Because current amplification usage, and perhaps other things, filter
out the high frequencies that I need to understand speech, and I cannot
effectively follow conversation on DVDs (and of course TV). 
Accordingly I am dependant on subtitles and will not attempt to enjoy
a film not providing them.  I rent my DVDs through Netflix which
provides, in its descriptive material for particular DVDs, availability
of subtitles.  Frequently I find the subtitles are not provided even
though the Netflix description indicates they are.  My complaint to
Netflix - after I finally was able to convince them of the situation
with respect to specific failures - developed that they simply (and
carelessly) accept the representations of the providers without even
test checking them.  I have given up on the hassle.  So far Netflix is the
only real game in town - nothing I know in their competition cames
near their coverage.  Accordingly I need a resource that FROM
KNOWLEDGE can readily provide me with reliable information respecting
subtitle (etc) availability for each DVD I contemplate renting.  Is
there such a resource  - preferably on the internet - that can provide
such verified information?  I am not interested in bugging Nerflix or
anyone else - I just want/need the information to save myself
frustration (and expense) caused by the occasional inaccurate or
careless description.

You do know that most DVD's contain closed captioning in addition to
or instead of subtitles, right?  The closed captioning is a separate
functionality completely.  For example, if you go into the DVD menu
and turn subtitles "off," you can still see closed captioning IF you
have closed captioning turned on on your TV--it is separate from the
DVD functionality.  So assuming you have a newer TV, go into your TV
menus and look for "closed captioning" or "CC" and turn it on.  Then,
when you play a DVD, even if it is not subtitled the closed captioning
appears.  Now not all films are closed captioned either, but in my
experience even if a film has no actual SUBTITLES as part of the DVD,
the closed captioning, a separate hidden code that your ~TV~ reads,
will appear if you have it turned on on your TV.  This is true for
television programs as well, of course.

I guess I should tell you that I am assuming you are watching newer
DVD's.  If we're talking about old classic B&W's, fewer of them are
closed captioned.

Thank you but I believe I have been through enough disappointment, and
simply want to know definitely if there are indeed captions, however
they are called.  I am looking for a reliable reference source that
will tell me whether or not the captions or subtitles are there. Up
until now it has been hit and miss.  Incidentally I use a program on
the computer to view my DVD rentals - I find the controls, as well as
the picture definition, a lot better than those using the "remote" on
my TV.

Thanks for your interest. - sdf

Two sources that can help:

http://www.dvdreview.com/
http://www.amazon.com/
(amazon.com, click on "more product details" and then on "Click here
for more technical details about this edition..."

Although I cannot assure you that these sources have 100% correct
information. However, review sites usually have a high grade of
precision. Amazon on the other hand, has a wide selection of DVD's.

Greetings, CS

Thank you for your response and suggestions.  The Amazon idea was of
little use - I already know Amazon presents formidable interference to
anyone including (foolishly for them) buyers with specific authors or
titles in mind.  Further if you are intent on digging out full data it
appears to be a mixture with my  subtitle information way down toward
the bottom.  My immediate objective is locating, if it exists, a
resource, if it exists, that provides READY access- with -say - a
standard dictionary as a model of an effective reference source for
specific information.

As to your other suggestion - I located the site but have not really
started to  explore it.  However, just for laughs, I fished one of
their long listings and, spotting something familiar, I dragged up Sex
in the City - Third Season.  Guess what?  They indicated "NO
subtitles".  Now - I know damn well there were indeed subtitles -
because I actually saw them - offered right up front as subtitles, not
closed caption.  (I was looking to see what they had on their First
season, which I know from bitter experience, had no subtitles.)  The
disinformation was very disheartening.  However, I will continue my
exploration of this particular resource - maybe they have a "help"
facility that can give me some guidance.

Thanks again - and if you have any further thoughts I would be more
than pleased to give it a try.