James Earl Jones as Mufasa

[Kieran]

I really don't know where anyone gets that.

I find his voice actually weak in that sense, especially at the line "Simba, I'm very disappointed in you" and from that on.

But it might also be because I can't help comparing it with the Finnish Mufasa's voice which IS much more effective in that sense:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVFu9sIpyDY
(See the first few scenes after the intro bit.)

Plus, I love how the Finnish Mufasa's voice has also gentelness which is another aspect Jones' lacks in.

[alicelondon]

I disagree. I think his voice is very commanding, and it also has a slight soft tone on gentleness to it.

[Gemma]

I do think that James Earl Jones is very good at those "commanding" moments, but the Finnish Mufasa seems to have a slightly harsher tone in his voice, so if you're used to the Finnish version then maybe Jones doesn't seem quite as commanding in comparison. Jones seems better at the softer moments to me though; personally, I think the Finnish one still comes across as harsh during those moments.

On a side note, I see what you mean about the Finnish Scar being so eerie when he delivers his version of "run away and never return". I remember you mentioning that on Fanpop a while back (about how well he says that line), but hadn't seen it until now!

[Kieran]

@ Gemma:

I can see how he might come off as a little harsh in the gentle momnts (although he never did to me until this time when I listened, now that you mentioned that it might.) But I still hear the Under The Stars scene as much gentler from the Finnish Mufasa.

And the moment when his ghost calls Simba's name at the pool, Jones sounds totally beyond-the-grave creepy-ass, whereas the Finnish Mufasa calls out his name in much friendlier and softer way. To me that's how it sounds anyway...

And nice that even those who don't understand the language can catch the earie touch in that line by Finnish Scar. ^^