We give Roger Ebert’s new voice two thumps up! The legendary film critic made a special return to TV on Tuesday’s Oprah.
Ebert lost the ability to speak and eat, as well as a significant portion of his jaw after a cancer battle a few years ago, but the opinionated movie buff is finding his voice again thanks to new technology. Computer programmers have captured his voice from movie commentary tracks so he can type what he wants to say and listeners hear a voice that sounds like him. A Scottish company called CereProc blended digital recordings of Ebert speaking to create his text-to-audio voice.
“In first grade, they said I talk too much. And now I still can,” Ebert said on the today’s show, before mentioning that he still misses food.
And of course, Ebert wouldn’t be Ebert if he didn’t offer up some is favorite Oscar picks:
Best Picture: The Hurt Locker
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker
Best Supporting Actress: Mo’Nique for Precious
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds
Best Actress: Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side
Best Actor: Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart