Sitting in front of a life-size screen with a large buttery popcorn and crisp soda in hand has the power to immerse someone into a fictional world only available within the four walls of a theater.
Movies as we know them today have come a long way from the kaleidoscope silent films or dioramas that were popular during the early 1900s. Back then a ticket cost 15 cents , which is roughly $2.26 in today’s money. While movie production and quality have drastically improved since then it doesn’t justify paying upwards of 20 dollars for a ticket alone. Teenagers often struggle to find fun activities to do with friends apart from wandering aimlessly around the mall or Target. Going to the movies should be revisited as an affordable and accessible experience for all, and here are some ways to make sure it is.
- Buy your ticket in person
Most local theaters offer a student, senior, and child discount that can be applied to any ticket purchased at the ticket counter. The discount can range from 2-4 dollars depending on the theater. Another benefit of purchasing a ticket in person is being able to waive the convenience fee that some theaters charge when selecting tickets through a website.
2. Consider theater alternatives
While most would expect movies to be shown in a traditional theater, there are a plethora of different viewing experiences that could help shave off some cost. Drive-in movie theaters, which rose in popularity during the 1950s, offer a viewing experience from the comfort of one’s car with ticket prices from 7 to 9 dollars. The movie is displayed on a large outdoor screen, and audience members can connect to a local radio station to play sound from inside their vehicle. If you are looking for a high-tech 3D movie a drive-in may not be the best option as the screens tend to be less high quality compared to a regular theater. Though, one benefit of going on a drive is the ability to pick up food on the way and enjoy it alongside the film without paying high prices for concessions. Some popular Drive in theaters near Dallas are Coyote Drive in Fort Worth, and the Galaxy Drive in theater outside of Ennis.
3. Attend different screen times
Matinee movie showings occur during the daytime until about 5 pm when tickets are often in low demand because of work and school. These daytime showings are roughly three dollars cheaper than nighttime, and viewers often get the benefit of enjoying the film in an almost empty theatre.
4. Skip the concessions
Movie theater concessions are known to be outrageously expensive and while they may be convenient, people end up spending more than their ticket for a tub of popcorn and a drink. An easy way to circumvent this extra fee is by going to a dollar store and preselecting snacks for the movie. The dollar stores will have a wider selection of candy and other concession foods, for a fraction of the cost. Some may be concerned about getting snacks into the theater. In my experience, this hasn’t been an issue. Most snacks purchased at a dollar store come in relatively small packaging that can fit in a purse or hoodie pocket while remaining inconspicuous.
5. Buy a theater membership
Both big and small theater chains have memberships that offer frequent filmgoers different discounts on tickets and concessions as well as access to some special screenings or promotional events. Angelika Theater has a free membership; AMC stubs A-list is available for roughly twenty dollars a month; and Alamo Draft House has memberships ranging from seventeen to forty dollars a month with different amenities for each. If one frequents movies, this can be more economical for them.
Bonus:
Most major films come out with a set of popcorn buckets and collectible cups that correspond with their themes. These novelty items are often exorbitantly overpriced and tend to just collect dust. If you are still looking to get a souvenir from the movie try asking if they have any extra movie posters. Most local theaters keep old posters stored in the back to get split up between employees once the movie is finished screening. All you have to do is ask, and they will most likely be able to give you one.
