Shatner’s Opening Narration

[Spock's Barber]

Shatner hits a Grand Slam with his narration for the opening credits of TOS. His dramatic pauses and emphasis on certain words accentuates the superbly written dialog, plus we get to view the Enterpise exploring the cosmos. TOS is one of the few series during the era that presented their particular show’s intro with words and music. I’m very happy that the creative forces behind TOS chose wisely, but would the opening of each episode have had the same impact without Shatner’s commanding voice?

 

[The Salt Umpire]

Shatner got/gets a lot of mockery for playing Kirk, but he was a pretty good fit for the part. A commanding voice that enunciates well is never a bad thing to cast in a role

Trek had brilliant casting at times.

 

[Warped9]

Shatner nailed it. Patrick Stewart…it’s okay.

They were each reflective of their respective series. TOS was dynamic. TNG had good moments, but it never struck me as dynamic in the same way.

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[Firebird]

I actually like Patrick Stewart's redub of the opening narration from the video game A Final Unity better than the original version from the series. By that time, he'd played the character for seven years, and felt more at home, so there's more dynamics to his performance.

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This version has redone visuals, but it retains Stewart's original audio track.

 

[JonnyQuest037]

I have a vague memory of Shatner saying in a more recent-ish interview that he wished he could re-record the intro, as the thinks he could do a better job at it today. I don't recall him saying exactly what he'd do differently, though.

 

[Spock's Barber]

I have a vague memory of Shatner saying in a more recent-ish interview that he wished he could re-record the intro, as the thinks he could do a better job at it today. I don't recall him saying exactly what he'd do differently, though.

Maybe he could have improved on his narration by alterations in tone or delivery. I’m assuming GR was happy with it at the time. I still think it’s one of the most dramatic and intriguing television intros ever.

 

[Firebird]

Here's Shatner's isolated narration:

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[ZapBrannigan]

Shatner was never entirely happy with his reading, but the fans never had a problem with it.

 

[Spock's Barber]

Shatner was never entirely happy with his reading, but the fans never had a problem with it.

Like Warped 9 commented, “Shatner nailed it!”

 

[Rockson]

Shatner nailed it. Patrick Stewart…it’s okay.

They were each reflective of their respective series. TOS was dynamic. TNG had good moments, but it never struck me as dynamic in the same way.

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I always like TOS the best. Sure, other series had better special effects but there was a real humor and charm the original had. Even Spock. You always knew he was the most emotional person on board but it was like Catch Me If You Can.

 

[willa6276m]

I feel like William Shatners voice doesn't get enough praise. As great as the words are in his dialog and speeches, its his voice that makes them thrilling. His voice is spectacular: deep, manly and commanding. A captain's voice.

 

[Spock's Barber]

I feel like William Shatners voice doesn't get enough praise. As great as the words are in his dialog and speeches, its his voice that makes them thrilling. His voice is spectacular: deep, manly and commanding. A captain's voice.

Yes. Jeffrey Hunter also had a voice that drew attention and commanded respect, but I’m not sure if he could have surpassed Shatner in the opening credits narration.

 

[ZapBrannigan]

I can't be objective about things like this because I imprinted on the show during my formative years. As a kid I'm like, what could be wrong with Star Trek?

 

[Captrek]

TOS is one of the few series during the era that presented their particular show’s intro with words and music.

GIlligan’s Island, The Beverly Hillbillies, TOS is just continuing a tradition.

 

[ZapBrannigan]

GIlligan’s Island, The Beverly Hillbillies, TOS is just continuing a tradition.

What about shows with a spoken narration in the opening titles, not sung? I can think of a few right off:

Adventures of Superman
Star Trek
Shazam!
The Secrets of Isis
The Six Million Dollar Man
The Odd Couple
Supergirl

 

[elric428]

What about shows with a spoken narration in the opening titles, not sung? I can think of a few right off:

Adventures of Superman
Star Trek
Shazam!
The Secrets of Isis
The Six Million Dollar Man
The Odd Couple
Supergirl

also The Outer Limits, The Twilight Zone, The Fugitive, The Invaders, Ben Casey, The Green Hornet

 

[DonIago]

The Incredible Hulk

 

[Spock's Barber]

GIlligan’s Island, The Beverly Hillbillies, TOS is just continuing a tradition.

Of the thousands/tens of thousands of shows produced during the 1960’s, very few had narration during the opening credits.

 

[Maurice]

Of the thousands/tens of thousands of shows produced during the 1960’s, very few had narration during the opening credits.

In Primetime, probably max 2,000ish, given that a typical year was 100 shows across three networks, some of which were renewed, some got replaced midseason, etc.

 

[Therin of Andor]

would the opening of each episode have had the same impact without Shatner’s commanding voice?

James Doohan was the voice of former Captain Robert April in "The Counterclock Incident" (TAS). IIRC, we hear Doohan perform (as April) doing the famous narration at the end of the abridged audio production of Diane Carey's giant novel, "Final Frontier".