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?

 

[MarcKle1964]

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.