Category: Let's talk
Hi, all.
After recently being suded by the National Association for the Deaf, NetFlix has added the ability of thousands of movie titles to include closed captioning. For the blind, though, watching descriptive content is virtually non-existent, except for a few online sources and some cable channels.
Do you think that NetFlix should include an audio-descriptive option for their movies? It seems that we are entitled to the same TV experience as everyone else, so why isn't NetFlix complying? Sound off and let me know your thoughts.
Also, I noticed in movie theaters that the headset that you wear only plays the descriptive part and not the move, why is this?
Well, you already have to sound track on the speakers.
Actually, there are lots of movies with description. Have you checked in to your library for the blind?
Netflix sends out DVD's so is actually complying as to the movies that have it.
They can't provide what is not there to provide.
What you need to get on is the movie studios.
No, does the library now offer DVDs?
If I can't follow what's going on in a movie I usually try to find the script on the web. The problem with a lot of those DVS movies is, it's usually the crappy short version of the movie that was cut for the European market.
I also think NetFlix should make DVS available, or maybe list what shows have it. I had considered subscribing to them, but not knowing if they had movies/shows with audio-description is what's stopping me from that. I do like that some channels on TV have it though, although I've only been able to catch it on some Cable channels like TBS, TNT, and USA. The others that I know should have it (like PBS), I've either been missing the shows that do have it, or it just doesn't come out for whatever reason. But if I knew that NetFlix had movies/shows with audio-discription (or at least which shows/movies had it), I wouldn't mind using that in place of Cable TV. *smile* I do like that Blind Mice has many shows available, and need to go back to see what else they have so I can download more from there. *smile* It'd be cool, if there was a phone number or Website that listed all the shows/movies that have audio-description and where you could find them in general. I personally find that although I don't mind some shows without audio-description, to me, they are more enjoyable with it when I can get it.
If you want descriptive movies there are other apps and programs out there like what was mentioned above. Blind mice is the only one I know of. Netflics is not designed specifically for the blind as most things aren't, though it wouldn't hurt to bring it up to the customer service department or something. Just don't be disappointed if that does nothing because there are other options out there.
the short answer to this question, is, no, Netflix shouldn't cater specifically to blind people, one reason being that we're such a small minority.
not only do other options exist, but also, not everyone enjoys descriptive movies. then, if one group of people wants to be catered to, who's to say that a whole bunch of others won't pop up soon after?
But I think Netflix actually has these.
Yes, the library has them, and many book stores have them as well.
You can sign up on a trial with Net Flix and see what you get.
They have a service online, and a service were movies are actually sent to you.
No harm checking them out for 30 days free, now is there?
It would be nice if it happens but BMM has a good selection of movies and tv shows so yeah.
if they're going to accommodate the deaf with closed captioning, which I do agree with them doing by the way, why shouldn't they add DVS as an option? They probably won't, and it's valid to say there are other sources out there, but there are also other sources for captioned movies. It's not that you'd even have to use the service, it's the fact that it should be made available for those who want it.
My husband and I get lots of disk from Netflicks. He accidentally discovered the description on the Disney movie, "Brave"; we watched with the description turned on, just for grins. He says they did a decent job of describing, thereby relieving him of the chore; LOL. Since this accident, we've been specifically checking for description, and not finding it on many of the disks. Netflicks is only a distributer, and thus cannot add or remove features. I'd like the studios to consistently offer description among the options like captions, subtitles, etc. As with many other appliances and things, you need the accessibility in order to turn on or off the accessibility; this frustrates me!
I wanted to learn if I was correct, so I went to Netflix.co.
I clicked on the FAQ section, and did not find audio described, so I used the online chat system to talk to them.
The rep said she’d send a note for them to add it.
So all that want it if we all ask enough, it will get on.
It is nothing major to add.
Also as the poster above has stated some DVD's have it, others don't, so all Netflix would have to do is have some available.
They've got a 30 day free trial as well.
Hi, all.
I have Net Flix, the streaming plan. How do I add DVDS to my plan? Guess I should look it up. The thing is, Net Flix accommodated the deaf with close-captioning, and, not everyone needs this service. There could be an option. I still have the service despite the lack of audio description, because I like watching movies. How do you even turn on audio description using modern-day cable boxes?
There used to be a number dedicated to audio description, but I think WGBH shut it down.
Normally the close-captioning, is something that has to be activated. It doesn't cost anymore, so why does there need to be an option?
I could understand if you had to pay more for something you don't use, but in this case you don't?
From my understanding, when you pay your monthly fee, you get Netflix, and that means all services related. If you choose a DVD, you get that in the mail with a prepaid send back.
I have 2 friends that use both DVD's and the streaming, and they don't pay anything different.
Again, and I've checked this, if the audio description is not available on the specific film you want it on, it won't be available even if the service is offered.
It isn't something that is automated with every film, it has to be specificly added to the film.
Just thought of something else. You say you guess you could look it up, when you asked about the DVD service, did you not read your contract, and what services came with when you ordered this service?
Next, you wish the close-captioning, , have you done as I have, a person that could care less, contacted Netflix as I did and ask about it?
The more you ask, the more they'll know somebody wishes the service.
All valid points, for real. And yes, if you want the descriptive service, please contact them. Even if you know they don't, you are bringing it to their attention, and the more people who do that, the more likely it will be given some consideration down the line.