Catch the Beat Movies
The Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library has many fun musical movies in an audio-described format for you to borrow. Described videos provide narration of a program's key visual elements, such as characters' actions, costuming, gestures, and facial expressions. These descriptions are heard during the natural pauses in dialogue. The result is a finished soundtrack that enables visually impaired viewers to fully understand the film through listening.
Contact the Library to order these videos, or any other books or videos!
Aladdin
DV 41
Animated film. Set in the mythical city of Agrabah, the story follows a street-smart peasant, Aladdin, and his mischievous pet monkey, Abu. Aladdin falls in love with the free-spirited Princess Jasmine despite a law that says she can only wed a royal suitor! His luck changes with one rub of the lamp, releasing the shape-shifting, fun-loving, wish-giving Genie (voice of Robin Williams), who turns him into a prince. But the evil sorcerer, Jafar, and his wisecracking parrot, Iago, also crave the lamp's power. If Aladdin is to defeat them and win Jasmine's heart, he must learn to be himself and that's one wish the Genie can't grant. Directed by Ron Clements, John Musker.
Alice in Wonderland
DV 42
Animated film. The surprises begin when a day-dreaming Alice encounters a White Rabbit who is frantically running late. She chases him and falls into the magical, madcap world of Wonderland with its kaleidoscope of off-the-wall characters, including Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat, and the manic Mad Hatter, who invites her to a memorable tea party! The crowning confrontation begins when Alice meets the notorious Queen of Hearts and her enchanted deck of playing cards. Tricked into a curious game of croquet, Alice, and her patience, end up on trial. Is there no escape from this whimsical escapade? Based on the 1865 book by Lewis Carroll. Directed by Clyde Geronomi, Hamilton Luske, Wilfred Jackson.
At War with the Army
DV 800
Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis share their first star billing in this song-and-gag-filled farce. At the Stateside military base where Dean's a staff sergeant and Jerry's a mess cook, the two pals find themselves constantly in trouble with a loudmouth drill instructor, a conniving supply sergeant and a hen-pecked captain. Directed by Hal Walker. Based on the play by James B. Allardice. MPAA Rating - NR. Not rated.
Bambi
DV 47
Animated film. Disney's endearing, animated adaptation of the classic book by Felix Salten about the little deer whose life parallels the seasons of the year in the forest. As morning light breaks across the springtime meadow, a new prince of the forest is born and Bambi emerges from the thicket on wobbly legs, much to the delight of his new friends. Thumper, the playful rabbit, and Flower, the bashful yet loveable skunk. Exploring his new world,and guided by the wisdom of friend Owl, Bambi learns valuable lessons with adventure, experiencing love, loss, growth and renewal along the way. Based on the classic novel by Felix Salten, BAMBI demonstrates the strength of family values and camaraderie. Director David Hand adds a mixture of great songs and life-like backgrounds to make this early Disney film an unforgettable film classic for all ages.
Beauty and the Beast
DV 4
When the film's beautiful book-loving heroine, Belle, sings the first of an unprecedented three Oscar-nominated songs, you too will fall instantly under its spell. However, it is the spell of an enchantress that opens this classic fairy tale, turning a cruel prince into a hideous beast. His stubborn pride compels him to remain in his bewitched castle, inhabited by Lumiere, the lovestruck candelabra; Cogsworth, the pompous clock; the kindly Mrs. Potts and an inquisitive little teacup named Chip. To break the spell, the Beast must win Belle's love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. With Robby Benson, Paige O'Hara, Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers. Directed by Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise. 84 min.
Chicago
DV 482
At a time when crimes of passion result in celebrity headlines, nightclub sensation Velma Kelly and spotlight-seeking Roxie Hart both find themselves on Chicago's famed Murderess Row. They also share Billy Flynn, the town's slickest lawyer with a talent for turning notorious defendants into local legends. MPAA Rating - PG13.
Cinderella
DV 54
Animated film. Beautiful Cinderella shares her dreams of romance and a better life with the loveable mice Gus and Jaq. When Cinderella's cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball, the delightful Fairy Godmother appears. With a wave of her wondrous wand and a bouncy "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," the Fairy Godmother transforms a simple pumpkin into a magical coach and Cinderella's rags into a gorgeous gown. At the ball, Cinderella falls in love with Prince Charming, but must flee before the stroke of midnight breaks the spell.
Hello, Dolly!
DV 263
In early-20th-century Yonkers, a wealthy local merchant (Horace Vandergelder, hires matchmaker Dolly Levi to find a mate for him, but instead she decides to win him over for herself. His life is further complicated by his young niece, Ermengarde, who is determined to wed an artist Horace finds entirely unsuitable, and by his two hapless employees, who against Horace's wishes leave work to venture into New York so each can kiss a girl. Miserly, curmudgeonly, irascible Horace finds that matters have gotten completely out of his control and the only person who seems to know exactly what is going on is the widowed Dolly Levi. Starring Barbra Streisand, Walter Matthau, Michael Crawford, Louis Armstrong and Marianne McAndrew. Directed by Gene Kelly. MPAA Rating-G. 146 min.
I Dream of Jeanie
DV 840
It's the 1840s in Cincinnati, Ohio, and songwriter Stephen Foster is just coming into his own with the huge success of "Oh Susanna." This warmhearted romance features a minstrel show extravaganza and a stream of Foster hits from the great showboat era, including "My Old Kentucky Home. With Ray Middleton, Bill Shirley and Muriel Lawrence. Directed by Allan Dwan. MPAA Rating - NR. Not rated.
