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MoviePass app comes to Android with $30/mo theater access, caveats

Steve Dent — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:06:00 -0500

For film buffs who prefer the really big-screen experience, MoviePass seems a no brainer -- pay around $30 per month and watch as many movies at the cinema as you want. Now Android users can get the same MoviePass app as their iOS-toting counterparts on Google Play, albeit with the same kickers: its still in beta and is invitation only. There are other constraints too, for now: you'll need a GPS-equipped smartphone, access is limited to one movie a day, the price goes up from $30 depending on your market and you'll have to pay with the included MoviePass card -- among others. Still, on top of access the app also lets you find showtimes, chart your movie-going, manage rewards, share socially and "even reserve a copy of the film and soundtrack you just saw," according to the outfit. Anything that encourages us to get out of the house occasionally has to be a good thing, considering all the tech keeping us there.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software, HD

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Via: Android Police

Source: Google Play

MoviePass launches iPhone app and card combo, takes unlimited viewing to all US theaters

Jon Fingas — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:00:00 -0400

While MoviePass was in early beta, it got more than a small amount of pushback from theaters that didn't like someone changing the price formula without their explicit say-so. The company just found an end-run around that conspicuous obstacle. It's releasing both an iPhone app and a reloadable card that, when combined, let MoviePass' effectively unlimited subscription model work at just about any US theater. The app unlocks the card for a specific showing; after that, it's only a matter of swiping the plastic at a payment kiosk like any old credit card. It's not as sophisticated as NFC or Pay With Square, to be sure, but it should keep the rude surprises to a minimum. Both the iOS app and the card require an invitation to the $30 monthly service if you're eager to get watching movies today. If either is too limiting, there's promises of both an Android app and wider availability in the future.

Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, HD

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Source: MoviePass

Blockbuster On Demand pulls back from TiVo and others, is it on its way out?

Richard Lawler — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:16:00 -0500

From Zatz Not Funny comes word that TiVo owners are being notified their access to Blockbuster On Demand will come to an end March 31st, ending a run originally announced three years before. While this certainly affects TiVo's ability to offer the one box to search multiple services idea introduced with the Premiere, it could be more telling about Blockbuster's plans for the current incarnation of its internet movie service. As forum posters on TiVo Community point out, the list of supported devices is rapidly shrinking, with Vizio and Western Digital WD TV Live owners getting their own Dear John letters only a year or so after the app originally rolled out. Currently, the list of connected TV devices is limited exclusively to Samsung HDTVs and Blu-ray players, plus some cellphones and tablets. Once upon a time, Blockbuster desired an On Demand presence in "nearly every connected device" -- not to mention "major market presence" for the now Redbox-owned Express kiosks -- but after its purchase by Dish Network clearly those days are over. Now the only question is if / when we'll see a new service that better fits with the already announced Movie Pass package and what devices it might work on.

Filed under: HD

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MoviePass gets kicked out of theaters before it can get a ticket

Joe Pollicino — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 11:57:00 -0400

Here's a bad idea: announce a beta run for your discount subscription movie ticket service, but neglect to inform the 21 San Francisco-based theaters listed that they're part of the fun. That's essentially what Landmark, AMC, Camera Cinemas, and Big Cinemas are claiming MoviePass did earlier this week, and boy has the corn begun to pop. According to The Wrap and Variety, the chains weren't pleased to find out that MP had worked with mutual partner MovieTickets.com to set admission prices without their consent; the intriguing tidbit here is that despite the low cost for consumers, the theaters would still be paid full admission. MoviePass had been hoping to gain more support with the test phase, but it looks like that'll be on pause for a good while. No word on whether the beta will see a rescheduling, but you'll find the full details in the links below, and a PR rebuttal from AMC past the break.

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MoviePass wants to be Netflix, but for theaters

Dante Cesa — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:15:00 -0400

Here's a scenario: you'd love to see the latest blockbuster, but aren't willing to fork out a month's wages to do so. Cue MoviePass, a startup seeking to make life cheaper (fiscally, not emotionally) for repeat cinema moviegoers. The $50 subscription allows for "unlimited" cinema screenings, provided you're okay with a few caveats: 3D or IMAX screenings incur a $3 surcharge, and you'll be limited to one flick per day. Tickets must also be purchased on a partner website, netting you a coupon code that's exchanged for stubs in-theater. Not the most elegant solution, but the reliance on paper prevents folks from re-watching or double-dipping while inside. If that sounds just a bit too jovial for you, the company's also considering a chopped-down $30 plan, which would impose a four movie limit each month. It's launching as a trial this weekend in San Francisco, so if you've nothing better to do, give it a go and let us know how it works out.

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