Patrick Stewart Replaced By James Earl Jones For U.S. Narration Of “Earth”

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by Michael dEstries March 3, 2009
Categories: Film/TV
Tags: , .

earth, james earl jones, disneynature, patrick stewart

Question: Does anyone here have a problem understanding English accents? I personally find them to be a refreshing and more graceful alternative to the American accent. Media companies, however, — as we’ve seen with Sigourney Weaver replacing David Attenborough on Discovery’s Planet Earth series — seem quick to dismiss English voice-actors for American audiences.

We have another unfortunate perfect example with Patrick Stewart being replaced by James Earl Jones for Disneynature’s April release of the documentary Earth. Now, there may definitely be more to the story (perhaps Stewart was only contracted for the UK release), but it’s too bad that we won’t Captain Picard explaining to us the wonders of the natural world come next month. Instead, we’ll have Darth Vader.

After the jump, check out both trailers narrated by Stewart and Jones and then let us know which one your prefer!

First up: James Earl Jones

Next: Patrick Stewart


Categories: Film/TV
Tags: , .

About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.

View all posts by Michael dEstries →
  • D

    I wouldn’t call this one nearly as unfortunate as the Sigourney Weaver replacement (we ended up going with the BBC dvds for that purchase.) I love Patrick Stewart. Really, I do, but I also think James Earl Jones has a very pleasant narrating voice and I’m happy either way.

    I don’t have issues with accents, but I know my parents sometimes have trouble understanding them for some reason.

  • L

    James Earl Jones FTW, not so much because of the difference in accent, but simply because his voice seems striking enough to fit the context of the piece.

    He also reminds me more of Mufasa from the Lion King than Darth Vader :)

  • http://vegtoveg.blogspot.com Sarah

    I agree with L, I think James Earl Jones version is 100% stronger. I love Stewart, but for this piece, James’ deep southern voice makes for a very powerful movement.

  • http://RawfoodsRetreat.com Erin Raw foods retreat

    British accents are refreshing and smart sounding. Too much for American audiences to handle. They need super easy and nothing too complicated on their American brains.

  • Cath

    Despite being a fan of Patrick’s acting ability, in this instance I think I prefer the James Earl Jones version. His phrasing is better, more natural. To my ear Patrick is speaking too slowly and sometimes putting the emphasis on the wrong word. (I’m British)

  • http://www.ecorazzi.com michael

    L — Good call on the Mufasa reference!

    Hmm, I guess I’m partial to Stewart — but I can understand why others would like Jones. I just find it odd that they would change it in the first place.

  • http://nothoney.com sheryl

    I’m going with Jones, too, even though I’m a fan of Patrick Stewart’s acting. Jones doesn’t sound so much like he’s reading, he’s more natural.

  • http://www.nosferatofu.blogspot.com Eric

    British accents just sound so sophisticated. Like it is much more serious, especially if it is in the context of a nature show, unless you are Marty Stouffer, of course. He rules.

    And Steward says, “extraordin’ry event” so much better than the typical American drawl of “extraordinary event”

  • Kalista

    I don’t get it. It’s all footage from the Planet Earth series. And the poster image of the word “earth” is the same as “planet earth” they just took out the “planet” part. We’ve already seen all of this. Why do they expect us to go pay to see it in theatres?

  • Jesse

    Erin, you’re sounding more and more like Stephen Fowler ala: http://www.ecorazzi.com/2009/02/12/pompous-treehugger-ass-given-spotlight-on-wife-swap/

    That’s hilarious!

    On Topic: James Earl Jones has a wonderful voice. Patrick Stewart’s voice might be too science fiction for a flick about science non-fiction.

    And come on, Eric, can’t you hear James Earl Jones saying: “extra-ohr-dinary event.”(emphasis added to the ‘o’)

  • hil

    I like them both as actors (love Start Trek AND Star Wars ;) ), but James Earl Jones’s voice commands more attention for me. Also I think they are releasing it in theatres because the footage is so amazingly detailed that you really miss out if you don’t see it on a large screen or don’t have an HD tv.

  • http://RawfoodsRetreat.com Erin Raw foods retreat

    Jesse aka JL

    It’s amazing that I suggested your name could be Jesse and you just chose to use it. Amazing.

    The first person I know who I named. Wow you’re easy.

    Secondly by suggesting that the average American is not particularly sophisticated or into digging British accents makes me sound like the guy who was a misogynist and belittled the woman treating her like crap.

    Guess what Jesse you sound just like Hitler. you might as well have killed those Jews yourself.

    There, how’s that for a comparison? It’s about as brilliant as yours.

    Silly it. I am glad you picked my name though. this way we don’t even know if you’re a boy or a girl hence my reason for suggesting it ;)

    Erin

  • http://RawfoodsRetreat.com Erin Raw foods retreat

    PS Pat might have been better though. I kind of envision you like Pat on SNL…

    Correct me if I’m wrong ;)

    E

  • jamie lynn

    i was upset when i caught a bit of redubbed Planet Earth on tv once (we have the dvd’s and i love attenborough!). patrick stewart seems like a great fit to me, why do they feel they need to change narrators?? it’s maddening! i think were i the original narrator i would feel insulted.

  • Pingback: Disneynature’s U.S. “Earth” Release A Remix Of The Original // Archives // ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

  • FMB

    The Mufasa reference is SO appropriate! I can remember him speaking about the star in the sky to Simba and I think the power/authority in his voice would just work SO well!

    Also, I’m pretty sure they’re using a lot of different footage than what we’ve seen already from the series. And besides that, think of how AMAZING that footage would look on a big movie screen! I’m excited.

  • Jesse

    Oh Erin, you so smart!

  • Amber

    Funny, most Americans take people more seriously if they have British accents. Plus, Patrick Stewart has one of the greatest voices on the planet. I’m not going to go see it since they changed to James Earl Jones(I confess, Stewart was a part of the lure because I love listening to his voice, I already know about the eco-issues)…but I might try to buy the British version.

  • Joseph Bouchard

    They both have great voices and are very pleasant to hear. James Earl Jones has a very pleasant accent too even though he’s not British like Mr Stewart.

  • Jack

    Seems like a bunch of complaining about nothing. We can all aquire both versions.We should be happy we get more than one choice. As to the repeated comments regarding Americans thinking Brits sound smarter, I don’t think that. Idiots are idiots,sleazy populations are exactly that. I don’t agree with or condone the current mental state of my america or the collective opinions on content. Frankly if it’s shiny enough,& advertised enough,it’s considered cool.
    As far as the Brit twang, it’s overdone & over sold in america. There is no more “neat-o” factor involved for any american at this point, who is not simply a mindless idiot. However, that said, this country is still churning out herds of them so I wouldn’t worry about losing your “coolness” anytime soon if you are a Brit.

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