Fans of Sir David Attenborough were left stunned after noticing a change in the broadcaster’s signature voice during his new show Asia on Sunday.
The 98-year-old narrates the series, which explores the wildlife and natural wonders of the world’s largest continent, with the final episode following those who dedicate their lives to saving animals.
However, viewers couldn’t help but point out that Sir David’s voice seemed to have a much higher pitch than normal and they were convinced this was the result of autotune or AI.
To It’s like it’s auto-tuned? #Asia’.
While another replied: ‘Yes! We are. It’s not quite right, is it? It’s definitely been adapted in some way. To begin with, I thought it was someone else telling the story.”
David Attenborough, 98, fans were left stunned after noticing a change in the broadcaster’s signature voice on his new show Asia on Sunday
The 98-year-old narrates the series, which explores the wildlife and natural wonders of the world’s largest continent, with the final episode following those who dedicate their lives to saving animals.
‘Definitely adjusted’: ‘David Attenborough now sounds like a bad David Attenborough impersonator – a bit off, like the new fake Sallis Wallace. Maybe he’s AI now?’: ‘Hi @BBCEarth I’m not sure David Attenborough sounding like a squirrel is a good example of post-production. What a shame. #bbcearthasia’
Last week Sir David previewed his latest nature documentary after the crew had crossed the Asian continent for four years.
The series features animals as far north as the Baikal seal in Russia and as far south as the Pangolin in Singapore.
Thanks to their hard work, never-before-seen footage of rare animals was filmed.
This includes a Gobi bear, one of only 32 left in the world, and marks the first time the endangered species has been captured on camera.
The crew also managed to capture images of one of the rarest birds in the world: the Javan green magpie.
In Sri Lanka, the camera crew tried fifty times to capture an elephant reaching into a bus in search of food.
Meanwhile, drones allowed the team to capture images of tigers mating and hunting.
However, viewers couldn’t help but point out that Sir David’s voice seemed to have a much higher pitch than normal and they were convinced this was a result of autotune or AI.
To It’s like it’s auto-tuned? #Asia’
Sir David, who has worked for the BBC since 1952, was 98 when they made the series. Series producer Matthew Wright revealed the crew sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to the national treasure.
Mr. Wright, in words reported by the Day Mirrorsaid: ‘We said ‘happy birthday’. He was businesslike. He said, ‘Let’s move on. What are we going to do now?’
Producer Mark Wheeler said: “He’s quite remarkable. The British public regards him as a truly authentic voice. He’s as enthusiastic as ever.’