PSA-Are you using the $9.95 monthly MoviePass to see movie? Then use it while you still can because

[Aikouka]

I just cancelled my subscription. Honestly, from previous opinions, I really should have done this months ago, but much like the "Netflix effect", it's easy to ignore small payments.

I think I'm locked in at a lower rate for a year (well, like 6 months or something now) so I don't think this price hike affects me. I think. And I can kinda understand their $2-$6 fee for popular movies at popular times, it at least makes some sense, but the whole "barring people from opening weekend" thing doesn't make sense to me.

My problem is that it's not like the movie is more expensive during its initial few weeks... at least not on a per-ticket basis. However, I assume newer movies are more expensive to MoviePass given that's when a large chunk of the ticket sales are. The problem is... doesn't that go against the entire "see a movie a day for one monthly rate" mantra? On the other hand, I'm fine if MoviePass would say "You can go see IMAX, but you'll have to pay a small fee per ticket due to the increased ticket price." because there's an actual difference in price there on our end.

Soon afterwards, they decided that you would also have to submit a pic of your ticket stub as well. I thought this was odd and assumed it was to prevent some form of fraud that they were being taken advantage of. The app makes it very easy to submit so, it's not a big deal.

I thought it wasn't a huge problem until my ticket failed to print properly for Mission Impossible Fallout. I still had an e-mail confirmation, so I had no problem getting into the movie and the theater staff was made aware of the issue after it only affected two of us, but if I needed to submit a ticket picture... I'm not sure a blank ticket would work.

I don't even understand why they would have a surge charge at all since they pay the same amount no matter how many seats are sold.

They pay the same price per ticket on week 1 as they do on week 4, but the issue is that they are likely selling far more tickets in week 1. In other words, it's not about how much they pay per ticket, it's about how many tickets they're having to buy. By limiting popular movies or forcing extra fees, they help recoup some of the higher outgoing money due to higher demand.

At my local theatre, you can't buy tickets ahead of time through MoviePass. My theatre also uses assigned seating that you pick when you purchase your ticket.

This is pretty much why I never was able to use the service. I like seeing movies on opening night, and people around me even get used to asking me for my thoughts on them. (Whether they agree with my opinion is another story. ) Popular movies pretty much require you to buy tickets weeks in advance, and that just isn't possible with MoviePass. Of course, it doesn't help that I'm sort of picky about my seat preference.

The math is easy to do and see it'a a losing game, but the company was supposed to make the money up on the back end by selling customer data generated via their app. From the beginning it sounded like they had pretty unrealistically high hopes for how much revenue it would generate, and now it's obvious they fell a little short.

The fact that they got so many investors to drink the cool-aid and take the ride with them is either a testament to their sales skills and/or human stupidity/greed.

I think they needed to start off a bit slower. They could've easily offered up to 4 tickets per month, and that's still a really good deal for $10... especially since $10 is an average price for a non-matinee ticket. It would essentially be a buy-one-get-three-free deal. They got hit so hard by people that went in hard on the "movie a day" premise that it destroyed their bottom line.

As for the investors, I think people wanted to try to get in on what could be the next Netflix.

 

[allisolm]

They changed conditions yet again. https://money.cnn.com/2018/08/06/media/moviepass-three-movies-per-month/index.html

Now it's 3 movies a month starting Aug 15th for $9.99 per month. More that that and it will save you $5 on each ticket.

No more surge pricing. No more sending in pic of ticket stub.The new plan will also include "many major studio first-run films." Doesn't say all first-run, just many.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

I don't know why anyone would choose MoviePass over AMC's A-List besides not having an AMC in their area at this point.

 

[Paladin3]

I got in at the beginning and saw lots and lots of movies for my $9.95/month, but anyone with half a brain knew it wasn't a profitable business model. Seems it was all funded by fraud and was basically a ponzi scheme requiring endless new investors to pay expenses. The only ones making any money were the corporate officers getting paid in cash.

The whole affair makes me feel bad that I was a subscriber. I made out like a bandit, but the investors are losing everything.

