Lack of subtitles on (some) UK releases

[salan]

Something that really annoys me is the lack of English subtitles on certain UK releases. I just read that Bronson completely lacks subtitles and just off the top of my head I remember that neither Rise of the Footsoldier, Kidulthood nor Clubbed had any subtitles either. There's many, many more of course.

What they have in common is obviously that they are all British productions featuring British English and, well, slightly niche I guess. But at the same time we get subtitles for releases such as Adulthood, The Business and Football Factory which are also British and niche. I guess it isn't random but rather down to the individual production companies.

In any case, I think it shows an utmost disrespect towards paying customers and especially those who are hearing impaired. Luckily, I'm personally not disabled and I understand British English very well (give or take an actor or two with a certain London accent in Kidulthood, maybe) but I do like, no I even demand, to have the option of watching my legally purchased release with subtitles. Now, I understand that it's probably not realistic to ship every title with 15 different subtitles and if I would want subtitles in my native language I could usually get the Scandinavian release. However, I think it's fair to demand original language subtitles for every single release.

I guess my questions are the following.

1. Is anyone else also bothered by the lack of subtitles?
2. Would it be possible to compile a list with production companies and/or distributors, always releases with/without subtitles?
3. Is there anything we could (realistically) do about it?

[demoni]

+1

I totally agree! Escape From New York doesn't have any subtitles, and it's a pain in the ass!

[kianlaw]

I agree completely, nothing bugs me more than lack of subtitles on certain blu-ray discs.

[Banjo]

It's a real shame, I have to say. I am deaf, and I know what you are talking about. I see it more often than I'll like to.

[pro-bassoonist]

Hello,

I would like to address questions 2 and 3.

I communicate directly with practically every single UK label whose products we have covered for the site (excluding two of the majors). I've taken a note and will pass along your concerns. This being said, I also find it frustrating that some releases do not offer optional English (or, in France, optional French) subtitles but, believe it or not, sometimes there are licensing and cost issues that prevent some companies from including them. I know it sounds strange but this is how things are. For the record, Junebug was the latest disc to reach my desk, courtesy of a company I believe is amongst the best in the UK, Eureka Entertainment/Masters of Cinema, that did not offer optional English subtitles.

You could always look at our UK reviews to find out whether or not a certain disc is subtitled. I guarantee that we will have the correct info.

Examples:

Junebug:
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=4611

Clubbed:
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movie...19&show=review

Nighthawks/Stripjack Naked:
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movie...07&show=review


Pro-B

[salan]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

I communicate directly with practically every single UK label whose products we have covered for the site (excluding two of the majors). I've taken a note and will pass along your concerns.

Thanks, I sincerely appreciate that.

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

This being said, I also find it frustrating that some releases do not offer optional English (or, in France, optional French) subtitles but, believe it or not, sometimes there are licensing and cost issues that prevent some companies from including them. I know it sounds strange but this is how things are. For the record, Junebug was the latest disc to reach my desk, courtesy of a company I believe is amongst the best in the UK, Eureka Entertainment/Masters of Cinema, that did not offer optional English subtitles.

I understand that cost issues might be a cause from time to time, but quite a few low-budget movie releases with (assumed) modest sales forecasts still manages to include them. I guess it's a matter of certain companies simply not bothering.

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

You could always look at our UK reviews to find out whether or not a certain disc is subtitled. I guarantee that we will have the correct info.

That's great but "unfortunately" I will probably continue to buy releases regardless and hence indirectly support the decisions to exclude subtitles...

[demoni]

Originally Posted by Banjo

It's a real shame, I have to say. I am deaf, and I know what you are talking about. I see it more often than I'll like to.

And this being what studios should REALLY take notis of!