Captions in Movie Theaters - ​Open Captions and Closed Captions

Open-Captioned Movies
Opened-captioned movies show captions on the screen and are the preferred accommodation for people with hearing loss.  Read "Everyone Can Enjoy Going to the Movies!"

​Colorado Theaters Offer Open Caption Movies

 Theaters and Schedules - ​click here 
​Open Caption Movie Updates - click here 
Colorado Open-Caption-Movie Facebook Group - click here​

Did you know that open-captioned movies are different from TV's closed-captioning?
open-captioned movie symbol

Open Captions are shown inconspicuously 
on the bottom of a movie screen for all to see.  ​
​Open Captions at Movie Theaters:
  • have stationary captions on the bottom of the screen
  • take up very little space on the screen
  • are shown in easily readable phrases that are seen in sync with what you are watching on the screen.
Closed Captions on TV​​:
  • move around
  • scroll at varying speeds throughout the program
  • are inaccurate, garbled, and delayed
  • are not in sync with the scenes you are watching
Closed-Captioned Movies (CC)
Symbol for Closed Captions
Closed-captioned movies do not have captions on the screen.

​Movie goers must pick up an individual closed-captioning device at ticket counters.
​(devices are available at movie theaters that do not have Open-Captioned movies)
There are Two Types of Closed Captioning Devices for Individual Use
Closed Captioning Smart Glasses are attached to a small device with a neckloop that is worn around the neck.  These adjustable glasses enable captions in your field of vision while simultaneously watching the movie.
​
CaptiView Closed Captions use a device that sits in your cup holder and has a flexible arm for viewing. Once your movie begins, the device will display all the dialogue in the device window.
Both of these devices have drawbacks (which is why we need to advocate for open caption movies!)

They must be checked out at the ticket window and programmed for the specific movie when you buy your ticket.  You need to arrive earlier than usual to allow extra time to pick up the device and have the staff program it. Then, you must turn it in after the movie.
  • They are awkward and bulky to carry along with your coat, purse, concession items, and your ticket stub to enter the theater.
  • Limited supply at theaters, and are often not operational which you do not find out until the movie starts, and you have to leave your seat to find staff.
  • Although they can fit over prescription glasses, these glasses are heavy on your nose!
  • Since these are put in your cup holder, there is no place to put your beverage
  • Captiview falls out of the cup holder.
​
We suggest you check the individual theater first for device quantity/availability of  the ALD device they have, and whether headset or necklook is utilized.