WinXP, fully updated (except for IE7), VLC8.6, Preferences folder nuked.
Attempting to play AVI files with associated English-language subtitle files (identically named, and in same folder).
-- I have no trouble playing the files, but the subtitles submenu will not appear.
-- Subtitles MAY appear even when the file is manually chosen in Settings > Preferences > Video > Subtitles, but MAY NOT [b]unless[/b] VLC is quit and relaunched. And even then, that particular file is then "hardwired" and will play over every subsequent video unless shut off or deselected again (very annoying procedures).
-- The subtitle files in question displayed automatically on older versions.
Subtitles are my A#1 concern with VLC right now -- if a video type won't play, I can always run it through Total Video Converter to turn it into something else, but without subtitles I got nothin'.
IMO, there needs to be a prominent "Subtitles" menu command right smack front & center; no screwing around several evels deep in Preferences.