Different movie ticket deals to get you to the theater for less

Netflix and Hulu are replacing cable subscriptions and movie tickets, but MoviePass is hoping to change that. MoviePass is a movie subscription service for a standard $9.95 a month, but now on special for $7.95 a month.

When you sign up for MoviePass, you receive your pass in two weeks, according to the website, moviepass.com. Then you choose your movie via the MoviePass app, where you can browse theater and show times. Use your MoviePass card to get your ticket at the box office or kiosk. You can see one 2D movie per day with your MoviePass subscription, which is a dream come true to many. The service does exclude 3D, IMAX and specialty theaters.

Some step-by-step instructions according to moviepass.com: When you arrive at the theater, browse movies and show times on the MoviePass app. Be sure to have your MoviePass card handy.

Once you’ve found your film, click your desired show time. Then, at the bottom of the screen, click Check-In.

Upon check-in, your MoviePass will be activated for 30 minutes. Simply swipe it at the box office or kiosk to purchase your ticket. Remember that you can only swipe your MoviePass card for one 2D movie ticket transaction per day.

For e-ticketing theaters, once you check-in, your app will generate a confirmation code that you can present at the kiosk or box office to retrieve your ticket.

Enjoy the show!

There are no “blackout” dates, but you can only use the pass for same-day tickets. To download the app, you will need iPhone or Android phone. For non e-ticketing theaters, you’ll also need your MoviePass card.

The MoviePass is accepted in 91 percent of theaters nationwide, according to moviepass.com. Most theaters in Milwaukee seem to accept the MoviePass. The pass is only for individuals, but MoviePass hopes to add couples and family plans in the future. There are three types of subscriptions: month-to-month, three months and annual.

According to Rob Cain, contributor to Forbes, “MoviePass only allows you to reserve your ticket by using the cellphone app, and only when you’re within 100 yards of the venue you’ve chosen.” He continued, “The service is nice when it works, and frustrating when it doesn’t. Some shortcomings of MoviePass can be dealt with as the user learns how to make best use of the service, while others, like the exclusion of certain cinemas, are significant drawbacks. The requirement that the subscriber be at the theater in order to make the purchase isn’t a problem on a slow weekday, but it can be a real inconvenience on weekend evenings when screenings are prone to sell out in advance.”

A MoviePass subscription would pay for itself in just one visit. Movie prices in Milwaukee generally range between $10 to $15 a movie. If you are a diehard movie fan, a monthly subscription of $9.95 would be a good deal, but it’s not the only deal in town. Marcus Theaters offer discount deals. All active military members with ID can see a movie for $7.50.  Movies are just $5 on Tuesdays, and students and faculty can see movies on Thursdays for $6. Check the website, marcustheatres.com to make sure the deals apply to theaters in your area.

AMC Theaters also offer $5 movies on Tuesdays if you are an AMC Stubs member. There are two tiers of AMC Stubs membership. One is a free membership, and the other is a paid membership. Each offers its own benefits. Check out amctheatres.com for more details.