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With Dumbo already in cinemas, Avengers Endgame just around the corner, and Aladdin and Lion King steadily approaching, we’re sure the kids can’t wait to visit their nearest cinemas for the 3D fight scenes, magical live actions and sing-a-long scores. But the bang-boom-pow, bright-lights experience, isn’t always fun for all children.
Also read: Dumbo, Aladdin and The Lion King: Are these Disney live-action remakes really for kids?
For children who have sensory issues, are on the autism disorder spectrum or may be just a little afraid of the dark, Regal Cinemas in the US introduced the My Way Matinee program – a sensory-friendly movie-going experience.
The experience is different in that the lights are turned up and the volume is turned down, ensuring that children who may be sensitive to sound, along with texture, sights, tastes and smells, can still enjoy the film.
Read more here: Moving autism on TV beyond the genius stereotype
POPSUGAR added that special screenings are also held once a month in which children can sing and dance along with their favourite characters.
Sandra Heinig, director of public relations at Regal, explained that the company strives to be "the best place to watch a movie," and that means creating "positive, lasting memories for all moviegoers."
Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro have yet to add sensory-friendly screenings to their list of prestige, extreme experiences, but we feel a pleasant, standard experience for each and every person is way more important than improving the quality of having things virtually fly at your face.
So somebody contact the Big Screens – we're sure this will give them one up on streaming services.
Chat back:
Are you or do you have a child who is on the spectrum? Would sensory-friendly screenings make the movie-going experience more pleasant for your family? What has your experience been in the past? Tell us your story and we may publish it.
