MoviePass Founders Say Subscription Service 'Would Never Have Happened' Without iPhones in New App Store Feature

[akadafni]

It really helps with those on-the-fence movies. Like I saw the third Maze Runner movie, which I would otherwise have skipped and watched on TNT in a year. But damn it was pretty awesome experience on a big screen.

I've seen all the Maze Runner movies and the final one had me on the edge of my seat. The most recent sleeper movie for me was Den Of Thieves. Great heist movie.

 

[CJM]

The two main chains in the UK have their own subscription services, at more than double the cost of MoviePass. Would be nice if we could get it here.

 

[Tiger8]

Perfect timing. I just signed up yesterday and am eager to get back in the big screen habit.

I’m trying to avoid spending so much free time and money sitting at home streaming TV, so after rediscovering OTA TV using a network tuner and the Channels app on ATV, I’ve canceled all services, including overpriced home internet and am just connecting my iPhone hotspot for OS updates, users guide info, etc.

It feels like 2005 again, looking forward to seeing movies in theaters! Back when binging on TV for me meant going to Blockbuster to rent the next DVD in the season.

I went on steaming diet myself. Dropped internet speed (and price) to the lowest 10 MB tier, and now selectively enable ONE streaming service per month (and sometimes go two weeks or so with none). Watch mainly ota through an antenna, catch up on last week shows via free NBC, Fox, and ABC apps, and yes, moviepass

 

[newyorksole]

Since this scheme doesn't make any money- the monetizing comes from deep data tracking analysis of its customers. Where you were, what date, at what time, what movie. Beyond creepy.
Your privacy is extremely valuable. That's why creepy companies like this (and Google) go to extreme lengths the take it away from you.

Yikes. It’s a damn movie app. What are you really afraid of? Do you realize how many companies have your information and can see what you’ve ordered and where you live etc.

Give me a break. So glad I’m not paranoid.

 

[redneckitengineer]

Can you use it with Fandango? Most theaters here are reserved seating.

Nope. Probably my only gripe is that you have to be within 100 yards of theatre to activate card. It’s inconvenient but I’ll go buy the ticket with the app in the morning with reserved seat for a showing that’s sure to sell out. The app tracks whether I went back to theater at showtime and stayed for whole showtime.

 

[TheSuperE]

No theater around me will touch this app. I've mentioned it several times to people I know in the industry and they flat-out will not use it.

If the theater is on the list, there is NO reason for them not to accept you can contact MasterCard and they can actually get in trouble... If the theater is not on the list, your SOL.

 

[dontwalkhand]

If the theater is on the list, there is NO reason for them not to accept you can contact MasterCard and they can actually get in trouble... If the theater is not on the list, your SOL.

My theater has card readers facing you that you swipe yourself. No theater would know I’m using it as they don’t get to see the card. On their side it just shows up as MasterCard.

 

[tkukoc]

The theatre has nothing to do with the app. They don't need to have any agreement with Movie Pass for you to be able to use Movie Pass to see a movie there. Movie Pass merely provides you with a debit card to purchase a ticket, as long as the theatre is listed in the app and you have checked in on the app for the movie you want to see.

There is NO REQUIREMENT for the movie theatre to "accept" Movie Pass.

It will not work, their systems are specifically setup to deny payment to be used to that card. This is how AMC has also blocked the use of this particular type of card. It is really easy to do. I completely see why they won't use it, essentially they are by-passing normal usage rights of the theaters and studios. Eventually Movie Pass won't be able to offer deals such as this.
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If the theater is on the list, there is NO reason for them not to accept you can contact MasterCard and they can actually get in trouble... If the theater is not on the list, your SOL.

The theater cannot get in trouble for denying the use of this card. AMC top theaters have already blocked it. Others have also chosen not to allow this type of card, the system can tell what type of card, even if it's a "movie pass mastercard" it can be specifically targeted to deny payment.

 

[DotCom2]

It will not work, their systems are specifically setup to deny payment to be used to that card. This is how AMC has also blocked the use of this particular type of card. It is really easy to do. I completely see why they won't use it, essentially they are by-passing normal usage rights of the theaters and studios. Eventually Movie Pass won't be able to offer deals such as this.
[doublepost=1519937638][/doublepost]
The theater cannot get in trouble for denying the use of this card. AMC top theaters have already blocked it. Others have also chosen not to allow this type of card, the system can tell what type of card, even if it's a "movie pass mastercard" it can be specifically targeted to deny payment.

Just do your homework. If you are interested in signing up with MoviePass, just go to their web site and look at their list of theaters that you can go to. DONE!

 

[farewelwilliams]

Oh I see, so basically if the service is provided within the app (or is the app itself), then Apple gets a cut. If it’s outside the app, then no cut. So Uber, no cut. Netflix, yes. What about something like dating apps?

yep, apple gets 30% from tinder memberships

 

[Doctor Q]

I've had mixed success with MoviePass, but have saved money overall. I'm hoping they stay in business. I'm usually protective of my personal data, not signing up for services that appear free but collect and sell my information, but I'm ok with MoviePass having my movie-going history.

We're been talking about it here: Who subscribes to MoviePass?

My theater has card readers facing you that you swipe yourself. No theater would know I’m using it as they don’t get to see the card. On their side it just shows up as MasterCard.

Some theaters have learned to recognize MoviePass debit cards by their numbers.