Audio Description: Narration added to the soundtrack to describe important visual details that cannot be understood from the main soundtrack alone. Audio description is a means to inform individuals who are blind or who have low vision about visual content essential for comprehension. Audio description of video provides information about actions, characters, scene changes, on-screen text, and other visual content. Audio description supplements the regular audio track of a program. Audio description is usually added during existing pauses in dialogue. Audio description is also called “video description” and “descriptive narration”.
To learn more about audio description, visit the Audio Description Project website.
Audio Described Movies in Theaters in MA
From May 3 – 9, 2024
By Vicki Vogt and The Bay State Council of the Blind
NEW MOVIES
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary
2 Hours, 16 Min.
Rated PG
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Description:
When the Trade Federation organize a blockade around the planet Naboo, the Supreme Chancellor Valorum sends the Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi to negotiate the end of the blockade. However the evil Viceroy Nute Gunray is ordered to kill the Jedi and invade Naboo. However the Jedi escape and Qui-Gon saves the life of the clumsy Gungan Jar Jar Binks. The outcast native takes the Jedi to his submerged city and the Gungan leader gives transportation to them. The Jedi head to the capital to warn Queen Amidala about the invasion. However she has been captured by the Federation droids but the Jedi rescue the queen and her court and they flee in a spacecraft that is damaged when they cross the blockade. They land on a desert planet and Qui-Gon Jinn goes to the town with Jar Jar, the droid R2-D2 and the queen’s assistant Padmé to seek the necessary part for the spacecraft. When they find the component, they do not have money to buy it. But the slave boy Anakin Skywalker offers to dispute a race with his pod to raise the necessary money. Qui-Gon feels the Force in the boy and accepts his offer. Will the boy win the race? What will happen to Naboo? Will Queen Amidala be capable to convince the politicians to release her planet from the Trade Federation?
Tarot
1 Hour, 32 Min.
Rated PG-13 for horror violence, terror, bloody images, some strong language and drug content.
Genre: Horror
Description:
When a group of friends recklessly violates the sacred rule of Tarot readings – never use someone else’s deck – they unknowingly unleash an unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards. One by one, they come face to face with fate and end up in a race against death to escape the future foretold in their readings.
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
2 Hours, 16 Min.
Rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-FI
Description:
Peter Parker (Garfield) is an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.
The Fall Guy
2 Hours, 7 Min.
Rated PG-13 for action and violence, drug content and some strong language.
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Description:
Stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), like everyone in the stunt community, gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows, and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy, and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
1 Hour, 59 Min.
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language, some suggestive material and partial nudity.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi
Description:
Thor’s retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher, who seeks the extinction of the gods. To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie, Korg and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster, who – to Thor’s surprise – inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.
Trivia: Chris Hemsworth, on his 8th time playing the character of Thor, achieved his biggest physique ever for this film, getting up to 231 pounds for the role. His longtime trainer,Luke Zocchisaid, “He is in phenomenal nick. He’s the biggest he has ever been. He’s the heaviest he’s ever been.” This extent of musculature required Hemsworth to eat at least 8 times a day during the entire duration of filming just to maintain all the muscle mass he had acquired.
Current Movies
Abigail
1 Hour, 49 Min.
Rated R for strong bloody violence and gore throughout, pervasive language and brief drug use.
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Description:
After a group of would-be criminals kidnap the 12-year-old ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, all they have to do to collect a $50 million ransom is watch the girl overnight. In an isolated mansion, the captors start to dwindle, one by one, and they discover, to their mounting horror, that they’re locked inside with no normal little girl.
Trivia: A loose remake ofDracula’s Daughter (1936).
Boy Kills World
1 Hour, 51 Min.
Rated R for strong bloody violence and gore throughout, language, some drug use and sexual references
Genre: Action, Crime, SciFi, Thriller
Description:
Skarsgård stars as “Boy” who vows revenge after his family is murdered by Hilda Van Der Koy (Janssen), the deranged matriarch of a corrupt post-apocalyptic dynasty that left the boy orphaned, deaf, and voiceless. Driven by his inner voice, one which he co-opted from his favorite childhood video game, Boy trains with a mysterious shaman (Ruhian) to become an instrument of death and is set loose on the eve of the annual culling of dissidents. Bedlam ensues as Boy commits bloody martial arts mayhem, inciting wrath of carnage and blood-letting. As he tries to get his bearings in this delirious realm, Boy soon falls in with a desperate resistance group, all the while bickering with the apparent ghost of his rebellious little sister.
