us incredibly well to the other versions, and she may be the best! Of course, as you say Dottie, I grew up with Jodi, and therefore bound to love her more. In what ways do all the other Dutch dubs sound like 16 year olds more so than Jodi?
But Marky_198, have you heard Jodi talk? She sounds just like a young 16 year old in the movie! Listen to 'Part Of Your World'; and you will hear a young, sweet sounding voice. She maybe sounds slighty older in 'Part Of Your World (Reprise)' as she is filled with emotion, love and longing for Prince Eric. She changed the tone of her voice for that song. Which benifitted it greatly.
A classic example of all the different languages Disney has been dubbed into is this clip from DisneyLand Resort Paris' 'Art Of Animation'. It is a wonderful thing to see in the cinema there, and although of poor quality here, it is still wonderful to see all the different languages come together. To me, when I hear different dubs, they are almost like different characters. I know they essentially try to copy the tone etc of the original English voice, it's still an experience to hear the characters so differently.
Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIcKIvGN2J8
I hope people like the video; it really is a wonderful thing to see! Disney at its best.
But Marky_198, have you heard Jodi talk? She sounds just like a young 16 year old in the movie! Listen to 'Part Of Your World'; and you will hear a young, sweet sounding voice. She maybe sounds slighty older in 'Part Of Your World (Reprise)' as she is filled with emotion, love and longing for Prince Eric. She changed the tone of her voice for that song. Which benifitted it greatly.
A classic example of all the different languages Disney has been dubbed into is this clip from DisneyLand Resort Paris' 'Art Of Animation'. It is a wonderful thing to see in the cinema there, and although of poor quality here, it is still wonderful to see all the different languages come together. To me, when I hear different dubs, they are almost like different characters. I know they essentially try to copy the tone etc of the original English voice, it's still an experience to hear the characters so differently.
Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIcKIvGN2J8
I hope people like the video; it really is a wonderful thing to see! Disney at its best.
Disney Duster,
Thanks for your post. You made some interesting points there.
It's true that they wanted the voices to be like that. And they designed the characters later.
But I think in the end many people prefer different voices.
As for the Aurora's, I love that classic thing about the movie too. I just love the Italian version. It's almost like an opera.
It should be on youtube somewhere.
I do think that some of the the new re-dubs tend to be a little more childish, and they should be careful to keep that classic, mature feeling to it. On the other hand I like the clear fresh voices and feel that some characters sound too old in the original ones
Thanks for your post. You made some interesting points there.
It's true that they wanted the voices to be like that. And they designed the characters later.
But I think in the end many people prefer different voices.
As for the Aurora's, I love that classic thing about the movie too. I just love the Italian version. It's almost like an opera.
It should be on youtube somewhere.
I do think that some of the the new re-dubs tend to be a little more childish, and they should be careful to keep that classic, mature feeling to it. On the other hand I like the clear fresh voices and feel that some characters sound too old in the original ones
I'm glad that you liked the clip! 
I'm sorry, I know I'm biassed, as I love The Little Mermaid so much, but I really think Jodi was just right for the part of Ariel, and she does not sound older etc etc. But you are entitled to your opinion, and I accept that!
Who do you think, out of all the different versions of all the Disney Princesses movies has the greatest voice? A voice that fits the character perfectly? I'm not sure what mine is; I'm looking through different versions on youtube now. I'll post who my favourite voice is after I've heard them all!
I'm sorry, I know I'm biassed, as I love The Little Mermaid so much, but I really think Jodi was just right for the part of Ariel, and she does not sound older etc etc. But you are entitled to your opinion, and I accept that!
Who do you think, out of all the different versions of all the Disney Princesses movies has the greatest voice? A voice that fits the character perfectly? I'm not sure what mine is; I'm looking through different versions on youtube now. I'll post who my favourite voice is after I've heard them all!
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Dottie
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I can understand that a lot people might think the second German version of TLM sounds better,it does sound younger and myabe more Jodi-like. But that's where my point with the growing-up comes in.
I used to watch TLM all the time when I was a little girl, so I just grew to love these voices a lot and it really shocked me when I heard the new dubbing for the first time. I think it might still kinda fit, but yeah, I can't help myself.
What I don't like about the second Ariel is the popish sound. I mean, Jodi's voice is very musical-ish and perfect for the character while you can really hear in the second GermanTLM version that she has problems intonating and holding her tones., just a matter of technique.
People in Germany were so pi**** when the PE came out and not both dubbings were included, just the second one.
They should just release both to make everyone happy.
But enough about my TLM problems
I really love Mary Costa's operatic voice and that's the way Disney intended it, and she has one of the loveliest speaking voices a princess ever got. It is normal that when you sing classic opera your voice sounds more mature, because of the special technique you have to use to make it sound "right". Even Kristin Chenoweth who has in real life one of the girliest voices I have ever heard sounds mature and grown up when singing classic opera. You can really hear that she knows what she is doing technically.