 

[Sonikku]

The math was deeply questionable even by so basement dwellers. Some investments pay off and some don't. That's likely true no matter how much you study and prepare. But I cannot help but think any investor that went all in on Moviepass only have themselves to blame.

 

[Aves]

I don't know why anyone would choose MoviePass over AMC's A-List besides not having an AMC in their area at this point.

I switched to A-List right away but I fully expect that when MoviePass tanks AMC will raise the price. AMC was the most vocal about MoviePass when the $10 option came out and I think they priced A-List just low enough to get people to cancel MoviePass which would accelerate their demise.

 

[Paladin3]

Got this in my email today, anyone still subscribed is a sucker:

To our members:

Today we are rolling out our new subscription plan that was announced last week. We believe this new model provides great value to the MoviePass community and, equally important, ensures that we can continue to provide these benefits for you to enjoy into the future.

As we transition to the new subscription plan, we want to share more details about our service moving forward as part of our commitment to keep you fully informed. For the time being, we will be limiting the films and showtimes that are available to members each day. During this transition period, MoviePass will offer up to six films to choose from daily, including a selection of major studio first-run films and independent releases. In addition, showtime availability may be limited depending on the popularity of those films on the app that particular day.

While the films and showtimes available in the app will change daily, the schedule of available film selections will be published at least a week in advance on the MoviePass website so members can plan ahead for the films they want to see. [URL='https://moviepass.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=66423070296f425eb624814c5&id=5129606f74&e=8b7fe2baca']Click here to see the current schedule.[/url] Please note that e-ticketing will continue to include ALL movies and showtimes with no restrictions. Because actual availability will change daily, we encourage our members to always check the MoviePass app before leaving for the theater.

As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of our $9.95 subscription offering, we want to thank you -- our millions of members -- for your loyalty and for your continued support. We’ll have some exciting updates on additional features and service offerings -- that will bring greater value to you as a member -- in the near future.


Mitch Lowe

 

[AznAnarchy99]

Got this in my email today, anyone still subscribed is a sucker:

To our members:

Today we are rolling out our new subscription plan that was announced last week. We believe this new model provides great value to the MoviePass community and, equally important, ensures that we can continue to provide these benefits for you to enjoy into the future.

As we transition to the new subscription plan, we want to share more details about our service moving forward as part of our commitment to keep you fully informed. For the time being, we will be limiting the films and showtimes that are available to members each day. During this transition period, MoviePass will offer up to six films to choose from daily, including a selection of major studio first-run films and independent releases. In addition, showtime availability may be limited depending on the popularity of those films on the app that particular day.

While the films and showtimes available in the app will change daily, the schedule of available film selections will be published at least a week in advance on the MoviePass website so members can plan ahead for the films they want to see. Click here to see the current schedule. Please note that e-ticketing will continue to include ALL movies and showtimes with no restrictions. Because actual availability will change daily, we encourage our members to always check the MoviePass app before leaving for the theater.

As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of our $9.95 subscription offering, we want to thank you -- our millions of members -- for your loyalty and for your continued support. We’ll have some exciting updates on additional features and service offerings -- that will bring greater value to you as a member -- in the near future.


Mitch Lowe

That's way too much work to just watch a movie.

I reserved a seat for Sunday to watch Crazy Rich Asians with a click of a button with A-List.

 

[Paladin3]

This arrived in my email box today, even though I've canceled my subscription and asked to unsubscribe from their emails. I love the pleading and then threatening tone of the email. I love the part where they say "...must accept these changes to your plan TODAY" or they will cancel your existing plan. Seem their telling all their current customers to fuck off.

Hi Rich,

As a reminder, we're introducing a new pricing plan that retains the features you love most and removes the ones you don't. Most importantly, this new plan will ensure that we can run a sustainable business and continue providing you with an amazing deal to go see movies in theaters.

Under this new plan, MoviePass members are able to see up to three standard movies a month for $9.95. We're also suspending Ticket Verification and Peak Pricing on this new plan. Additionally, if you'd like to see more than three movies a month, you can purchase them through the MoviePass app and receive a $2.00 to $5.00 discount. The exact discount will be calculated using various factors including geography and the movie title, and will be visible to you in the app before you check-in. Once you receive your ticket, the cost of the ticket minus the discount will be charged to the credit card linked to your MoviePass account.

