fujishig

I don't know how much this is going to drive a-list (does stubs get around this too?). If you're seeing enough movies for a-list to make sense, then I think you're already on it, not sure how much this moves the needle otherwise. It is a way to make the value of a-list seem higher for a price hike, though.

rocket1312

You need Stubs to get the discounted seats. And like you say, this increases the value of a-list. Could encourage someone on the fence to take the plunge.

Alan Smithee

If that goes as well as upcharges for 3D, they’ll just take the good seats out eventually.

Is it any wonder why I’ve given up on theaters?

brtcmfn

This has to be one of the most idiotic decision's- Theatres bitched about Streaming taking over there revenue, and come up with this? I think this won't last as there will be public backlash.

https://www.thestreamingadvisor.com/...ZKIo-RaCXFhztY

jjcool

No upcharge or discount for seats here. Yet. There is a $4 surcharge for that shitty 3d though. Almost $20 bucks for that crap.

Draven

The movie theater that I used to go to before they built our Alamo had auxiliary concession stands spread out nearer to the auditoriums, so if you wanted a quick refill you didn't have to go all the way back to the lobby. In 7-8 years of regular movie-going there, I never once saw them open. And I went at all times of the week. I think they just didn't want to have to clean them up.

northeast11

Just another reason for me to watch a movie at home. I was never a big fan of movie cinemas for various reasons.

story

I think this happens a lot more than AMC knows.

I admit, I have my own confirmation bias, but looking back at my last 8 tickets, it happened to me twice. That's 25% over 5 months. That's not great.

Why So Blu?

Elijah Wood blasts AMC Theatres' new seat ticket pricing, says it will 'penalize people for lower income'

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/...173148989.html

Hey, it's their own fault for being poor.

Neil M.

I hate to break it to him but lower income people are already priced out of going to the theater in a lot of areas. The last time my wife and I went to an AMC was over 2 years ago. We spent 50 bucks. 2 drinks and a large popcorn combo cost us 22 bucks alone. I can afford it but I haven't been to the movies since. I felt completely ripped off.

TomOpus

You've had issues with theaters WAY before this happened.

fujishig

I think there are still opportunities. The promo ended but AMC had 5 dollar Tuesdays (and even without the promo it's like 6.50 Tuesdays or something). That's doable.

Obi-Wanma

I read the that the promo ended (which is dumb because every other theater I know does it all year), but then I was looking at tickets last Tuesday, and when I checked AMC (which I don't do very often), the tickets still came up as $5 with my stubs membership. Or was the promo period for everyone without stubs?

DJariya

I believe the $5 Tuesdays was open for everyone, but now it's just for AMC Stubs members.

Regal has $6.50 Tuesdays, but only for the Regal Crown Club membership.

fujishig

Ah, thanks for the clarification (I haven't gone since the AMC promo ended on 1/31). Though I think both were for Stubs members and they just extended it.

https://www.amctheatres.com/discount...offer_op_promo


And there's a promo for a small icee/drink combo for five bucks too on those days.

(here's the old promo, which also says for AMC stubs members, which is free to join: https://investor.amctheatres.com/new...3/default.aspx)

TomOpus

Maybe your theaters are different but the ones I use have prices clearly posted and since concessions are optional, you ripped yourself off. Concessions have ALWAYS been high. Eat before or after a movie or pay the price to fill your face during a movie.

DJariya

Nobody is forcing you to purchase concessions. It's always been expensive, but it's also optional. Concessions are like an Impulse purchase like buying BDs at a B&M retailer. I see most people who buy them because of convenience. If you think you might get hungry during that time frame, eat something before you go. I've gone to the movies many times without feeling the need to stuff high salt and calorie popcorn in my face.

fujishig

I dunno... I buy concessions out of convenience (especially with the kids, splitting that large popcorn and getting a refill isn't exactly a deal but it's ok) and a perhaps misguided attempt to give the theater some money since I know they aren't making all that much off of my ticket (particularly on 5 dollar Tuesdays). It's still an "event" for us, but if we went regularly I'd probably cut back a lot.

BobO'Link

The theater here has those. They're only open on high volume nights - typically Friday and Saturday.

BobO'Link

My wife doesn't like going to the movies but *loves* "movie theater popcorn" so if I go I have to get her a large popcorn before I leave. For myself, I don't like to eat during a movie but do take some hard candies (Lifesavers, Jolly Ranchers, Gin-Gins, or similar - something I'd also do at home) - usually about 4/hour. I never drink anything at a movie as I don't want to have to leave to go to the restroom. I paid to watch a movie, not wait in line for anything.

EinCB

Concessions are also how every theater largely profits from, no? Correct me if I'm wrong.

DJariya

Yes that’s how they pay the employees and keep the lights on.

TomOpus

Many years ago at a theater in San Diego (can't remember which chain) I wasn't happy with soda prices. Then I spotted a regular soda machine. "Eureka!" I thought. Walked over and it wanted $4 for a can of Coke.

Son of a bitch!

BobO'Link

Heck, I was once charged for a full price soda to get an *empty* cup I had to take to a water fountain and fill myself (pre-water bottle days)! I was livid!! I'd have gotten a soda but had a bladder infection and was on a drink only water limitation. I should have just ordered the soda and poured it out - at least it'd have cost them a nickle or so...

Crocker Jarmen

I was astonished last week to see the concession stand hand someone a free cup so they could get water from one of the self-serve drink dispensers. I even overheard her remarking to her friend, "That's amazing they trust us to pour water and not steal pop."