Challengers
2 Hours, 11 Min.
Rated R for language throughout, some sexual content and graphic nudity.
Genre: Drama, Romance, Sports
Description:
From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, Challengers stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist – West Side Story), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor – The Crown) – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win.
Civil War
1 Hour, 49 Min.
Rated R for strong violent content, bloody/disturbing images, and language throughout.
Genre: Action
Description:
A journey across a dystopian future America, following a team of military-embedded journalists as they race against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House.
Dune: Part Two
2 Hours, 46 Min.
Rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, some suggestive material and brief strong language.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
Description:
Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
1 Hour, 49 Min.
Rated PG-13 for supernatural action/violence, language and suggestive references.
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, SciFi
Description:
The Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.
Godzilla x King: The New Empire
1 Hour, 55 Min.
Rated PG-13 for creature violence and action.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Description:
The new installment in the Monsterverse puts the mighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal deadly threat hidden within our world that threatens the existence of their species and our very own, as well as diving deep into the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond. Delving straight into the origins of Hollow Earth, this film will explore the ancient Titan battle that brought man and monster together forever.
Kung Fu Panda 4
1 Hour, 34 Min.
Rated PG
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy.
Description:
After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm.
Monkey Man
1 Hour, 53 Min.
Rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, rape, language throughout, sexual content/nudity and drug use.
Genre: Action, Thriller
Description:
Kid (Dev Patel), an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
2 Hours
Rated R for strong violence throughout and some language.
Genre: Action, Drama, War
Description:
Billed as a true story about a secret British World War II organization; the Special Operations Executive. Founded by Winston Churchill, their irregular warfare against the Germans helped to change the course of the war, and gave birth to modern black operations. Based on the 2014 book “Churchill’s Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII” by Damien Lewis.
Trivia:
Henry Cavill plays the historical figure who inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond. Cavill has long been a fan favorite to play Bond on screen.
The Mummy: 25th Anniversary Re-Release
2 Hours, 5 Min.
Rated PG-13 for pervasive adventure violence and some partial nudity.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Description:
An English librarian called Evelyn Carnahan becomes interested in starting an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Hamunaptra. She gains the help of Rick O’Connell, after saving him from his death. What Evelyn, her brother Jonathan and Rick are unaware of is that another group of explorers are interested in the same dig. Unfortunately for everyone, this group ends up unleashing a curse which been laid on the dead High Priest Imhotep. Now ‘The Mummy’ is awake and it’s going to take a lot more than guns to send him back to where he came from.
Trivia:
While the film made extensive use of computer generated imagery, many scenes, including ones where Evelyn is covered with rats and locusts, were real, using live animals.
To avoid dehydration in the scorching heat of the Sahara, the production’s medical team created a drink that the cast and crew had to consume every two hours. Sandstorms were daily inconveniences. Snakes, spiders and scorpions were a major problem, with many crew members having to be airlifted out after being bitten.
Unsung Hero
1 Hour, 53 Min.
Rated PG
Genre: Drama, Family
Description:
When David Smallbone’s successful music company collapses, he moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future. With nothing more than their six children, suitcases, and their love of music, David (For King & Country‘sJoel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives. Based on a remarkable true story, Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in Inspirational Music history: five-time Grammy Award-winning artistsFor King & CountryandRebecca St. James.
Trivia:
In addition to co-writing and co-directing this film,Joel Smallbonealso stars in it portraying his real-life father, David Smallbone.
Live Audio Described Performances
For May through August 2024
Please come to the exciting live theater productions with audio description (AD). Preshow description of sets and costumes begins 30 minutes prior to curtain. Arrive early to allow time to get headsets, programs and be seated.
The following audio described performances will be at the designated theatres listed below. Enjoy these accessible theater opportunities!
American Repertory Theater (ART)
Location: Loeb Drama Center
64 Brattle Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA
To purchase accessibility tickets for these performances or for access questions, contact access@amrep.org or 617-547-8300.
