There is no doubt that MoviePass has changed the theatre-watching landscape in the US. However, the almost-demise is now trying to change the scenario once again. On Tuesday, the cult-favourite subscription service announced its new pricing model—hiking its standard monthly rate of $9.95 per month to $14.95 per month. However, the biggest shocker came when they announced that big releases like "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" will not be available to its subscribers.
Over the last several days, we’ve begun making changes to our service that will help us continue to offer our members a high-value, low-cost, in-theater movie experience. Read the full letter to our community from CEO Mitch Lowe for more information: https://t.co/avntgfdm4n
— MoviePass (@MoviePass) August 1, 2018
In addition, the accessibility to movies on its first and second week will be limited. In other words, it looks like subscribers have to wait a little longer to get a glimpse of their favourite film in the theatres. However, the new plans have not been implemented yet and some changes are likely to happen.
"We must reduce availability for big new-release titles at least for a while as we adjust the business model. We are working on making this more clear in the app so you know which titles are available," the company said in a press statement. "Showtimes that are offered through our service will vary from day to day, and every showtime may not be available. We encourage you to check the MoviePass app for showtimes before you leave for the theatre," it added.
Over the past few months, reports of the company facing deep financial crisis have hit the headlines regularly. However, the new move has not gone well with the subscribers as complaints on social media were rampant.
im late to eulogize but moviepass was good because it was so plainly a bad idea and the people who ultimately got fucked over the worst by it are the investors/owners of the faceless big data co that owns it. to a normal person, using moviepass was the ultimate victimless grift.
— maya kosoff (@mekosoff) July 31, 2018
MoviePass’s Bold New Plan: Only Allowing Subscribers To See The 2005 Matthew McConaughey Action Comedy ‘Sahara’ pic.twitter.com/cfY0GzQ5Df
— Patrick Monahan (@pattymo) July 31, 2018
I relate to Moviepass in that I am a disappointment that is hemorrhaging money.
— Kevin Nguyen (@knguyen) July 31, 2018
RIP to MoviePass, a great socialist scheme accidentally implemented by very confused capitalists
— Zach Schonfeld (@zzzzaaaacccchhh) July 30, 2018
With MoviePass undergoing a drastic revamping process, what are the options in the market?
A-List: A direct MoviePass competitor from the AMC theatre chain; it works on the subscription-based model and also provides reward program for users. It is a bit expensive compared to MoviePass— for $19.95 per month, users are offered three movies each week (excluding premium experiences like IMAX, 3D, RealD, D-Box, and others).
Cinemark Movie Club: With $8.99 monthly subscription, the plan offers just one 2D screening ticket every month. If unused, the ticket can be used the following month.
Sinemia: An offering similar to MoviePass but with a definite cap on how many movies can be watched every month. The basic model begins at $3.99/month with one movie ticket per month while the $7.99/month option provides two movie tickets. The elite plans (includes premium experiences) are priced at $9.99 and $14.99 with two and three tickets monthly, respectively.
And finally, with almost everyone having access to one of the online streaming services, this is likely to bring a big blow to the movie watching experiences at theatres.
