Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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What is up with AMC theaters and their empty promise of providing audio descriptions for the blind? (self.Blind)
submitted by hothotnot
My brother is 100% blind. I tried taking him to the movies a few weeks ago thinking I would be able to take advantage of AMC's "assistive moviegoing" headsets. Of course, all it did was play the audio already coming from the movie track. This happened a year ago at another AMC when I tried to see Star Wars with him. Am I doing something wrong? Or are the AMC employees not aware how to work the devices? Has anyone had this work? Let me know of any theaters you know of that it might work in. I live in NJ.
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
rkingett 8 points 6y ago
It is most likely that none of them, except for the manager, know what audio description is. The best bet is to call ahead of time, make sure you speak to a manager, not some new intern or whatever, and have a clear and honest conversation with him. Also, I would even go as far as to tell about your previous times, and ask him if he can personally assist you guys the next time you go.
$1
$1
hothotnot [OP] 3 points 6y ago
I did call ahead of time. The employee seemed to be aware of what I wanted, and kept trying to help me as the movie was starting, but each headset he gave me did the same thing so I gave up. It was for Wonder Woman, so I assume it had audio captioning.
Alternatively, I wish there were MP3s I could download and just play them on my phone while the movie is playing. I googled a little bit and it doesn't look like there is anything like that, unfortunately.
Alternatively, I wish there were MP3s I could download and just play them on my phone while the movie is playing. I googled a little bit and it doesn't look like there is anything like that, unfortunately.
rkingett 3 points 6y ago
$1 Give this a try. It will not have all movies though.
JusBis 5 points 6y ago
This happens some times to me. If during the trailers you hear the audio for the trailers, they set it up wrong and gave you the one for hard of hearing. Go back out and let them know "blind" not "hard of hearing". Usually they can fix it before the movie starts. They have a 50:50
Shot of doing it right, so now at my AMC I just say "Nope the other way" .
One time they handed me a screen for the deaf... so if they give you the headset they are kinda paying some attention
Shot of doing it right, so now at my AMC I just say "Nope the other way" .
One time they handed me a screen for the deaf... so if they give you the headset they are kinda paying some attention
-shacklebolt- 2 points 6y ago
> One time they handed me a screen for the deaf...
I had this happen. Immediately asked for the manager because I knew she would be unable to help me... I was not wrong. The manager tried to coach her through setting up the fidelio system for me and failed entirely.
I had this happen. Immediately asked for the manager because I knew she would be unable to help me... I was not wrong. The manager tried to coach her through setting up the fidelio system for me and failed entirely.
-shacklebolt- 3 points 6y ago
https://www.amctheatres.com/assistive-moviegoing/guest-guide
The receiver devices have 2 channels of audio. One is audio description, the other is amplification. A lot of theater staff do not know how to set up the devices properly. You need to be really insistent to get the correct item, and can complain if the theater does not fix the problem. You are also entitled to a full refund plus a ticket to return another day if there is a problem with your description and you miss out on part of the movie because of it.
I go to AMC regularly. I would guess I have an issue around 25% of the time. I emphasize that I want audio description for blind people, check and make sure they understand what that is, and then ask them if they're sure it's set to the right channel (and that the device is on, and the light is not blinking rapidly) when they hand me the receiver.
The receiver devices have 2 channels of audio. One is audio description, the other is amplification. A lot of theater staff do not know how to set up the devices properly. You need to be really insistent to get the correct item, and can complain if the theater does not fix the problem. You are also entitled to a full refund plus a ticket to return another day if there is a problem with your description and you miss out on part of the movie because of it.
I go to AMC regularly. I would guess I have an issue around 25% of the time. I emphasize that I want audio description for blind people, check and make sure they understand what that is, and then ask them if they're sure it's set to the right channel (and that the device is on, and the light is not blinking rapidly) when they hand me the receiver.
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