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$5 Per Month for 1 Movie Ticket Per Month, $7 for 2 Tickets Per Month (Billed Annually) (+ $10 Activation Fee) @ Sinemia

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Looks like they've just launched in Australia but not much info about it yet. Currently supported cinemas are severely lacking in all major cities at the moment, no idea if that's just because they haven't added more yet. Does anyone have any more info?

Edit: I bit the bullet and signed up. I'm hoping that it would be easy to cancel if they don't add more cinemas given that their whole motto is "Any cinema, any time".

Edit 2: There are a lot more participating cinemas in the app compared to those on the site. Almost all the major ones from what I can see, more info in the comments.

Edit 3: Make sure you enter the coupon to see the pricing. The website does not always automatically apply it, sometimes the correct pricing isn't even displayed. Try again later if it's not. If (high) pricing exists for multiple days, mark expired.

22/6 Mod note: See this comment. Warning that users are being told to pay a $4.99 - $9.99 fee to be able to use the service immediately (despite the annual fee having been already paid).

31/7: Activation fee reported to be $10 in all cases.

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  • Warning - Sinemia no longer offers cardless immediately after signup. After you pay the annual amount upfront, the following message appears:

    We are now taking the necessary steps to activate Sinemia Cardless for your account and this could take 1-2 weeks.
    You may choose accelerated activation from below and start using your plan instantly.
    Accelerate Cardless Activation (A$4.99)

    Given previous promises of physical card delivery have not been met (and, apparently, the signup process does not even collect postal addresses?), you should have no confidence that cardless will actually be provided within 1-2 weeks. This appears to be an attempt to stem their cash burn from existing memberships with new annual prepayments, possibly to stay in business long enough for Moviepass (in the US) to go under. I suggest at least using a credit card with easy chargeback (e.g. amex, not bank-issued) so that you are not left out of pocket.

    • This is more likely to stop people creating multiple accounts (~for free if referred - the $4.99 also gets back all but 1c of the referral bonus).

      A card with a good chargeback policy is still a good idea. (Because there are hoops to jump for certain crappy cinemas online booking process).

      I think their Deadpool (2) promo/advertising was far more successful than they anticipated.

    • Fee has now increased to $9.99. Given that they have switched back to annual billing from monthly billing, and the referral fee is comparatively small, this seems to be more related to price gouging and cashflow than multiple accounts.

      • +1

        It was $4.95 for me and I reluctantly paid it.. I also sent them a message advising that this practice is in breach of Australian Consumer Law.

        Can I use the referral credit for anything?

        • +1

          Based on the information provided after paying the annual fee, they appear to demand $4.99 for about 24 hours after signing up and then hike the fee to $9.99 if it is not paid - there is some warning about how the fee may increase. It's difficult to see how this is not extortion.

        • +1

          @josho9 Sinemia responded:

          Your specific feedback have been noted for further improving the services we provide.

          I submitted a complaint to the ACCC, noting the Valve precedent. I don't expect much to come of it though…

        • +1

          It's silly that we cannot use the referral credits to pay for the Accelerate Cardless Activation.

    • Really they didn't ask you for postal details? I remember I had to put in my postal details when I signed up.

    • +1

      I'm still waiting for my Cardless Activation since signing up last week.

      Can anyone confirm that their Cardless Membership was activated within 1-2 weeks as stated on their website without paying for the Accelerate Cardless Activation?

      Membership Cancellation

      Your membership will start once you get your card. You can cancel your membership at that time.

      Since they don't send the card out anymore, won't that makes it impossible to cancel?

      • You can try to contact them on Twitter for a refund.

    • So has anyone actually received their cardless activation without paying the Accelerate Cardless Activation (A$4.99)? or is it a must?

    • Hijacking my comment for the following info:

      Accelerated cardless fee - After going back and forth on Twitter, Sinemia finally agreed to waive the accelerated cardless activation fee on the basis (at least as I argued) that it was not disclosed when I signed up. The website was still demanding a $10 fee at the time it was waived.

      Event Cinemas Gold Class - after a failed attempt, I succesfully booked and saw a gold class ticket tonight using the "VMAX3D" screening type. I did not need to use PayPal - the virtual card number provided in the app worked directly in the event cinemas website. I booked at George St, Sydney.

