Audio Description

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does accessibility mean for HOYTS?

  HOYTS is committed to making the cinema experience as accessible and enjoyable to as many people as possible.  We offer a range of options including wheel-chair accessible seats, audio description, sensory friendly sessions, and open and closed caption sessions.

• How do I book wheelchair accessible seats online?

  Accessible seats are available at all HOYTS locations for guests with reduced mobility, including guests using wheelchairs. To book an accessible seat or wheelchair spot online, select the wheelchair symbol on the seating map and an accompanying seat for a companion or carer if required. For more information on accessible seating at HOYTS, please contact the cinema team directly.

• What is Audio Description (AD), Closed Captions (CC) & Open Captions (OC)?

  AD - Audio Description - Is a system that assists guests with visual impairments. The transmitter enables the receiver (pack + headphones) worn by the guest to hear an audio description soundtrack if it is available for that movie. They can also elect to hear just the movie soundtrack at a higher volume via the headphones. Look for the Audio Description (AD) icon next to the session time of the selected movie.   CC - Closed Captions - is a system that assists guests who are experiencing hearing loss, that may be hard-of-hearing or are deaf. The device has a small screen that displays closed captions as the movie is playing. The unit has a base that fits into the cupholder and has a bendable arm that enables guests to position the screen directly in front of them, allowing them to read & watch the screen at the same time. Neither of these devices impact the viewing of other cinema guests and are personal devices used by guests at their seats. Look for the Closed Caption (CC) icon next to the session time of the selected movie.   OC - Open Captions - Open Caption are offered at all HOYTS locations every week on select sessions and provide text and sound descriptions displayed on the cinema screen with English subtitles, allowing guests experiencing hearing loss, that may be hard-of-hearing or are deaf to enjoy the movie. Look for the Open Caption (OC) icon next to the session time of the selected movie.

• What options are available to HOYTS guests with Visual Impairments?

  HOYTS provides audio description facilities at all HOYTS locations. Audio Description (AD) refers to an additional narration track for guests that may be blind, partially sighted or are visually impaired. It consists of a narrator talking through the presentation, describing what is happening on the screen during the natural pauses in the audio, and sometimes during dialogue if deemed necessary. To find an audio description session, select Audio Description or the 'AD' attribute from the Legend and Filters section on the cinema movie page.

• What options are available to HOYTS guests who are Hard of Hearing?

  HOYTS provides open and closed captioning facilities at all HOYTS locations. Captioning is the text version of speech and other sound that occurs within a film.   The CaptiView Closed Caption Viewing System for deaf or hard of hearing movie audiences consists of a small LED display on a bendable support arm that fits into the theatre seat cup holder. The easy to read screen is equipped with a high contrast display that comes with a privacy visor so it can be positioned directly in front of the guest, allowing them to read & watch the screen at the same time Look for the Closed Caption (CC) icon next to the session time of the selected movie.   Open Captioning provides a text version of speech and other sound on the big screen, generally at the bottom of the screen. No technology is required to take advantage of open captioning. Look for the Open Caption (OC) icon next to the session time of the selected movie.