How to Use Closed Captioning at AMC Theatres

AMC Theatres supports captions in two ways. Closed captioning uses a personal display device that only you can see. Open caption showings put the subtitles on the main screen for everyone. This guide covers how to find a captioned screening, get and set up a closed caption device, and fix the most common problems.

Before you start

Closed captioning at AMC happens in the auditorium. You don't need an account, app or download. The theatre provides the device, and the caption text comes with the film, so captions are only available when the distributor supplies them for that title.

• Confirm that your film and showtime offer closed captions. Check the showtime details or ask the theatre.

• Decide whether you want closed captions on a personal device or an open caption showing with subtitles on the main screen.

• Plan to arrive early. Each location has a limited number of devices, and staff need time to prepare one.

• If you're unsure whether a location has working devices, call that theatre before your visit.

Step-by-step instructions

• 1. Find a captioned showtime. Open the film's showtimes in the AMC app or on the website and look for accessibility labels such as closed caption or open caption. Labels and layout can change between versions, so if you can't find them, ask the theatre directly.

• 2. Pick the format. For a personal device, choose a showing listed with closed captions. For on-screen subtitles without a device, choose an open caption showing if your theatre offers one.

• 3. Buy your ticket as usual. Closed captioning doesn't need a special ticket type, but keep the auditorium number handy.

• 4. Ask for a device at the box office or guest services. Name the film, showtime and auditorium. Devices are usually set up for a specific auditorium, so a device prepared for another room may not show your film's captions. Staff can explain any checkout rules at that location.

• 5. Install it at your seat. The device typically fits into the seat's cup holder and has a flexible arm with a small display. Bend the arm so the display sits just below the screen in your line of sight. If there's a visor, adjust it to reduce glare for you and the people nearby.

• 6. Wait for the feature to begin. Captions usually start with the movie itself, so a blank display during ads and trailers is normal.

• 7. Return the device after the film to the staff member or the drop-off point you were given.

Check the output

Once the movie starts, captions should appear and follow the dialogue closely. Check the first few lines against what you hear or see on screen. If nothing appears after the feature has clearly started, or the text belongs to a different film, the device is probably set for the wrong auditorium or has a low battery. Go back to staff early so they can swap it before you miss much of the film.

Keep the limits in mind. The display is small and shows a few lines at a time. Caption wording and timing come from the film's caption file, not the theatre, so minor differences from spoken dialogue are possible. Captions typically don't cover pre-show ads or trailers.

Common problems and next steps

• No captions listed for your showtime: try another showtime or location, or look for an open caption screening of the same film. The theatre can confirm whether captions exist for that title.

• No devices available: devices are limited and may already be checked out or charging. Call ahead for busy showings, or choose an open caption screening.

• Blank or frozen display during the movie: make sure the device is on and the display faces you, then ask staff for a replacement or a reset to the correct auditorium.

• Captions out of sync: report it to staff during the showing. Note roughly when it started so they can check the device or the presentation.

• Wrong device type: audio description devices for blind and low-vision guests use headphones and narration, not text. If you received headphones, ask for a closed caption device instead.

• Watching the AMC TV network or AMC+ at home: theatre devices don't apply. Turn on captions in your TV, streaming device or app subtitle settings.