Dubbed Movies: Austria's Cinematic Experience

Austria has a strong culture of dubbing films into German. While some cinemas in Vienna and larger towns show films in their original language, most cinemas show German-dubbed versions. However, some cinemas cater specifically to those who prefer to watch films in their original language, such as the English Cinema Haydn, which has been operating since 1912 and only shows films in their original version without subtitles.

Cinemas in Vienna show dubbed films in German

In Vienna, the majority of cinemas show films in German. While some cinemas in the city specialise in showing films in their original language, many of the larger cinemas will opt for German-dubbed versions.

The practice of dubbing films in German-speaking countries is a long-standing tradition. In the early days of cinema, films were either subtitled, dubbed, or remade in the local language. Although subtitling was the easiest option, it was also the most tiring for viewers. Remaking films was the most popular option, but also the most expensive. While dubbing was initially controversial, audiences soon found it more convenient to listen to dialogues in German than to read subtitles.

Cinemas in Vienna

Vienna has 28 cinemas and 147 cinema halls, so visitors are spoilt for choice. The Artis International cinema, located centrally in the oldest part of the city, shows films in their original language without subtitles. The English Cinema Haydn, established in 1912, is another popular choice for film fans, showing exclusively original version films without subtitles. The Burg Kino, founded in 1912, is one of the oldest cinemas in Europe and also screens films in their original version. The Top Kino is a combination of a good-looking bar and an indie cinema, making it a great location to spend the whole night. The Filmcasino has old-school charm, taking visitors back to the 1950s or 1960s. The Schikaneder is another small, indie cinema setup, showing less mainstream films in their original version or with subtitles. The Votiv Kino screens original versions of films with German subtitles, while its sister cinema, Cinema De France, screens original versions with or without subtitles, as well as films dubbed in German.

Some cinemas in Vienna show films in their original language

In Vienna, Austria, most films are dubbed into German. However, some cinemas in the city show films in their original language, without dubbing or subtitles. These cinemas include English Cinema Haydn, Artis International, and Votiv Cinema. English Cinema Haydn, located on Mariahilfer Strasse, is one of the oldest cinemas in Vienna, having been established in 1912. It shows exclusively original version films, mostly major Hollywood productions, and offers reasonable pricing and good quality. Artis International is a small, cosy cinema in the heart of the city's oldest part. It shows original version films, including family and children's movies. Votiv Cinema focuses on European films, offering original version films with German subtitles.

Other cinemas in Vienna that show original version films with subtitles include Cinema De France, Burg Kino, and Film Casino. Cinema De France is located near the university and is popular with students. Burg Kino is one of the oldest operating cinemas in the world, founded in 1912, and offers a sophisticated programme of artistic films and classics, as well as selected Hollywood productions. Film Casino, located in the 5th district, often shows films in their original version.

Subtitles are tiring for viewers

In Austria, most films are dubbed into German. However, there are cinemas that show films in their original language, with or without subtitles. Subtitles are tiring for viewers as they have to constantly shift their focus from the action on the screen to the text at the bottom. This can be distracting and take away from the overall cinematic experience.

In the early days of cinema, there were three options for translating a foreign film: subtitling, dubbing, or remaking the film in the local language. Subtitling was the easiest but was considered the most tiring for viewers. Remaking was the most popular but also the most expensive, and dubbing was the most controversial. Initially, dubbing made audiences uneasy, but over time, they found it more convenient to listen to dialogues in their language than to read subtitles.

Some people may prefer subtitles as they can better appreciate the original performances of the actors, including their tone of voice and facial expressions. However, for many viewers, the effort of reading subtitles can be exhausting and can take away from their enjoyment of the film.

In Vienna, there are cinemas that cater to different preferences. The English Cinema Haydn and Artis International show films exclusively in their original versions without subtitles. Other cinemas, such as Votiv Cinema and Cinema De France, offer a mix of original version films with or without subtitles and films dubbed in German.

While subtitles can be helpful for those who speak the language of the film, they can also be a source of distraction and fatigue for viewers who are constantly reading and trying to keep up with the action on the screen. Ultimately, it is up to the viewer to decide which format they prefer, and Vienna's diverse cinema offerings provide options for all tastes.

English-language films are dubbed in Austria

Austria has a strong dubbing culture, and most films are dubbed into German. However, there are some cinemas that show films in their original language, with or without subtitles.

In Vienna, for example, the English Cinema Haydn, located on the city's most popular high street, Mariahilfer Strasse, exclusively shows original version films without subtitles. Artis International, a small cinema in the heart of the city's oldest district, also shows films in their original language.

Other cinemas in Vienna, such as the Votiv Cinema and Cinema De France, offer a mix of original version films and German-dubbed or subtitled films.

Outside of the major cities, it may be more difficult to find cinemas showing films in their original language. However, some cinemas in smaller towns and provincial areas may offer subtitled films or original versions alongside German-dubbed options.

Overall, while English-language films are often dubbed in Austria, there are still options for viewers who prefer to watch films in their original language.

Some cinemas in Vienna show films in English

While Austria has a strong dubbing culture, Vienna is home to a large international community and many locals who want to watch films in English. As a result, several cinemas in Vienna show films in English or in their original language.

OV, OmU, and OmeU

When searching for films in English, look out for the following abbreviations in the cinema programme: OV (original version), OmU (original version with subtitles), and OmeU (original version with English subtitles).

Cinemas showing films in English

• English Cinema Haydn: This cinema has been showing films in English (without subtitles) since 1995. It is known as the go-to English-language cinema among internationals in the city. It is located on one of the main shopping streets, close to the Haydn monument, and can be easily reached via the U3 subway line.
• Artis International: This cinema is part of the Cineplexx company and is located in the heart of the first district. It shows Hollywood blockbusters and kids' films in English, without subtitles.
• Apollo: This cinema is home to blockbusters and 3D films. It occasionally shows films in their original version, mostly with subtitles.
• Top Kino: This cinema is also a good-looking and funky bar. It screens European movies and documentaries in their original versions with subtitles and hosts the annual human rights film festival, This Human World, at the end of November.
• Filmcasino: This cinema is known for its old-school charm, with a interior that is a throwback to the movie theatres of the 50s and 60s. It screens arthouse, indie, and international cinema, mostly with English subtitles.
• Schikaneder: This is another small, indie cinema that is integral to Vienna's film scene. It screens films in their original version or with subtitles.
• Votiv Kino: This cinema screens European movies in their original versions with German subtitles.
• Gartenbaukino: This cinema has one of the biggest screens and seating capacities in the city. It was founded in 1960 and has a retro foyer that is often rented out as a party venue.
• Burg Kino: Founded in 1912, this is one of the oldest cinemas in Europe. It screens a variety of genres, from blockbusters to documentaries and classics, in their original version (some with German subtitles).
• Filmhauskino am Spittelberg: This cinema opened at the end of 2017 and has become a favourite among film buffs. It shows arthouse and less-known indie films, mostly in their original language with subtitles.

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