Gatsby
Audio Described: Thursday, June 27, 2024, 7:30 PM, & Saturday, June 29, 2024, 2:00 PM
- Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary novelThe Great Gatsby comes to new life in this world-premiere musical with a score by international rock star Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Oscar and Grammy Award nominee Thomas Bartlett (Doveman), and a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok (Cost of Living). Gatsbyis staged by Tony Award-winning director Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown; Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812;Moby Dick) with choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh (Moulin Rouge!).
Broadway in Boston (BIB)
Citizens Bank Opera House
539 Washington Street, Boston, MA
For tickets contact Rachel Jensen, Audience Services Manager for the Opera House at 617-259-3448 or email rjensen@citizensbankoperahouse.com.
Come From Away
Audio Described: Sunday, June 2, 2024, 1:00 PM
Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes, no intermission
Describer: Laura Pailler
The true story of the small town that welcomed the world. Come From Away takes you right into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Written by Tony nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and directed by this year’s Tony Award-winning director, Christopher Ashley. On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.
MJ
Audio Described: Sunday, June 23, 2024, 1:00 PM, & Saturday, July 7, 2024, 1:00 PM
Length: 2 hours, 30 minutes, with one intermission
Describer: Laura Pailler
Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to you as MJ, the multi Tony Award-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.
Created by Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind that launched Michael Jackson into legendary stardom.
Les Miserables
Audio Described: Sunday, August 18, 2024, 1:00 PM
Length: 2 hours, 55 minutes, with one intermission
Describer: Laura Pailler
Les Misérables is set against the backdrop of 19th century France, it tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption, a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. The magnificent score, includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More”, “Master of the House”, and many more.
Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries and 22 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals.
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company
Shakespeare on the Common
Boston Common, 115 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
(show and dates TBA – generally weekends in late July & early August)
Gazebo Players
Two Gentlemen of Verona, 2024
Audio Described: July 21, 27, and August 4, 2024, 5:00 PM
This romantic comedy will be set in the 1950’s Doo Wop era, but retains Shakespeare’s original language. July performances will take place at the Bellforge Arts Center on the former Medfield State Hospital property, 45 Hospital Road, Medfield, MA.
The rain location will be announced. The August performances will be at Bird Park in Walpole. The rain location is the Walpole Footlighters, 2 Scout Road, Walpole, MA. All performances are outdoors and free to the public. For more information, Contact Cynthia Small at: 508-317-1764, cynthia.smalltalk@gmail.com.
The Huntington Theatre Company
264 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115
The Huntington’s newly renovated theatre on Huntington Avenue is the place to be for great accessible theater this season. Some shows will run at the Huntington Theatre, and others will be at the Huntington’s Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts in the South End. Please note the location of each production. For more information on The Huntington’s access programs and to reserve tickets, please emailaccess@huntingtontheatre.orgor call 617-266-2800. Tickets are $20 for each blind/low vision patron and a guest. Season Ticket Packages can be booked in advance. Keep the same seats for every performance, and renew into the same seats next season! Attend All Access Performances. Don’t want to see all the shows? Pick and choose which ones you want for the same $20 price. Please note that the start times vary for each production!
Toni Stone
Audio Described: Saturday, June 15, 2024, 2:30 PM
Written and Directed by Lydia R. Diamond
Toni Stone is an ace ballplayer who knows her stats, plus she’s got a great arm. Rejected by the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League because of her race, she becomes the first woman to play professional baseball on a man’s team in the Negro Leagues, shattering expectations and creating her own set of rules. Filled with humor and the love of the game, Huntington favorite Lydia R. Diamond knocks it out of the park with this beautiful, rich portrait of a trailblazing woman. Play ball!
Location: The Huntington Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA
Moonbox Productions (MBX)
Tickets: The standard ticket price is $65, but Moonbox now also offers an option to Pay-What-You-Wish (as little, or as much as you choose).
To order tickets for access performances, email: Kara Crumrine, Director of Community & Accessibility Initiatives at KACrumrine@gmail.com.
Mermaid Hour
Audio Described: Saturday, May 18, 2024, 2:00 PM
For Pilar and Bird, parenting a trans tween is all about guessing how to get it right when they’re not even sure what that is! Vi is busy navigating her first crush, obsessing over her favorite YouTube vlogger, and about to make herself an internet sensation. Fast-paced, funny, and heartfelt, The Mermaid Hour finds all three confronting the gaps between who they are and who they wish to be.
Location: Arrow Street Arts, 2 Arrow St, Cambridge, MA 02138