Tyler Wynn
Open caption movies display dialogue and sound descriptions on the screen in text form throughout the movie. They are designed for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, or for those who simply prefer to have captions. Some viewers with hearing loss have reported that closed captioning devices sometimes malfunction, leaving them disappointed and unable to follow the film. Open caption screenings are offered at select locations and times, and some cities have ordinances requiring cinemas to offer a certain number of open-captioned showings per week.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Open caption movies display dialogue and sound descriptions on the screen in text throughout the movie |
| Devices | No device is required to view open captions |
| Distraction | Some viewers find open captions distracting, while others find them helpful |
| Accessibility | Open captions improve accessibility for viewers with hearing loss |
| Availability | Open captions are offered at select movie theatres and locations |
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What You'll Learn
Open captions are displayed on the screen
Open captions are subtitles that are displayed directly on the movie screen, as opposed to closed captions, which are displayed on a separate device. Open captions are often used in movie theaters to aid viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, but they can also be helpful for viewers who simply want to follow the dialogue more easily.
Open-captioned movies include text that displays dialogue and sound descriptions on the screen throughout the film. This can be especially useful for viewers with hearing loss, as it provides a way to follow the movie's audio without the need for any additional devices or equipment. For example, viewers with hearing loss may find it challenging to use headphones or other audio devices provided by movie theaters, so open captions offer a more accessible alternative.
While open captions can be beneficial, some viewers may find them distracting. This is a matter of personal preference, and opinions may vary. Some people may find that having the captions on the screen enhances their viewing experience, while others may find it takes away from the visuals or is difficult to ignore.
Open captions are typically offered at select movie theaters and locations, and they may be available for specific showtimes or upon request. In some places, such as New York City, there are ordinances in place requiring local cinemas to offer a certain number of open-captioned showings per week for movies that are shown a certain number of times and have OC (open caption) tracks available.
Overall, open captions displayed on the screen can be a valuable feature for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those who simply prefer to have subtitles while watching movies in theaters. They provide an accessible option that ensures an inclusive movie-going experience for a wider range of audiences.
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Closed captions are displayed on a separate device
Closed captions are separate from the video and can be turned on or off by the user. They are added to a video as a "sidecar file". Closed captions are often used for online videos, where the user can choose to display them or not. They are also used for pre-recorded, live, and near-live video programming.
Closed captions are designed to be readable and synchronized with the audio. They should be displayed long enough to be read completely and should not obscure the visual content. They must also match the spoken words in the audio, preserving any slang or accents.
In movie theaters, closed captions are provided through devices such as cupholder-mounted electronic displays or panels of flat translucent glass or plastic on a gooseneck stalk, which can be mounted in front of the viewer's seat. These devices allow viewers requiring captions to read them without distracting other patrons.
The use of closed captions in digital projection systems has been standardized by SMPTE, ensuring compatibility with third-party closed caption systems. This has led to the development of new competitive closed caption systems that work with any standards-compliant digital cinema server.
While closed captions are displayed on a separate device or overlay, open captions are burned into the video and cannot be turned off. They are typically used for offline or social media videos, as well as in movie theaters for select screenings.
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Open captions are offered at select Hoyts locations every week
Open-caption movies do have sound, and they also display dialogue and sound descriptions on the screen in text form throughout the movie. This feature assists guests who are hard of hearing or deaf.
To find these sessions on the Hoyts website, select the Open Caption (OPEN CAP) option in the Legends and Filters section at the top of the cinema movie session times page. You can also look for the Open Caption (OPENCAP) icon next to the session time of the selected movie.
Open caption sessions run at all Hoyts locations on select titles on Saturday mornings, Sunday afternoons, and Tuesday evenings every week. An additional open caption session runs weekly on Thursday mornings as part of the Mornings at the Movies program.
Hoyts is committed to making the cinema experience as accessible and enjoyable as possible for all guests. In addition to open and closed captioning, they also offer audio description, sensory-friendly sessions, and wheelchair-accessible seats at all their locations.
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Captiview offers a more enjoyable experience for those with hearing loss
Open-caption movies display dialogue and sound descriptions on the screen throughout the movie. While open captions can be helpful for those with hearing loss, they may also be distracting for viewers who do not need them.
Captiview is a closed-captioning device that provides an alternative to open captions. It consists of a small OLED display on a bendable support arm that fits into a theatre seat cup holder. The captions are clear and easy to read, and the adjustable arm allows users to position the viewer anywhere they like. Built-in privacy visors prevent the captions from bothering those seated around the user.
For those with hearing loss, Captiview offers several advantages over open captions. Firstly, it allows users to position the captions in their line of vision, reducing the need to constantly adjust their focus. Secondly, it provides a more discrete option, as the captions are only visible to the user. This can be especially helpful for those who feel self-conscious about their hearing loss. Thirdly, Captiview can be used for any movie, whereas open-caption screenings may only be available for certain showtimes or new movies.
While Captiview offers a more enjoyable experience for those with hearing loss, it is not without its drawbacks. One issue is ensuring that the device is set to the correct movie, as users will otherwise receive the dialogue from a different film. Additionally, there may be a limited number of devices available, restricting group sizes for deaf viewers. Some users have also reported problems with the device failing to work or captions dropping out. Despite these issues, Captiview represents a significant improvement in cinema access for those with hearing loss.
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Open captions can be distracting for some viewers
Open captions are captions that are permanently visible on the screen. They are commonly used in movie theatres to improve accessibility for viewers with hearing impairments. While open captions can be beneficial for some, they may be distracting for others.
Some viewers may find open captions distracting because they are always visible on the screen. This can be a problem for viewers who do not need or want them, as they may find it challenging to ignore the captions and focus on the movie. In addition, open captions can obstruct important visual elements or be poorly formatted, further detracting from the viewing experience.
The permanency of open captions can also be a drawback for viewers who prefer to customise their viewing experience. With closed captions, viewers can choose to turn them on or off as needed, allowing for a more personalised experience. This is especially useful in various viewing scenarios, such as during loud train rides or while trying to keep a baby asleep.
Furthermore, some filmmakers and viewers have expressed concerns about the cost and artistic impact of open captions. Filmmakers may need to consider the design and formatting of open captions to ensure they do not detract from the film's visuals or message. There may also be legitimate concerns about the potential loss of audience due to the presence of permanent captions.
However, it is important to note that the majority of viewers do not find subtitles distracting. A Preply study found that only 22% of viewers found subtitles more distracting than helpful, while 74% said subtitles helped them understand the plot, and 68% said they helped hold their attention on the screen. Ultimately, the decision to use open or closed captions depends on the specific needs and preferences of the viewing audience.
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Frequently asked questions
Open captions are text and sound descriptions that are displayed on the cinema screen.
Yes, open-caption movies do have sound. The dialogue and sound descriptions are displayed onscreen in text throughout the movie.
Open-caption movies are offered at all HOYTS locations every week on select sessions. AMC Theatres also offers open-caption movies.
