Types of Screenings

Did you know there are a number of different types of screenings in UK cinemas, that are adapted for disabled people to ensure they can enjoy the big screen experience?

This section gives information on the different types of screenings listed on this website.
Whilst many cinemas can provide accessible screenings, there may be reasons why some cannot do so, or at least cannot do so immediately on a film’s release.

An increasing number of films – and the vast majority of major releases - are supplied to cinemas with ‘access tracks’, specifically subtitles (on-screen captions) and audio description.

But that is not true of all films, and even where these are available, they may not be supplied until a week or two after the initial release of the film.

So while it may seem that cinemas should be able to simply ‘switch on’ the subtitles or audio description for any film on demand, that is unfortunately not the case. The cinema will need to have the relevant version of the film (with access tracks) and to have had time to check to ensure that the access tracks are working properly.

It is always best to check first to see what is available at your local cinema. .