Leisure

Audio description on video and DVD

Summary: Information about choosing a DVD player.

• DVD
• Video
• Further information

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Do you enjoy watching films in the comfort of your own home?

Many audio described films are now available on DVD and video to make the viewing of the latest blockbusters and old classics more enjoyable for people with sight problems.

DVD

Many films are now being released on DVD with audio description. These can be purchased through retail outlets. For a list of titles with an audio description track, download our DVDs with audio description factsheet (Word 74KB).

DVDs with audio description are now available and listed on some online DVD rental schemes. Vue cinema and Love Film have a search facility to select audio described titles.

Access to DVDs can be difficult, as the audio description soundtrack has to be accessed from an on-screen menu. Many DVD players have an audio button on the remote control that can make it easier to select the audio described track.

For information and advice on choosing a DVD player download choosing a DVD player factsheet (Word).

Dr Who DVD Box Set

A DVD which everyone can use! The latest Dr Who box set of Series Two, starring David Tennant and Billie Piper, will not only have audio description on all thirteen episodes but also talking menus. This will enable blind and partially sighted fans to find their way around all six disks without sighted help.

Immediately you put the first disk in your DVD player the disk will speak and say “Dr Who, Series 2, Disk One” so you know what you are watching, you don't have to do anything special or know anything about DVD menus to make it work. It will give you the option of audio menus and from then on, all the menus will talk. The options are also on the screen in large print.

RNIB has been working with the DVD distributor, 2 entertain Ltd, to ensure that these disks are as accessible as possible and the hope is that future releases from the BBC will include this new talking menu feature.

The boxed set of six disks is £69.99 and is available from all DVD retailers.

Video

RNIB Home Video Service has over 150 audio described film titles available for sale or rental. Titles range from recent releases such as The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Chicago and Calendar Girls to classic films High Society, North by North West and Some Like it Hot.

For the latest catalogue of titles, contact Customer Services on 0845 702 3153 or email cservices@rnib.org.uk

You can also visit our online shop to view the full range of titles for purchase and rental.

Further information

For further information or to give comments on audio description on video or DVD, please contact the Media and Culture Department, broadcasting@rnib.org.uk or telephone 020 7388 1266.

RNIB also offers advice to video and DVD professionals on how to make their films accessible.

Back to audio description home page.

Content author: audiodescription@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13