If you’re a fan of going to the movies, actually in the theater, Movie Pass is for you! For just $10/month you can see a movie a day.
Created by Netflix co-founder and former Redbox president Mitch Lowe, launched the service in 2011, but at $50 a month it didn’t get a lot of buzz. Then this past summer they lowered it to $9.95/month and guess what- it’s taking off. I tried to join in September, but kept getting kicked off the website when I tried to sign up. And then over Thanksgiving weekend I tried again. It went through and less than a week later I got my card in the mail. I was ready to check out some flicks.
Here’s how it works, you must download the Movie Pass app and allow it access to your location. It will then tell you what theaters in your area accept the pass. I live in Springboro and when I logged in I have the option of using the card at the Dayton South Rave, Huber Heights or The Greene, The Neon, Regal Hollywood Stadium 20 at Fairfield Commons, The Plaza Theatre in Miamisburg the Byjo Theatre in Germantown, the Little Art in Yellow Springs and more.
Once you figure out what movie you want to see, you drive to the theater and then when you are within 100 feet of the entry you check in to the movie you want. This loads money onto the card that will pay for your show when you swipe the card like a credit card at the counter. (Just an FYI- your check in doesn’t guarantee you a seat- so you must still arrive early).
I had some concerns that perhaps Movie Pass might hurst local theaters, so I asked Jonathan McNeal from The Neon about it. Here’s what he had to say:
“MoviePass has been around for quite a while and THE NEON has accepted it for years. When they lowered their membership price, a bunch of free press created much wider awareness. It does not hurt our bottom line. The transaction is completed like a traditional credit card, and the entire ticket amount gets paid to THE NEON.
There’s a bit of a learning curve that comes with the card. Don’t let their tag line fool you. “Any Theater. Any Movie. Any Day.” That’s not entirely true. You can’t just pull it out and use it any old time at the box office. You must first install an app and approve the transaction before you approach the ticket counter at the cinema of your choice. (Of course we hope your choice is at THE NEON.)”
So far in the first month I’ve had the card I’ve seen five movies- so do the math, that’s $2 a flick- a true bargain! And I have to admit, there is something great about seeing films on the big screen without any distractions. The only drawback is, if you go with friends, each of you have to purchase your ticket individually, so be aware, might not be great on a date. It’s also not valid on 3D or Imax films.
So bottomline, while I can’t figure out how this company will every make any money on this, I highly suggest getting or giving MoviePass to your friends who love films.
