Would you pay $30 a month for an “all-you-can-watch” monthly pass to the movies? That’s the bet start-up MoviePass is making.
Dubbed the “Netflix for movie theaters,” MoviePass is bringing the subscription model to the big screen, allowing members to watch “unlimited” theater movies for one low price.
Here’s how it works: The MoviePass system consists of a mobile iPhone app (Android App coming soon) and Movie Pass debit card. Users pay a monthly fee which ranges from $24.99 a month for smaller rural residential areas to $39.99 a month for large metropolitan locations like New York City. The company claims the average user will pay $29.99 per month.
At the theater customers use the MoviePass app to select a movie and show time. The payment for the movie is then automatically loaded onto the MoviePass debit card (the user still only pays the monthly fee) and used to purchase the movie ticket.
“MoviePass gives moviegoers the opportunity to see the movies they want, at the theaters they want ““ perfect for film enthusiasts who are at the heart of Hollywood’s economic engine,” explains Stacy Spikes, cofounder of MoviePass.
While the service is not truly “unlimited” – you are only allowed one 2D movie per day – it does provide a significant bargain for the moderate to avid movie-going fan.
And because MoviePass uses a debit card format you can watch movies at any theater that accepts credit cards. This includes art house and independent film theaters that often offer better quality films.
MoviePass is currently taking users first from its waiting list (which you can sign up for here) before a roll-out later to the rest of the general public.
It’s no secret that movie theater attendance has declined dramatically. In 2011 the industry sold the fewest number of tickets since 1995. Rude audiences, crying children, sticky floors, and sky-high concession prices may have something to do with it. And with many flat screen home video systems providing cinema quality viewing, it’s little wonder few people are willing to trade the comfort of their homes for the movie theater.
Will MoviePass be just the thing to change that?
BMWK, do you prefer the comfort of your living room or the big screen movie theater experience? Would you be willing to pay $30 a month of an “all-you-can-watch” MoviePass?