Could ‘Moviepass’ Save Your Local Theater?

There is no denying that going to the movies these days can be expensive, with tickets running between $10-12 (more if its 3-D), and that’s not including the trip to the concession stand. Naturally, this has caused a decline in ticket sales, which causes a bump in prices (see the pattern). Well, Moviepass, which is currently in beta, is hoping to relieve some of that pressure with an all-you-can-watch subscription to the movies.

Moviepass will cost between $25-40 per month, depending on your location, according to a report by TechCrunch. It will allow you to watch up to one movie per day, and its no more difficult than buying tickets online. You open the app, pick out the movie you want to see, and Moviepass adds funds to its pre-paid debit card. Then you just show up, buy your tickets at the box office, and enjoy the show. If you’re a big movie fan (or a budgetless film critic) the service could essentially pay for itself with just one show per week.

The news isn’t all good though. As both TechCrunch and Gizmodo pointed out earlier this week, individual theater companies are reluctant to partner with the fledgling service. They are worried about giving up their ability to set those high prices, fearing an even larger loss of revenue, even if it means more moviegoers at the concessions. Moviepass will have to prove its worth if it ever wants to get out of beta, and establish what could be a lucrative partnership with major theaters. Currently, there are more than 70000 people on the beat’s waiting list.

Sound like something you;d be interested in? Ad someone who sees upwards of 5 or 6 movies a month (sometimes more in the summer and winter), I know I’d be game. Already on the list? Let us know!