Audio Description of Next in Fashion

I wasn’t sure I would watch this show, but it came up in my Netflix feed and I was bored. By the end of the first episode of the second season, I realized it was a good idea. Maybe it’ll give me some ideas for clothing descriptions in my stories.

I watched this show in two days and was somewhat surprised by the audio description. It was a lot more detailed than I expected it to be. There was also something I didn’t expect. For those unaware, audio description is a separate audio track added to visual media that describes visual aspects. It’s mainly intended for blind and visually impaired audiences, but can be enjoyed by and benefit anyone.

Series Premise

Designers enter this contest for a life-changing opportunity. Their designs are judged by the hosts as well as special guests.

Series Information

Genre: Reality TV
Category: Adult
Explicit violence: No
Explicit sex: No
Content warnings I noticed: None

Review

The writing is very good. The language fits the adult audience it targets. I could be wrong, but I think the word choice is similar to Queer Eye. It’s been some time since I watched it, so I can’t be sure.

The descriptions are very detailed. People are not described, but all the clothing is. Every look on the runway is described in a lot of detail while maintaining simplicity, making it easy to follow. I’m very impressed. Well done, Descriptive Video Works.

Okay. So, I’m going to nitpick here. This may not bother other people, but it does irritate me. I’ve seen it in other shows, but Netflix tends not to do this on their original content, so I’m not sure why this is a thing.

The describers’ vocal performance is engaging. Yes. Describers. There are currently two seasons and each is narrated by a different describer. I’ll explain why I don’t like this in a moment, but, first, let’s talk about the individual describers.

Season one is narrated by a male describer. Their performance is engaging while being neutral. However, while I was engaged, I didn’t enjoy this narration style. The engagement feels forced. It feels as though he would have been invisible and distracting, had it not been for the kind of show this is. I don’t think he was the right choice. Performance should feel natural.

Season two is narrated by a female describer. Their performance is extremely engaging and it fits the show’s tone so much better. Their performance drips with excitement. It flows so naturally. I love it so much.

The problem with having descriptions narrated by different describers is that the performances are hit or miss. It lacks consistency, so the viewer is never sure what kind of narration they’re going to get. Criminal Minds has this problem for the first 11 seasons. I’ve watched it twice and, with such different styles of narration, it can be a bit shocking going from one describer to the other. I started Next in Fashion with season two and assumed the female describer would narrate season one, but was shocked when the first episode of season one began and there was a male describer.

If possible, it’s best to remain with one describer. There will be consistency, whether the performance is good or bad. There will be less of a shock and, if it’s a show, viewers know what to expect.

The audio description is edited well. The describers don’t interrupt dialogue or commentary. Viewers are able to appreciate music and silence.

Currently, Next in Fashion is audio described only in English. The series is offered in several other languages. Netflix, stop it. You continue to exclude viewers by doing this. We pay money. i’m tired.

Conclusion

Overall, this audio description is good. I enjoyed half of it, but I didn’t want to quit, so we’re fine. I rate it three stars. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.