| rdfs:comment | - On disc-based video formats, an audio commentary is an additional audio track consisting of a lecture or comments by one or more speakers, that plays in real time with video. Commentaries can be serious or entertaining in nature, and can add information which otherwise would not be disclosed to audience members.
- Audio commentaries are available on DVD season releases of The X-Files and Millennium, as well as the complete series DVD release of The Lone Gunmen and The X-Files Mythology DVD series. Picture-in-picture commentaries, in essence video footage that matches the audio commentaries, can also be found on the Blu-ray Disc releases of both movies based on The X-Files television series.
- An audio commentary is a different audio track for an episode of 24 that features key cast or crew members to that episode talking about its production or their experiences on the set. Each 24 DVD or Blu-ray Disc set, with the exception of season 8, features audio commentaries on specific episodes. From these background knowledge about the episodes can be gained as well as other interesting notes such as unfilmed scenes and antics on the set.
- On a DVD (or laserdisc), an audio commentary is a bonus track consisting of a lecture or comments by one or more speakers, who talk about the film as it progresses. Depending on the nature of the film, and upon the person providing the spoken dialogue, it can add a wealth of informative, entertaining information about a film of which most audience members would not be aware. There are several different types of commentary. The two main types simply define the length of the commentary rather than the type of content. They are:
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| abstract | - On disc-based video formats, an audio commentary is an additional audio track consisting of a lecture or comments by one or more speakers, that plays in real time with video. Commentaries can be serious or entertaining in nature, and can add information which otherwise would not be disclosed to audience members.
- On a DVD (or laserdisc), an audio commentary is a bonus track consisting of a lecture or comments by one or more speakers, who talk about the film as it progresses. Depending on the nature of the film, and upon the person providing the spoken dialogue, it can add a wealth of informative, entertaining information about a film of which most audience members would not be aware. Audio commentaries are located on separate 'audio tracks' on the DVD. A single DVD disc can have several of these that can be selected by the viewer from the main menu of the DVD or by pressing a designated button on the remote. Each contains different content: one has the actual dialogue and sound of the movie, while others can contain different language dialogue (for translation purposes), a different type of audio encoding (Dolby Digital or DTS), music-only soundtracks, and audio commentaries. Some DVD productions include multiple commentary tracks. In general, directors are open to recording commentary tracks, as many feel it can be helpful to young filmmakers, or they simply want to explain their intention in making the film, while others (such as Steven Spielberg or David Lynch) feel commentary can de-mystify and cheapen a film. There are several different types of commentary. The two main types simply define the length of the commentary rather than the type of content. They are:
* Partial or scene-specific, which only covers selected scenes of the film. Sometimes these are recorded without the speaker viewing the film and thusly the commentator may make more general comments than pointing out specific details.
* Feature-length or screen-specific, which is recorded in one session: the speakers watch the film from beginning to end and give their thoughts directly based on what is happening on-screen. Occasionally these can include silhouettes of the speakers (to enhance the "live" aspect of the commentary) or even telestrator prompts, allowing the director or commentator to "draw" on the screen, pointing out specific details. There are also video commentaries, showing the speakers as they are recording the commentary. Commentaries can be done in various fashions. The majority of commentaries include one person, likely the director, but can often contain producers and occasionally cast members. Other types of commentaries include:
* Edited, which is recorded at various sessions, often with various speakers. Multiple-person commentary tracks recorded for The Criterion Collection are noted for this technique. The audio is edited into a cohesive whole.
* Character, which features one or more actors commenting on the movie while in character.
* Scholarly, which is performed by a film critic, historian or scholar, taking the viewer through the significance of the film, the technique, and at times telling the story behind its making. Variations feature fans who would also have some level of expertise concerning a title. Sometimes, audio commentaries will also include hosts or moderators to keep the discussion flowing, and will feature either subtitling or a narrator to inform the viewer which person is speaking, if there are a considerable amount of participants. The goal of a commentary is of course to add some context to the choices made in making the film, whether that be of the actual filmmaking, or subtext in the writing or direction, although some commentaries, such as in-character commentaries or group cast commentaries tend to be more for entertainment than for educational value.
- Audio commentaries are available on DVD season releases of The X-Files and Millennium, as well as the complete series DVD release of The Lone Gunmen and The X-Files Mythology DVD series. Picture-in-picture commentaries, in essence video footage that matches the audio commentaries, can also be found on the Blu-ray Disc releases of both movies based on The X-Files television series.
- An audio commentary is a different audio track for an episode of 24 that features key cast or crew members to that episode talking about its production or their experiences on the set. Each 24 DVD or Blu-ray Disc set, with the exception of season 8, features audio commentaries on specific episodes. From these background knowledge about the episodes can be gained as well as other interesting notes such as unfilmed scenes and antics on the set.
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