Start with the name that belongs to the work
Two films can share an English title. A later sequel can appear under a local name that looks like the original. Record the year, director or lead cast from a source you can check. For a series, keep the season and episode number. A regional poster may still be for the same work even when the title and release date look different.
Separate four dates
A premiere date, a cinema release, a rental release and a subscription catalogue date can be different. Write which one you’re checking. If you are trying to watch tonight, look for the offer in your country and note whether it is included, rentable or available for purchase.
| What you are trying to confirm | What to use |
|---|---|
| Exact title | Original title, release year, season or cast. |
| Local availability | Publisher’s current offer for your country. |
| Language and captions | The audio and caption options on the specific title. |
| Whether a trailer is the film | The item type and runtime listed in the service. |
Ask about a title with enough detail
If an app shows art for a film but never starts, check whether the result is a trailer, a catalogue placeholder or an offer you already have. Compare the title on a second supported device using the same viewing account. For a subtitle issue, name the language and episode. Region and audio settings are more useful clues than the poster alone.