Narration in DVDs

[Andrew Blaszczyk (2)]

I just wanted to get an idea of how people feel about narration on DVDs that are sold.

[Ween]

I chose "it is a must." Otherwise, without narration on C. Vision's production of BNSF's Staples West, you would miss the fact that the dude taking a shot on the bridge at Hawley is a "photographer and his wife from Grand Forks," or in other words...me!

[ssw9662]

I can take or leave it, for me it depends on how well the narration and script is done. If the narration is informative and helps to explain what is going on in the video (such as train info, location, etc.), then in my mind it is a must. If the narration is nothing more than endless blabbering (i.e. "Another Dash 9 leads an intermodal train west") than to me it is just annoying background noise. Of course most DVDs offer the option to play with or without narration, so this whole argument is kind of a moot point.

[JWH]

It has been my experience, that good dvd's are spoiled on a number of points such as when the blabbering narrator's nonsense drowns out the approaching train's horn's. In several, the narration does not match the scene, usually due to the editing of footage but not the script. As an example, in a professional video release, a westbound container train, was referred to as an empty coal drag. But perhaps the most annoying is, when the narrator has not the familiarity with the descriptors of the railroad. A case in point, is the identification of an SD38-2 as ESS DEE three eight slash two. Not to mention incorrect pronounciation of locations. In my view accurate scripting, narration and timing are very critical and as important if not more that the scene. Having been involved with professional several rail videos in the past, I have been embarrassed by the end result of some even after seeing the so called "final proof". As another example, we did a 24 hour compilation at a location, the end result, five Amtrak's where there's only two a day.

[JimThias]

Without. There's nothing worse than the sound of a geeky voice mucking up a railroad video. :lol:

[Robsinhamilton]

Narration in videos/DVD's have its place. Short and to the point works for me!
When I was shooting/producing my own videos back in the late 80's, I never had narration in my videos. I had a printed sheet one could read and follow along with or I used short titles along the bottom of the screen.

A badly timed narration ruins many "great" videos. I'm glad DVD's offer a choice of narration or no narration.

I'm re-releasing the videos I did back in the 80's onto DVD. I'll be adding more footage to the F-unit and TH&B tapes..... No narration and a steadier video thanks to a new stablization program I just purchased.

Have a good one!

[Robsinhamilton]

Jim Thias
I think your dog needs some visine for his eyes!! :twisted: JK

[John Fladung]

I chose "it is a must." Otherwise, without narration on C. Vision's production of BNSF's Staples West, you would miss the fact that the dude taking a shot on the bridge at Hawley is a "photographer and his wife from Grand Forks," or in other words...me!

Toot your own horn much? :roll:

[Ween]

Toot your own horn much? :roll:

Green with envy much? :-D

[John Fladung]

Green with envy much? :-D

Why do you think I used a green smiley to roll my eyes?

[Ween]

Why do you think I used a green smiley to roll my eyes?

For the same reason I used the giant toothy green guy...

[K100DS]

Narration can be helpful and enjoyable, if it is professional. Pentrex videos have very good narration. The guy has a good voice, he sounds professional, and most of the time he pronounces things correctly.

Amateur narration, on the other hand, is annoying and can ruin an otherwise decent video.

[EMTRailfan]

Narration can be helpful and enjoyable, if it is professional. Pentrex videos have very good narration. The guy has a good voice, he sounds professional, and most of the time he pronounces things correctly.

Amateur narration, on the other hand, is annoying and can ruin an otherwise decent video.

Exactly as I would have typed.

[Joey Bowman]

As others have mentioned, it depends on how the narration is.

I HATE hearing some squeaky kid announcing what sort of train is coming. I could care less if its 666ZE or what kind of locomotive is leading. and I HATE hearing a radio is scanner as well, its just annoying and sounds nerdy.

[MichaelJ]

Narration is required for interest and explaination but should be placed strategically as not to cover the sound of the train.

[travsirocz]

I don't need the lead units numbers read off to me. Some interesting facts of the area and location are good. All narration should be done in post. Not a fan of wind covered narration.