By clicking the "I Accept" button below, your new plan will go into effect at the start of your next billing cycle, which is TOMORROW.

In order to continue with a MoviePass membership, you must accept these changes to your plan TODAY. If you don't wish to proceed, your MoviePass membership will be cancelled. Note that if you have recently cancelled your MoviePass subscription, clicking "I Accept" will reactivate your account under the new plan.

Read more details here.

 

[ultimatebob]

This arrived in my email box today, even though I've canceled my subscription and asked to unsubscribe from their emails. I love the pleading and then threatening tone of the email. I love the part where they say "...must accept these changes to your plan TODAY" or they will cancel your existing plan. Seem their telling all their current customers to fuck off.

Hi Rich,

As a reminder, we're introducing a new pricing plan that retains the features you love most and removes the ones you don't. Most importantly, this new plan will ensure that we can run a sustainable business and continue providing you with an amazing deal to go see movies in theaters.

Under this new plan, MoviePass members are able to see up to three standard movies a month for $9.95. We're also suspending Ticket Verification and Peak Pricing on this new plan. Additionally, if you'd like to see more than three movies a month, you can purchase them through the MoviePass app and receive a $2.00 to $5.00 discount. The exact discount will be calculated using various factors including geography and the movie title, and will be visible to you in the app before you check-in. Once you receive your ticket, the cost of the ticket minus the discount will be charged to the credit card linked to your MoviePass account.

By clicking the "I Accept" button below, your new plan will go into effect at the start of your next billing cycle, which is TOMORROW.

In order to continue with a MoviePass membership, you must accept these changes to your plan TODAY. If you don't wish to proceed, your MoviePass membership will be cancelled. Note that if you have recently cancelled your MoviePass subscription, clicking "I Accept" will reactivate your account under the new plan.

Read more details here.

Did they seriously only give one day for people to reply to their e-mail, or get their account cancelled?

Wow... it's almost like they have a bar bet with some VC's on how quickly they can kill the company. Put me in for a month

 

[Red Storm]

I don't know why anyone would choose MoviePass over AMC's A-List besides not having an AMC in their area at this point.

We have several theaters that have discount days around us, so signing up for any of these plans makes no sense (if local theaters have those discount days).

 

[draknon]

Things got really bad with MoviePass for a few weeks after my post on 8/1. It got to the point where there were 0 movies available at my local theater. Sometimes a few movies would be listed as available in the morning, but by noon they would all go away. I went into a few no so friendly complaint sessions with MoviePass on Twitter and in the chat feature in the MoviePass app. Things got a little better after they pushed the monthly subscribers to the new plan or they cancelled. Now, I get 2-4 movie options everyday and they stay available instead of randomly disappearing. The choices seem to change ever day or every other day. I have watched 6 movies with MoviePass in the last 2 weeks.

 

[Aikouka]

This arrived in my email box today, even though I've canceled my subscription and asked to unsubscribe from their emails. I love the pleading and then threatening tone of the email. I love the part where they say "...must accept these changes to your plan TODAY" or they will cancel your existing plan. Seem their telling all their current customers to fuck off.

They sent me a weird e-mail after I cancelled that really made it sound like they were going to keep charging me (they were describing the new plan to me and gave me a similar accept button). I had to go back and check again to make sure that I was, in fact, cancelled. It looks like I'm good, but it was a bit disconcerting.

 

[Dr. Zaus]

Things got really bad with MoviePass for a few weeks after my post on 8/1. It got to the point where there were 0 movies available at my local theater. Sometimes a few movies would be listed as available in the morning, but by noon they would all go away. I went into a few no so friendly complaint sessions with MoviePass on Twitter and in the chat feature in the MoviePass app. Things got a little better after they pushed the monthly subscribers to the new plan or they cancelled. Now, I get 2-4 movie options everyday and they stay available instead of randomly disappearing. The choices seem to change ever day or every other day. I have watched 6 movies with MoviePass in the last 2 weeks.

