For Valentine’s Day this year, Apple ran a sale on a lot of digital purchases for all kinds of wants and desires. One look at this broad range of titles, and I knew immediately which film I had to tackle. So, I simply told Apple “I’ll have what she’s having.”

What a simple line. it has probably been used just as regular dialogue in so many projects over the years, and even a few that intentionally nod to Rob Reiner’s classic romantic comedy. But, when you say it, it evokes an immediate connection to one film, and one scene. Even if you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing the film, it is very likely that you have seen a scene where Billy crystal and meg Ryan are sitting together in a diner, having a conversation, which leads to Meg Ryan faking an orgasm to prove that she can. That scene works as it is, but what made it legendary, and turned this into one of the most classic lines, was another patron at the restaurant turning to her waiter and simply saying “I’ll have what she’s having.”

Amen, sister. So, the fact that Apple offers this with audio description, I have to say I’m grateful. I am of the mindset that we should have universal quality accessibility in film, meaning every title with audio description. A lot could change if everyone just shared the already recorded audio description tracks. But, for films that are older titles, they kinda predate audio description altogether. There used to be a special service that blind people could mail in and buy VHS tapes with open audio description made just for them, but as we know from the transition to digital, not everything has survived. So, finding movies from the 80’s, 70’s, 60’s, and on with audio description really has to have intent behind it. There are many films that you would assume based on their classic status would have audio description, and don’t.

But, Rob Reiner’s classic romantic comedy that stands likely for some as the best of the best is available. For me, this was a reminder of just how good Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan were, and how we shouldn’t have squandered their talents into bad films that eventually led to both essentially backing down from making films. For Crystal, it seemed like he was on a high after Analyze This, which was released around the same time as Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail. After that?

In a nostalgic world, these two would reteam for something else. We’d see the magic that was once there, and remember why we loved harry meeting Sally. Why this story of two people fated to meet, and spend years as just friends, only to come together at the end resonated so well with audiences that it has remained a classic.

It’s a combination of the lead performances, the relatable screenplay, Reiner’s direction, and a supporting cast led by Carrie Fisher that help to hold this up.It might not be my favorite film in this genre, but a lot of times favorite is about a film hitting you at the right time, not always about quality. People can have favorite films for all sorts of reasons, and I was way too young when Harry met Sally for the first time in theatres, and instead fell for other romantic comedies. It is one of the reasons I’m the lone weirdo who actually enjoys You’ve Got Mail more than Sleepless In Seattle, even though both are great. The former just came at the right time.

but, as there are those younger than me who are now being drawn to films like Anyone but You, the generations above me had different films hitting them at different times.

I think this is a really well done film, and I’m glad it is now a part of my digital library. The audio description is perfect as it introduces a new audience to the film, and even helps an audience already familiar with the film about certain elements they may have forgotten since the last time they saw the film. This film is old enough that the list of people who likely saw this, and then have lost their vision over the years is pretty long. but also remember that this came out in 1989. I was six, and not the target demographic, but think of all the people who have been born since this release. A 34 year old adult who never had the opportunity to see this film, could be congenitally blind, and this track offers them the opportunity to see one of the most referenced romantic comedies of all time.

Accessibility is just so important. So, the next time you check out a title, see if it has audio description, and maybe then you can share what we’re having. if you are having a hard time finding a title with audio description, that’s the whole reason I’m here. The trick question to respond with should be, isn’t everything accessible? No. And sometimes, that’s why we ca’t share what others are having.

Final Grade: A-