19 May 2011
Starting with the release of Vera on the DVD with AD, ITV commits to releasing many more DVDs with AD further in the year.
Vera, television adaptation of a book by Ann Cleeves is set in a close-knit community in Northumberland. It revolves around the discovery of two beautiful young corpses found floating in water, garlanded with wild flowers. Vera and Joe are called to the stylised murder scene and as they start their investigations, sinister secrets are slowly unearthed.
What makes this release so special is the fact that the DVD of 'Vera' will carry audio description (AD). AD is an additional commentary that fits between passages of dialogue and describes action.
A regular AD user says "My husband has been totally blind for just over two years but before that we used to watch a lot of television together. Now he finds it very hard to keep up with what is happening on screen. We only recently discovered AD on digital TV and are thrilled to know that it is available on DVDs as well!"
In the past ITV has released highly popular dramas such as Lewis, North Hanger Abbey and the children's series Number Jacks on the DVD with AD.
"We will be releasing an audio described DVD of ITV drama Vera on 23 May, and we have plans for several more audio described releases this year" said Adam Crozier Chief Executive, ITV.
RNIB Campaign
RNIB has been campaigning for more and more programmes and films to be made available with AD. An overall increase in the availability of content with AD will improve the balance and choice offered to blind and partially-sighted people in the UK.
Leen Petré, Principal Manager at RNIB commented on the release of Vera with AD: "We are really glad that ITV has decided to take a step in this direction. It will not only lead to an increase in the number of DVD titles that will be accessible to blind or partially sighted people but may also encourage other broadcasters in addition to ITV and the BBC to make their programmes available on DVD with AD."