So how much longer do you all give Movie Pass?

When I signed up the deal was one movie per day. Conceivably I could see a movie every day of the year if I desired. The only restrictions were on imax, 3D, and special events (like the Fathom Events screenings).

I paid in full for a year to get a promo rate.

Since I joined they’ve added surge pricing, forced you to upload copies of your ticket stub, and now we come to find out they’re going to eliminate “big new releases” altogether.

They had to take out a huge loan last week just to keep the lights on, the app had a nationwide outage that prevented people from buying tickets Thursday night, and it’s been glitchy all week. Their customer service is non-existent, and whoever was in charge of the Facebook page has pretty much given up, as it’s one complaint after another. They really don’t seem to care about alienating customers.

Is this the end? Do you think their demise is imminent (like Labor Day), or will they plod along unfil the end of the year?

For context...here’s today’s news:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.businessinsider.com/moviepass-ceo-says-tickets-to-major-releases-will-not-be-available-on-app-2018-7

Updated On: 7/30/18 at 11:09 PM

I don’t see that many ways forward for them, considering they’re completely out of money.

My guess: If they do survive, they’ll do so by becoming a sort of IndiePass, limiting usage of the card to indie films and smaller theater chains that are more likely to make deals with them. I realize that’d alienate a majority of their customers, who are only interested in blockbusters or who only have big chains in their area—but that might not be such a bad thing, seeing as how this is one service where more members equals more money lost for the company.

Personally speaking, that move would be fine with me—I’ll subscribe to AMC A-List for the blockbusters, and I’d still maintain “free” access to the specialty chains (like Angelika and Landmark) and the great repertory art house in my area.

Anyways: It’ll be interesting to see how the next few weeks play out—or if they're even still around in a week. As someone who was already going to the theater several times a month before MoviePass, the card has been an amazing value for me. Fingers crossed that they’re able to find some sustainable model that isn’t completely restrictive (“weekday early bird matinees of A24-distributed films at Landmark Theaters only." )

Updated On: 7/31/18 at 08:54 AM

I first purchased moviepass a few years ago for $34.99 a month. So, on average, if you saw one movie a week, it paid for itself. I used it for Oscar season then cancelled-- until the $9.95 a month deal.

I knew it wouldn't last at that price. I knew it was unsustainable and I knew the terms would probably have to change to keep the company going. Going forward, I see them increasing the monthly cost to $25 or $35 again. If they don't, they'll be dead by Halloween.

Honestly, changing the terms and conditions doesn't upset me all that much. Any way to see a movie without paying $10, $12, $15 a shot is worth it to me. I still have a better financial outcome with moviepass than without it. I just hope I can get another Oscar season out of them...

Updated On: 7/31/18 at 09:08 AM

I've had Movie Pass almost since Day One. It has treated me extremely well and I've seen dozens more movies than I'd have otherwise.

I've stuck by them and referred many friends, but their business model turned upside down when they dropped to $10/mo. They should have left it at $20 or $30/mo and had a sustainable product. Now it's at the point that I can't see anything I want when I want because everything's blacked out for days and days and days when it's a new release and by the time it's not blacked out I've lost interest or I shell out cash for it. Side note: maybe that's part of their strategy.

It's a bummer.

I'm considering AMC's version when my "pay for 9 months and get 3 months free" thing expires. AMC's is $20/mo and actually works (at AMC theaters, which I mostly frequent anyway due to location).

https://www.cnet.com/news/take-that-moviepass-sinemia-offers-3-movies-per-month-for-9-99/?ftag=CAD7dba523&bhid=18763139336038148894810523898284



A friend sent me this article. I’d never heard of Sinemia before, but it sounds like a much better option than MoviePass.