Lady and the Tramp
DV 269
Animated film. An irresistible song-filled adventure about Lady, a lovingly pampered cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a roguish mutt from across the tracks. When Aunt Sarah moves in with her devious felines Si and Am to baby-sit, the very pro- tective Lady soon finds herself being fitted for the unthinkable, a muzzle! In her bid for freedom, she meets and is charmed by Tramp, dog-about-town. Together with friends Jock, Trusty, and Peg, they share thrilling adventures on a lovely "bella notte" as Lady learns what it means to be footloose and leash-free. Directed by Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi and Wilfred Jackson MPAA RATING-G. 76 min.
Mary Poppins
DV 21
In her star-making performance, Julie Andrews plays the lovable nanny who flies out of the windy London skies and into the home of a no-nonsense banker and his two mischievous children. Hoping to bridge the gap between them, practically perfect Mary Poppins magically turns every chore into a game and every day into a whimsical adventure, including an unforgettable rooftop dance with a carefree chimney sweep named Bert (Dick Van Dyke). Based on the book by Pamela L. Travers. With Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns, Hermione Baddeley Directed by Robert Stevenson. Produced by Walt Disney, Bill Walsh.
Phantom of the Opera
DV 597
Andrew Lloyd's musical tells the story of a disfigured musical genius who haunts the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera, waging a reign of terror over its occupants. When he falls fatally in love with Christine, the Phantom devotes himself to creating a new star for the Opera, exerting a strange sense of control over the young soprano as he nurtures her extraordinary talents. With Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson and Miranda Richardson. MPAA Rating - PG13. Parents cautioned.
Singin' in the Rain
DV 079
In 1927, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a famous on screen romantic pair. Lina, however, mistakes the on screen romance for real love. Don has worked hard to get where he is today, with his former partner Cosmo. When Don and Lina's latest film is transformed into a musical, Don has the perfect voice for the songs. But Lina - well, even with the best efforts of a diction coach, they still decide to dub over her voice. Kathy Selden is brought in, an aspiring actress, and while she is working on the movie, Don falls in love with her. Will Kathy continue to "aspire", or will she get the break she deserves?With Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Jean Hagen, Cyd Charisse.
Tarzan
DV 248
Animated film. Raised by a family of gorillas, including the loving Kala and the wisecracking Terk, Tarzan develops all the instincts and prowess of a jungle animal. But with the sudden appearance of Tarzan's own kind, including the beautiful Jane, two very different worlds are about to become one. Driven by five powerful songs from pop superstar Phil Collins, and starring the voice talents of Minnie Driver, Glenn Close, and Rosie O'Donnell, Disney's TARZAN delivers incredible adventure as well as important reminders about acceptance and family! Starring Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Glenn Close, Nigel Hawthorne and Brian Blessed. Directed by Chris Buck and Kevin Lima. MPAA Rating-G. 88 min.
The Jungle Book
DV 63
Animated film. Based on a story by Rudyard Kipling, this jubilant adventure begins when Mowgli, a little boy raised by wolves, is urged by his friend Bagheera, awise old panther, to seek safety in the man village. Feeling very much at home in the jungle, Mowgli resists and runs off. Much to Bagheera's dismay, Mowgli meets a new friend, Baloo the bear, a lovable "jungle bum" with a happy-go-lucky philosophy of life. Together, the three buddies find the journey back to civilization anything but civilized! They encounter a crazy orangutan, the hypnotic and sly snake Kaa, and the menacing Shere Khan! Voices of Sebastian Cabot, Phil Harris, Louis Prima, George Sanders.
The King and I
DV 172
Musical remake of Anna and the King of Siam, from the Broadway produc- tion by Rogers and Hammerstein, based on the novel by Margaret Landon. It tells the true story of an Englishwoman, Anna Leonowens, who comes to Siam as schoolteacher to the Royal Court in the 1860s. Though she soon finds herself at odds with the stubborn monarch, over time, Anna and the King stop trying to change each other and begin to understand one another. With Deborah Kerr, Yul Brynner, Rosita Moreno, Martin Benson and Terry Saunders. Directed by Walter Lang and Ernest Lehman. MPAA Rating-G. 133 min.
The Lion King
DV 531
Animated film. Simba begins life as an honored prince, son of the powerful King Mufasa. The cub's happy childhood turns tragic when his evil uncle Scar murders Mufasa and drives Simba away from the kingdom. In exile, the young lion befriends the comically bumbling pair of Pumbaa the warthog and Timon the meerkat and lives a carefree jungle life. As he approaches adulthood, however, he is visited by the spirit of his father, who instructs him to defeat the nefarious Scar and reclaim his rightful throne. Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff. MPAA Rating - G.
The Sound of Music
DV 031
Julie Andrews is Maria, a spirited, young Austrian woman studying to take her religious vows. Suspecting that Maria's true calling may lie outside the convent, the Mother Superior arranges for her to leave the convent and become governess to the children of the autocratic widower, Baron Von Trapp. Bringing warmth and music to the strict household of the reserved former naval captain, Maria soon wins over the children, and finally the Baron as well. With Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Richard Haydn, Peggy Wood, Eleanor Parker. Directed by Robert Wise.
The Wizard of Oz
DV 247
From the story by L. Frank Baum. Musical fantasy tale about a little Kansas girl named Dorothy who is transported to the land of Oz by a tornado. Once there, she journeys along the Yellow Brick Road with her friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion to ask the wizard for help with their problems. With Judy Garland, Jack Haley, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr and Billie Burke. Directed by King Vidor and Victor Fleming. MPAA Rating-G. 149 min.
White Christmas
DV 88
Two talented song-and-dance men become one of the hottest acts in show business. One winter they team up with a sister act and trek to Vermont for a White Christmas. The real adventure begins when the two men discover that the inn is run by their old Army General who's now in financial trouble. This holiday musical features the songs of Irving Berlin. With Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Dean Jagger, Vera Ellen, Rosemary Clooney MPAA Rating-NR. 120 min.