It's a ploy. You can't trust your credit card with these people any more.

 

[Paladin3]

They sent me a weird e-mail after I cancelled that really made it sound like they were going to keep charging me (they were describing the new plan to me and gave me a similar accept button). I had to go back and check again to make sure that I was, in fact, cancelled. It looks like I'm good, but it was a bit disconcerting.

I cancelled, then got charged for a new month the very next day. I had no idea when my monthly renewal was scheduled, so I am giving them the benefit of the doubt that I cancelled too late for it to stop that month's charge. So far they haven't charged me again, but the way they keep emailing me even though I've unsubscribed, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to.

 

[balloonshark]

It looks like it's back and the waiting list opens in less than 2 day. https://www.moviepass.com/

MoviePass Is Relaunching in September After Failing in 2019 (Published 2022)

The company was driven out of business three years ago after offering customers a too-good-to-be-true subscription model.

www.nytimes.com

The other anand moviepass topic. https://forums.anandtech.com/thread...-6-95-per-month-for-unlimited-movies.2541335/

 

[Muadib]

Moviepass failed before I thought it would last time. How do they plan to make a buck now in the age of Covid?

I can't read the nytimes piece, as I'm not joining just to read one story.

 

[K1052]

Moviepass failed before I thought it would last time. How do they plan to make a buck now in the age of Covid?

I can't read the nytimes piece, as I'm not joining just to read one story.

It looks like they've tried to restructure with tiered pricing so they don't loose (as much) money I guess. The current problem is the lack of film supply from the studios, not COVID. The industry had a fantastic June and July because there was stuff to see. All the VFX houses are jammed with production ramping again all at the same time which has led to delays.

 

[Muadib]

It looks like they've tried to restructure with tiered pricing so they don't loose (as much) money I guess. The current problem is the lack of film supply from the studios, not COVID. The industry had a fantastic June and July because there was stuff to see. All the VFX houses are jammed with production ramping again all at the same time which has led to delays.

The lack of supply was/is due to Covid. Projects keep getting pushed into the future. Perhaps that's coming to an end. Then again I'm pretty sure Moviepass died in 2019.

 

[K1052]

The lack of supply was/is due to Covid. Projects keep getting pushed into the future. Perhaps that's coming to an end.

"age of COVID" makes it sound like there is a demand problem, which doesn't seem to be the case with mainstream film. It's going to take another year probably for the film supply to stabilize getting though the bottlenecks. Everybody got started again in 2021 so lots of projects hitting the same stages in the process at the same time right now.

 

[Captante]

I'm all set on movie-theaters I'm afraid... the only way I'll go now is an empty afternoon show on a weekday otherwise I want no part of the "silver-screen" experience unless it's something on the level of a real IMAX. (not the craptastic fake ones they have in many chain-theaters now)

Otherwise I'll hang out in the comfort and germ-free (okay at least limited to MY germs!) environment of my home where I can have a beer, a bong hit and not have my feet stick to the floor or some id10t kicking my chair while loudly discussing spoilers!

 

[K1052]

the only way I'll go now is an empty afternoon show on a weekday

This has always been when all the old folks go.

 

[Captante]

This has always been when all the old folks go.

Trust me it sneaks up on you!
(like who the hell IS that old bald guy in the mirror ?!?)

However I've been to maybe a dozen movie-showings that didn't fit that description in my life and for all but one or two (Star Wars premieres lol) of those I was a little kid so it was moms call!

 

[Muadib]

"age of COVID" makes it sound like there is a demand problem, which doesn't seem to be the case with mainstream film. It's going to take another year probably for the film supply to stabilize getting though the bottlenecks. Everybody got started again in 2021 so lots of projects hitting the same stages in the process at the same time right now.

Moviepass died before Covid began. And much like Captante, I've had little desire to go to theaters. I did see 3 films this summer though, and not one was half full. Top Gun, Thor, and Dr Strange all made money, much to my surprise.

 

[FelixDeCat]

I guess they are hoping for "meme" money.