The Computer Voice

[librarytrekker78]

I agree with a lot of you here that it would be nice if it were Majel as the voice of the computer but if she isn't, she isn't. I won't boycott the movie over it. Some of you above thought the person who did the computer's voice in ST3 would be good. I did a search on IMDB and the individual's name is Teresa E. Victor. Unfortunately, according to IMDB, she died in 2005.

 

[Samuel T. Cogley]

Some of you above thought the person who did the computer's voice in ST3 would be good. I did a search on IMDB and the individual's name is Teresa E. Victor. Unfortunately, according to IMDB, she died in 2005.

Well, J.J. said he is respecting canon, so if she died in 2005, then they are probably not going to include her in the film. Unless she does cameos.

 

[Akiraprise]

It's not necessary, but Star Trek has always had a talking computer. JJ would be defying canon if he didn't have it say something. It has to say "Access denied," Unable to comply," or "Go do it yourself."

In ENT's time, the computer didn't talk. Crewmembers could talk to it, but not the reverse.

As for this film: Is it true that Majel is in ill health? If not, I'm sure she would be happy to loan out her voice. She could probably even do it from her home. It would be probably the only time Majel would ever be accused of 'phoning it in'.

You're right, but I was only talking about Star Trek TOS. I should have added TOS to the end.

 

[starburst]

Why would she be a candidate for it though, she wasnt the voice during TOS or that eras movies only TNG onwards...so for her to voice the original Enterprise computer would be a violation of the canon JJ is sticking to, and even though its only a voice Id say its a pretty big detail.

Suprised no one has suggested this yet...Shatner as the computer? or KITT from Knightrider?

James T Kirk: I need ya buddy!
Enterprise: Right away Jim

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Why would she be a candidate for it though, she wasnt the voice during TOS or that eras movies only TNG onwards...so for her to voice the original Enterprise computer would be a violation of the canon JJ is sticking to, and even though its only a voice Id say its a pretty big detail.

Majel was the voice of the computer in TOS as well.

 

[starburst]

According to her entry on Memory Alpha she played the computer in a TAS episode but never in TOS (unless thats incorrect)

EDIT: but according to wikipedia she was infact the voice of the computer in TOS and Defiant in the ENT...learn something new every day

 

[Therin of Andor]

According to her entry on Memory Alpha she played the computer in a TAS episode but never in TOS (unless thats incorrect)

Majel Barrett wasn't credited as the voice of the computer in TOS, be she was definitely the person who did it. Hence the number of ST novels that have suggested that Number One (of "The Cage") supplied a template of her emotionless voice for the TOS computer.

After Roddenberry tried a male voice in TMP (Doug Hale, IIRC), the producers returned to a female voice for ST III. It wasn't Majel in ST III since she'd withdrawn her support on the ST films due to Gene Roddenberry not being involved beyond the role of figurehead. Teresa E Victor (who did the countdown sequence) was director Nimoy's personal assistant at the time, IIRC.

For TAS, the voice of the ship's computer was sometimes performed by Majel Barrett, but sometimes done by Nichelle Nichols. With only two regular female voices available, it was sometimes necessary to have Nurse Chapel or Uhura talk to the computer.

It wasn't until TNG's "Manhunt" when we had the inevitable, hilarious situation of Majel talking to herself: Lwaxana Troi (Majel) interrogates the holodeck computer, voiced by Majel!

 

[Kegek]

It would be a nice touch for Majel to do the voice. Barring that, either Judy Durand (as already mentioned) or another actress whose voice could sound rather similar to Majel's would be ideal. That's just my preference; mind, and I'm not too plussed about who if anyone is ultimately used for the voice.

 

[MrAtoZ]

Maybe Holly from Red Dwarf could be the new voice

 

[Nightfall to-Ennien]

Perhaps, in a nod to recent pop culture, Ellen McLain? After all, I think she's demonstrated that she can definitely do a computer voice.

 

[Kryton]

Maybe Holly from Red Dwarf could be the new voice

That would be nice, Dave. And by "nice" I mean really stupid, Dave. Talky Toaster would be a much better choice, right? And I'm sure you want SOME bread product toasted at some point, yes?

 

[Balthier the Great]

According to her entry on Memory Alpha she played the computer in a TAS episode but never in TOS (unless thats incorrect)

Majel Barrett wasn't credited as the voice of the computer in TOS, be she was definitely the person who did it. Hence the number of ST novels that have suggested that Number One (of "The Cage") supplied a template of her emotionless voice for the TOS computer.

After Roddenberry tried a male voice in TMP (Doug Hale, IIRC), the producers returned to a female voice for ST III. It wasn't Majel in ST III since she'd withdrawn her support on the ST films due to Gene Roddenberry not being involved beyond the role of figurehead. Teresa E Victor (who did the countdown sequence) was director Nimoy's personal assistant at the time, IIRC.

For TAS, the voice of the ship's computer was sometimes performed by Majel Barrett, but sometimes done by Nichelle Nichols. With only two regular female voices available, it was sometimes necessary to have Nurse Chapel or Uhura talk to the computer.

It wasn't until TNG's "Manhunt" when we had the inevitable, hilarious situation of Majel talking to herself: Lwaxana Troi (Majel) interrogates the holodeck computer, voiced by Majel!

I think if you had a large enough sound sample, you could probably make a computer sound like Majel. I think between the Troi char and the computer voice, it may be enough. It would sound kinda sort disembodied, but maybe not too bad.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_synthesis

Failing that -- this guy

 

[monetteman]

Who the hell gives a crap about this. Come on people....are there any real topics out there? Quick, someone start a thread on Kirks hair, or how bout a topic on the font of the lettering on the 1701, or the color of tribbles.

 

[DeafPoet]

Edward James Olmos has a good voice.

And when the crew asks the computer to do something impossible, Adama's face could just appear on the viewscreen, looking all pissed off.

"As of this moment, photon torpedoes Are. Off. Line!"

 

[Cary L. Brown]

Maybe Holly from Red Dwarf could be the new voice

That would be nice, Dave. And by "nice" I mean really stupid, Dave. Talky Toaster would be a much better choice, right? And I'm sure you want SOME bread product toasted at some point, yes?

I want nothing remotely bread-like, in any way. Nothing even slightly buttery or jammy, and not in the SLIGHTEST currant-y.

Yes, I am a waffle man!

 

[ancient]

The TOS computer was not digital, it had physical circuits! (clack click snap) It's canon! If the old typewriter computer noises are not included I shall boycot!

 

[Bill Morris]

Yeah, let's have a thread about what kind of potted plants we want to see on the new Enterprise.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phlox

 

[ancient]

THE SULU HAND-FLOWER MUST APPEAR!!

 

[Michael]

THE SULU HAND-FLOWER MUST APPEAR!!

So what you're saying is, the plot does NOT revolve around Beauregard!? I will so boycott this movie then!

 

[Kryton]

You know, an image of Tommy Starns doing the jack-off motion is a REAL turn-off for real-life shenanigans!