“Going to the movies still remains, arguable, amongst the best communal experiences that human beings can share” –Mark Caton
Warwick Davies was once quoted to say that there is nothing better than going to the movies and going into another world, and forgetting about everything that is happening outside and indeed, he is right. Nothing can ever compare to the magic of being enraptured by what you watch insomuch that you feel yourself being transported to an entirely new world. With the darkened theater with nothing between you and what you see on screen, the overall experience can indeed be something out of this world. Unfortunately, your mini movie excursion that runs anywhere from an hour and a half to a couple of hours is considered an exorbitant expense by today’s standards and if you made a habit out of watching movies regularly (more than once a week) then it may even be regarded as a small luxury.
However, if you are a consistent movie enthusiast and a film buff then missing some screenings might not just be an option—especially if you are one of those individuals who is always on the know of what is currently showing. However, fear not my fellow cinephiles as there is absolutely no need to scale down your movie excursions. You do need to be smart about when and how you are going to watch movies though. So, before checking for Solenad Movie Schedules or whatever cinema you might patronize, here are some of the hacks that would help you save money when going to the movies:
Go during off times
Some movie theaters sell tickets with prices that vary depending on what screening you would watch. As expected, these movie theaters would charge you more for weekend screenings than weekday ones so you can choose to watch movies solely on the weekdays. Alternatively, you can opt to watch movies on less popular times such as first showings and matinee ones which often have marked down ticket prices. Similarly, you might also wish to watch movies in independently owned theaters rather than the ones in the mall as they will significantly charge you less—particularly on less popular days for screening.
Take advantage of your discounts
In the Philippines, quite a lot of cinemas would offer one free movie viewing on Mondays to senior citizens provided that they can present their senior card. More often than not, seniors can avail of their free movie provided that it is the first airing of that day. However, it is not only seniors who can get to enjoy perks as students and persons with disability are also provided similar privileges. Students can expect a discount—particularly if the film they intend to watch is educational while persons with disability can also expect a few pesos shaved off their movie ticket. In any case, you should explore what discounts you might avail of as there is no point in paying full price when you could have availed of a discount. More importantly, check your insurance carrier, affiliated clubs and organizations you belong to as you might just be entitled to cheaper price without knowing it.
Join a loyalty program
Ask your favorite local theater if they offer any loyalty programs to their repeat customers. In fact, you might find that your preferred theater may reward you for your repeat patronage in the form of a discount or even a ticket. Alternatively, you can pay for a one-time loyalty fee that gives you access to a myriad of rewards which would allow you to score your cinema tickets for a significantly lower price than it would have been had you just paid for a regular one.
Check your credit card
It might have escaped your notice but your credit card might just offer membership perks like reduced ticket prices or cash back on your movie purchases. Similarly, you might even get to see a free movie for a certain accumulated charged amount on your credit card. Ask your credit line company if such perks are offered and if so, avail of them.
Stick to 2D
Sure, Imax and 3D screenings have elevated movie experience insomuch that they promise that it would be so much different than ordinary 2D movies. However, not every movie deserves to be watched on Imax and 3D so be a little discriminating about which movies to watch in these cinema platforms. If you are adamant about watching a particular movie on Imax or 3D, check for online reviews first before committing yourself to pay a premium for just a single showing. Otherwise, just stick to the 2D standard screening as it would save you a lot and you will be basically seeing the same movie as they are anyway (just sans the wide screen and 3D animations and effects).
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