Entertainment and AD
"Audio Description is a free service that transforms the enjoyment of TV, film, theatre and sports events for people with sight problems. Like a narrator telling a story, an additional commentary describes body language, expressions and movements – giving people sight through sound."
Jill Whitehead, Media & Culture Information Officer, RNIB.
TS holds information on the latest entertainment with Audio Description (AD) including:
the latest DVD titles,
cinema showings,
theatre performances,
information on setting up AD for your TV.
AD in cinemas
The extra commentary comes through personal headphones that you request at reception, meaning other cinema goers can’t hear the additional commentary.
Unfortunately, it is not available on all showings and currently not available on all films, however, there has been an increase in the number of films and locations using AD, so please check, or get TS staff to check for you, before booking any tickets.
Current cinemas with AD available include:
Cineworld, Ashton–under–Lyne,
Odeon, The Filmworks, Manchester,
Odeon, Trafford Centre,
Vue, Lowry Centre, Salford Quays.
AD in theatres
This is also conducted through personal headphones, similar to those in the cinemas; however, the description is live from backstage.
Some theatres also have "Touch Tours", whereby you can familiarise yourself with the set, props and costumes an hour before an AD performance. These usually need to be booked in advance with the AD performance tickets.
Current theatres with AD facilities include:
Coliseum Theatre, Oldham,
The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays,
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester,
Library Theatre Company, Manchester,
Contact Theatre, Manchester,
Opera House, Manchester,
Palace Theatre, Manchester.
The amount of AD available in theatres varies. Most generally only have AD showings at specific times, so check with the individual theatre before booking.
AD on DVDs
This is usually a setting option within the on–screen menus, usually under "audio" or in the initial language options; or it can be accessed by pressing the "audio" button on your remote control.
It is a different version of the film, with AD added between speaking parts.
Usually, but not always, the packaging identifies whether AD is included on the DVD, which can also be available on Blue–Ray versions of a film.
Because AD is not available on all films, versions or editions TS staff can help, as they have a detailed list of AD titles.
More and more DVDs are being released with AD and some now have "Talking Menus" to make selecting features easier.
AD on TV
This is a function that can be turned on or off (similar to subtitles) on certain digital, satellite and cable boxes. If you have this function, it is available on all the major channels and many popular pogrammes.
Currently only around 10% of TV is AD, but this should increase.
TS staff can help you find out if your current digital service has AD; if you don’t have AD but would like to have it they can help choose the right option for you, as well as help with its set up.
You can contact the team here.
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