The average price for a movie ticket in the United States reached an all-time high of $8.97 in 2017, according to the National Association of Theater Owners.
With ticket prices gradually rising, MoviePass offers movie-goers the opportunity to watch unlimited movies for a small monthly fee.
For less than the price of an adult ticket at AMC, MoviePass gives movie-goers the chance to watch any movie at any time.
Typically the service charges $9.95 a month, but it is currently offering a $7.95 per month promotion for a limited time with a 12-month commitment.
“I bought it because movies are a great form of entertainment,” said Zach Perry, junior health science major. “MoviePass definitely saves me money in the long run.”
MoviePass functions by sending the user a debit card in the mail. Once received, the user selects the movie he or she would like to watch from the MoviePass app and the debit card is credited with the exact price of the ticket.
For film fanatics such as Tess Farrand, senior film studies major, MoviePass is a practical solution to keep up with movies released throughout the year.
“One of the reasons I wanted to get (MoviePass) was because I love awards season and I always miss one or two movies,” Farrand said. “MoviePass is great because I use it to study up for the Oscars. I’m close to seeing all of this year’s nominations.”
Though MoviePass has many benefits, there are some limitations as to what the pass can do.
With ticketing services such as Fandango and reserved seating, showing up to the theater on a films opening night and scoring a good seat is rare.
Another limitation to the pass is that it only allows moviegoers to watch in standard 2D format. This excludes all other forms of viewing including 3D, IMAX and Dolby Cinema.
Since the debit card is credited with funds by MoviePass, it is possible to use the card to purchase 3D and IMAX tickets, but it is against the terms and agreements of the pass and the user risks termination.
Tickets can only be purchased same day and the user must be within 100 yards of the designated theater. Despite these limitations, some still find the MoviePass business model an affordable way to watch movies.
“My roommates and I have MoviePass and have seen about 10 to 12 movies,” said Walker Goodman, senior aviation flight major.
MoviePass currently works in 91 percent of theaters across the United States and can
be purchased online at MoviePass.com.
