Don’t we all enjoy watching movies? Others specifically carve out time for them from their busy schedules, while some of us watch them in our spare time. If you fall into the latter category and can’t bear to miss seeing a good movie on opening day, you may already be aware of the financial costs associated with this passion. However, by using the MoviePass service, you can watch all the movies in theatres that you want to while also saving a tonne of money. If you’re wondering what MoviePass is, the following information should help:
What is MoviePass?
MoviePass is a subscription-based service startup that enables you to watch one movie per day for the duration of the entire month for a set price. It is led by Mitch Lowe, a co-founder of Netflix. The service is available in 91% of US movie theatres and is functional during blackout periods. It aims to change the current trend of online streaming by encouraging more viewers to watch movies in theatres.
If we look closely at its past, we can see that MoviePass is a relatively new business. Since its founding in 2011, it has been attempting to gain the recognition it deserves. Although it initially encountered some resistance from various theatre chains due to its direct attack on the revenues of movie theatres, it has managed to withstand the test of time.
How to Use MoviePass?
Use of MoviePass is comparatively easy. You must sign up on their website first. Either your email address or your Facebook account can be used for that. Pay the first month’s subscription fee next using your PayPal account or a credit card. Your MoviePass card should arrive in the mail in the following 7 business days. From that day forward, your monthly subscription will begin.
Once you have your card, you may use their free app (Android/iOS) to browse nearby theatres and showtimes (within 100 yards) that accept the MoviePass card. Once you’ve chosen a performance, use the app to check in, then simply present this card and swipe it to purchase tickets at the box office or ticket kiosk. The precise amount required to buy a ticket for that movie is credited to your MoviePass card when you check in, and it is then deducted when you swipe it.
How does MoviePass Make Money?
It seems obvious that MoviePass will lose a lot of money if it continues to offer one movie every day for a monthly subscription that is only slightly more expensive than the price of one ticket. This is particularly true given that they have not yet acquired the clientele they had anticipated. However, a majority of MoviePass’s stakes were recently sold to the New York-based data business Helios and Matheson Analytics in order to reduce these losses and potentially make the service profitable. With this acquisition, the data company hopes to gather information on the service users’ viewing habits in order to target them with customised ads and other marketing materials.
Pros and Cons of MoviePass
A superb service has advantages and disadvantages. MoviePass is not flawless, just like anything else in this world. While there are many wonderful aspects of this service that you will adore, there are also some drawbacks that may cause you to consider stopping use of it. I’ve included some of MoviePass’s benefits and drawbacks below to help you decide whether to try it or not.
Pros:
- If you re into movies, you ll save money
- No blackout dates
- Covers around 91% theaters in the US (or at least they claim so)
- MoviePass bears whatever the actual price of tickets is
- Keeps a record of your watched movies
Cons:
- No IMAX or 3D movies; only 2D
- You must be within 100 yards of the theater to check-in
- Only one ticket per subscription
- Same movie can t be watched twice
- Their website has been slow lately
MoviePass: Pricing and Availability
We have observed many changes to their pricing strategy over time. The most current one, which just went into effect, costs $9.95 per month. With this, you’re only allowed to watch one movie each day and only once per movie. Regarding availability, it is now solely offered in the US, with more than 36,000 screens and 4,000 theatres. If their business plan is successful, we can anticipate seeing this service offered in other nations as well.
Should you use MoviePass?
The limitations of MoviePass are the only thing keeping someone from purchasing a subscription. However, if you enjoy watching movies and don’t mind attending alone, you should definitely sign up for this service. Personally, I’d like to see a few more improvements made to the service, such as different membership categories that permit more than just one person to watch a movie and the option to pay a fee for IMAX or 3D films rather than having to pay full price for them.
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Submit your Verdict: MoviePass or Not
I already said that nothing is perfect. The idea of seeing a movie every day of the month for the cost of one showing appeals to some people, but the restrictions turn off others. Regardless of what others may say, I’ve previously covered every advantage and disadvantage of MoviePass. Additionally, you can give it a try for at least a month before deciding whether or not you want to renew your subscription. Whatever conclusion you come to, please share it with me in the space provided below.
