Don't resign yourself to a summer of TV reruns and microwave popcorn. A night at the movies is more affordable than you might think.
Theaters have kept price increases minimal amid the slowing economy, says Richard McKenzie, a University of California, Irvine economist and author of "Why Popcorn Costs So Much at the Movies, and Other Pricing Puzzles." For example, AMC and Regal Entertainment Group (RCG) pushed up ticket prices in some areas by just 50 cents each.
The concession stand is where moviegoers are most likely to see price increases, although those are relatively small, as well. "Theaters want to keep the margin on concession items as high as possible, and on tickets, as low as possible," says Wesley Hartmann, associate professor of marketing at Stanford University. If $7 for a bag of popcorn shocks consumers, they'll most likely go without. But if ticket prices are too high, they may decide to skip the movie altogether and wait to see “The Proposal” when it comes out on DVD.
On other hand, discount opportunities are just as plentiful as they were last summer, and they can help you cut costs by as much as 70%. Here are nine ways to spend less on a trip to the movies:
Many theaters offer free showings of family movies during the summer. Regal hosts a Free Family Film Festival every Tuesday and Wednesday morning through the end of August, showing flicks like "The Tale Of Despereaux" and "Star Wars: The Clone Wars." Clearview Cinemas' Kid's Club kicks off an eight-week series of free movies starting July 2.
Your local Entertainment Book typically offers reduced-price movie tickets for as little as $6 apiece. Also, keep your eyes peeled for special promotions. Marriott (MAR) is offering four free movie passes when you spend a weekend at a participating hotel or resort before Sept. 7.
If there's a drive-in in your town, then get behind the wheel. Moviegoers accustomed to state-of-the-art theaters may see these venues as old-fashioned novelties, but most drive-ins show new releases — and at the bargain price of about $7 a person for a double feature, says Jennifer Sherer Janisch, co-creator of Drive-ins.com, an online directory. (The Laurel Drive-In in Hazelton, Pa., for example, is currently showing "The Hangover" and "Taking of Pelham 123" for $7 per adult and $3 per kid.) Some drive-ins don't even charge for kids, while others offer bargain per-car pricing. Concession fare is often cheaper, too, Janisch says.
http://www.amctheatres.com/smc/
I also wanted to include the fact that the last Regal I attended their police officer told me to throw away my food or be escorted outside. I was only in line buying tickets. AMC on the other had has a policy of allowing ALL outside food and drink that is not disruptive or dangerous. Such as very fragrant food, or glass containers. If you want to save stop by a 7-11, or Wendy's on your way in.
As a last hint I wanted to remind everyone to refund any unused tickets. At Regal or AMC they can be refunded upon request. Also, if the theater is overcrowded/ disruptive, tickets can be refunded. You may have to ask for management, but it is worth getting your money back.