I have only been to a movie theater on three occasions since my vision loss almost 14 years ago. The times that I have gone, it was about spending time with a friend, not the film, since it is terribly difficult to follow along without much sight.
I recently learned that most movie theaters offer Audio Description (AD) headsets to assist those of us with a visual impairment. I was anxious to try this out.
I love the first The Devil Wears Prada, and wanted to see the sequel as soon as it came out in order to prevent online revelations; there were already quite a few before the movie was even released.
A local theater, with only two screens, was going to be showing the film on its opening day, so I emailed them to confirm that what their website said was true, that they had Audio Description headsets. The answer was yes.
I picked up the device at the concession counter, along with popcorn and a Diet Coke. The headset was headphones, the style all the NFL players wear when they arrive at the stadium before the game. The woman who helped me explained that once the movie started, the Audio Description would begin, automatically syncing with the film. She apologized that the previews would not be described; I found this to be one of the few blessings in being visually impaired.
There was no cost to me for the assistive listening device, they are free of charge under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I cannot say the same about the popcorn or the drink.
I was skeptical: would the headset be annoying to wear, would the descriptions be distracting, would they be basic? The answer to all is a resounding no.
The headphones were lightweight and comfortable. The narration was meticulously coordinated with the dialogue, never overlapping. Detailed detail of on-screen action and settings was given:
“Andie exits the elevator into the Runway office. Her long brown hair is parted in the middle. She is wearing pearls around her neck. A white crew neck shirt is layered underneath a red Chanel jacket.”
On a Friday in May of 2026, something I had lost in late 2012 was returned to me. It was transformative. After all that time, I can now go “see” a movie in a theater and not miss one single thing.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 received mixed reviews, but I loved it. It will be added to those films I watch anytime, whenever it pops up on TV, no matter at what point it is in the story. And I will always remember that Miranda, Andie, Nigel and Emily were a part of my own movie: Sister Rain Wears A Headset. Spoiler alert: It has a very happy ending.
Sister Rain’s Note:
If you know anyone with a visual impairment, be sure to let them know that these Audio Description devices are available upon request at most major chains, including AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas; don’t discount independent theaters either. Just be careful, please. Although headsets don’t require a rating the way movies do, they should really come with a warning:
THIS DEVICE COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!
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