Earcatch & Subcatch

ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

We think it is important that everyone can enjoy film in our cinemas. That is why we work together with the free apps Subcatch and Earcatch so that visitors with a visual or hearing impairment can also come to Pathé to enjoy the best films. Many visitors who use the apps are happy with this service. Although Subcatch and Earcatch were developed in collaboration with panels of more than 100 people, we know that they do not yet provide the right solution for everyone. This is why we are in contact with the Audiovisual Accessibility Foundation to keep abreast of the latest developments in this field.

Both apps are designed in such a way that they do not cause any inconvenience to other filmgoers.

SUBCATCH

FOR VISITORS WITH A HEARING IMPAIRMENT (SUBTITLES FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING)

The Subcatch app contains special subtitles for Dutch-language cinema films and documentaries, allowing deaf and hard-of-hearing people to follow them as well. The special feature of this app's technology is that the user can access the film or documentary at any screening in any cinema or movie theatre via a smartphone or tablet. Both the app and the subtitles are available to users free of charge.
 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Prior to the film, you can download the Subcatch app. Using new technology, Subcatch offers an effective solution for providing subtitles in the cinema via smartphone or tablet. By listening to the sound of the film, Subcatch is able to synchronise, so the subtitles automatically follow the film. For each film, it is indicated whether Subcatch is possible by means of the feature Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

You can find more information on the Subcatch website.

EARCATCH

FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED VISITORS (AUDIO DESCRIPTION FOR THE BLIND/VISUALLY IMPAIRED)

The Earcatch app includes audio description for a large number of films. The audio description can be downloaded and played via the app and automatically synchronises with the sound in the cinema or from your television or computer. Thanks to Earcatch, the audio description offer is free and easily accessible to users. Audio description is the technology that makes film and television accessible to the blind and visually impaired, among others. The sound of the film is supplemented by an additional audio track. During pauses in the dialogue, a voice-over describes visual elements of the film such as the characters, facial expressions, placement and developments in the storyline.
 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Using the Earcatch app, you can download the audio description file of the film of your choice onto your smartphone or tablet in advance. When the film starts, you start playing the audio description. Using sound recognition, Earcatch ensures that audio description and film are exactly synchronised. The user listens to the audio description through headphones or an earpiece.  For each film, it is indicated whether Earcatch is possible by means of the feature Audiodescription for the blind and visually impaired.