The German version is IMHO kind of similar to the English(although th Grman singer's vibrato s stronger) and people complain too that she sounds old:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=b0psTBak1vE
And even if the Princesses are supposed to a certain teenager age they don't even look like it. If you look at the character designs they are all grown-up, especially Aurora of who many say of that she sounds too old.
No 16-year old girl looks like that.
The people at Disney knew what they are doing and usually as someone else already posted, the animators get their inspiration from the voices as well, since the dialogue is recorded before the movie is animated.
Of course some voices sound lovelier or are clearer but that's a matter of taste and some people might not even like the film
I used to watch TLM all the time when I was a little girl, so I just grew to love these voices a lot and it really shocked me when I heard the new dubbing for the first time. I think it might still kinda fit, but yeah, I can't help myself.
What I don't like about the second Ariel is the popish sound. I mean, Jodi's voice is very musical-ish and perfect for the character while you can really hear in the second GermanTLM version that she has problems intonating and holding her tones., just a matter of technique.
People in Germany were so pi**** when the PE came out and not both dubbings were included, just the second one.
They should just release both to make everyone happy.
But enough about my TLM problems
I really love Mary Costa's operatic voice and that's the way Disney intended it, and she has one of the loveliest speaking voices a princess ever got. It is normal that when you sing classic opera your voice sounds more mature, because of the special technique you have to use to make it sound "right". Even Kristin Chenoweth who has in real life one of the girliest voices I have ever heard sounds mature and grown up when singing classic opera. You can really hear that she knows what she is doing technically.
The German version is IMHO kind of similar to the English(although th Grman singer's vibrato s stronger) and people complain too that she sounds old:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=b0psTBak1vE
And even if the Princesses are supposed to a certain teenager age they don't even look like it. If you look at the character designs they are all grown-up, especially Aurora of who many say of that she sounds too old.
No 16-year old girl looks like that.
The people at Disney knew what they are doing and usually as someone else already posted, the animators get their inspiration from the voices as well, since the dialogue is recorded before the movie is animated.
Of course some voices sound lovelier or are clearer but that's a matter of taste and some people might not even like the film
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Ariel'sprince
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Re: Original princess voices/foreign versions
i disagree with you and agreed with Disney Duster and Atlanticaudnerthesea,and in Hebrew Snow White and Cinderella sounds stupit and their voices make them look stupit,Aurora sounds okay but she sounds like a striper and Ariel sounds like a 70 years old.
Aurora's voice
Don't forget that one of the gifts that the three fairies bestowed upon the Princess Aurora was the gift of song. Those magical powers therefore gave the 16-year-old princess a truly magnificent singing voice. Walt Disney knew EXACTLY what he was doing casting Mary Costa in the part. She later became one of the opera world's biggest stars, performing at the Met, Covent Garden, Moscow, etc.
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slyslayer3000
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On a semi-related note, there's this wonderful girl in YouTube who sings Disney songs. She sounded just like every Disney Princess in her videos. She made my jaw drop in amazement. And I just thought I'd share it here with you.
Part of Your World - It sounded just like Jodi Benson!
Bless her.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=a4P21oTkJwk
Belle (Reprise) - I'm speechless.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=YKyt7-w_zmg
A Whole New World - Not Lea Salonga, but a stunning performance:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NzvX9-YIS8Y
Just Around the Riverbend - Lovely voice. Never thought she can sing Pocahontas-style as well.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=prmlF1hBaic
I Won't Say I'm In Love - Great job on Meg!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JRogp1sP3aA
You gotta check out her YouTube profile. There's a couple of other Disney songs there, and you could see what she looks like as well. xD
http://uk.youtube.com/user/BeeBop20
Part of Your World - It sounded just like Jodi Benson!
Bless her.http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=a4P21oTkJwk
Belle (Reprise) - I'm speechless.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=YKyt7-w_zmg
A Whole New World - Not Lea Salonga, but a stunning performance:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NzvX9-YIS8Y
Just Around the Riverbend - Lovely voice. Never thought she can sing Pocahontas-style as well.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=prmlF1hBaic
I Won't Say I'm In Love - Great job on Meg!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JRogp1sP3aA
You gotta check out her YouTube profile. There's a couple of other Disney songs there, and you could see what she looks like as well. xD
http://uk.youtube.com/user/BeeBop20
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PatrickvD
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I'm so glad the dutch Little Mermaid was never redubbed. And I hate the 1998 German version. It's awful and not the one I saw as a kid.
Anyway, the early nineties Disney flicks all have wonderful dubbed version in Europe because the musical elements required trained and talented vocals rather than popular ones.
Anyway, the early nineties Disney flicks all have wonderful dubbed version in Europe because the musical elements required trained and talented vocals rather than popular ones.