Here's what seeing a film through MoviePass actually entails.
On Tuesday, MoviePass announced it would be slashing its rates to $9.95 a month. The service, which allows subscribers to see one film a day in theaters, saw such a spike in interest that its website crashed due to the traffic.
As someone who has been using the service for over a year and who saw his rate cut from $50 a month, I was thrilled. I love going to the movies, and am happy to know that now more people than ever will be making their way to their local cinema.
For those who just signed up, or for anyone who is still on the fence about joining the service, here's an explanation of how seeing a film through MoviePass works.
There are two components to MoviePass: the smartphone app and the physical card they send you once you sign up. After you receive your card, you can create an account in the app and begin watching movies.
When you open the MoviePass app, you'll find a list of theaters around your current location. If you want to see other theaters available through your subscription, simply change the zip code to your desired location.
Selecting a theater will bring up a list of the day's showtimes. Unfortunately, MoviePass does not let you look at different dates, so you can only browse movie times day-of.
MoviePass only works for standard 2D films, so any IMAX or 3D showings will be greyed-out and you will not be able to select them.
To ensure that only the subscriber is the one using the service — and not, say, a friend or family member — MoviePass will not let you check-in at a movie until the GPS on your smartphone senses that you are within 100 yards of the theater.
This becomes an issue when you want see a popular movie that you know will be sold out. Instead of being able to buy a ticket from home in the morning, you have to physically go to the theater and make the purchase.
Once you're near the theater, simply select the showtime you want to see. Here, I've selected an afternoon showing of "Dunkirk" at the AMC Loews theater closest to Business Insider's offices.
Hit "check in" and the app will inform you that the funds have been transferred to your MoviePass debit card. On occasion, the app will require you to enter the last four digits of your MoviePass card number in order to authenticate the purchase.
After that, simply use your MoviePass card as you would an ordinary debit card.
After you've enjoyed your film, MoviePass adds it to your "Viewing History" page. The only thing left to do is watch another one tomorrow.
Here's what seeing a film through MoviePass actually entails. Read Full Story
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