  • seems pretty sweet deal

    • +1

      Hijacking top comment for critical info.
      People having problems with purchasing Hoyts tickets, follow this link for a guide on how to get it working.

  • +9

    Lol

    Google maps error

    You have exceeded your daily request quota for this API. We recommend enabling billing to get a higher quota

    • +3

      It's a bit amateurish, it mentions "US" instead of Australia in at least one place too.

      • +1

        Also, I tried to search for Newcastle, NSW and it kept taking me to the UK in the map.

        There are no cinemas anywhere north of Sydney in NSW anyway.

        • -2

          There's pretty much nothing worthwhile north of Sydney.

        • @MrZ: shots fired

  • +6

    It has every cinema I go to. From what I've heard these kind of services are losing tonnes of money at the moment as they try to hook people, so might as well jump in.

    Only downside is being charged upfront for 12 months, I worry they won't even last that long. Or that it's not even legit, site looks incredibly dodgy.

  • +10

    …Billed annually? Are they going to be in business in 12 months time?

    • +3

      Probably a way for them to generate a big sump of revenue to start.

  • +4

    Are you able to book Vmax at Event Cinemas?

    • +1

      I believe you can if you choose the Elite option instead of the classic $10 per month.

  • They don't even show the total at the end, just shown as "12 x $4.99'… seems a bit dodgy. Curious to hear from anyone that's tried it

  • +4

    Wow they look INCREDIBLY amateur hour what on earth. I'd wait a few months to see if this pans out, it looks a bit iffy currently.

  • Well, at least I think is legit. They are a California company and they are currently operating in the US.

    Took me 2 seconds to find something about it on Google

    http://variety.com/2017/film/box-office/moviepass-movie-club…

    P.S.: does this mean that MoviePass is coming to AU????

    • +10

      MoviePass is not even USA wide yet. I doubt it will ever get here. They are bleeding too much money. The way they are looking to make money is for people to buy these memberships and not use them like gym memberships. Unless they make people run on a treadmill while watching the movie I don't see this happening.

      • +3

        Actually, the real money is made in selling personal data and said data being used to market other related products

        • +5

          They are bit late on that front. Facebook hand it out like it's candy from one of Santas little helpers.

      • +7

        "While Sinemia pays full price to movie theaters for every ticket purchased through its platform, Sinemia makes up for that via advertising deals with studios and restaurants. For example, when you open up the Sinemia app, the three movies you see featured at the top are paid for by studios wanting to promote their movies. As of right now, 85 percent of the company’s revenue comes from subscriptions with just 15 percent coming from advertising."

        • +1

          Sinemia makes up for that via advertising deals with studios and restaurants.
          As of right now, 85 percent of the company’s revenue comes from subscriptions with just 15 percent coming from advertising

          15% advertising doesn't make up for full price tickets. That's like 75c on top of the $5 ticket and even if they are paying cheap tickets (say $12), they are losing more than double.

  • …or anywhere you travel in the Australia /borat

  • Limited listing in Adelaide. I'll wait and see if they add more theaters.

  • +12

    Signed up in March, saw 2 movies last month without issues. Fantastic deal, makes me go to the movies again :)

    • Did you have to get a debit/credit card? Guess if you did just put it in the draw after shredding it eh'

    • +2

      Please tell us more about buying the tickets. Do you personally need to be present? Can the tickets be bought and then say given to someone else?

      • +1

        You do not have to be at the theatre to buy your tickets. Once you select your show through the Sinemia app your Sinemia card will be ready to use. Use your card to buy tickets exactly how you use your debit card, from a site, app, box-office or kiosk.

        https://www.sinemia.com/

        Update: I will note that it seems they have a verification check-in system for when you reach the cinema — as for whether it's rigorously enforced or not, it doesn't seem the case according to that thread.

    • Which cinema chain did you go to? How does the actual ticket booking process work?

  • Can the same membership also be used in the US?

    • It seems like it: https://cl.ly/rRFC

      • That doesn't really say. I know they offer service in the US. What I can't find is if you can be an Australian member and watch movies in the US (or Canada or any other country), or if you're restricted to cinemas in your home country.

        I'm hoping it's like Netflix. I sent an email to their support, I'll update if I hear back.

        • I forgot to mention: I'm a member (awaiting delivery of the debit card)… and in the screen recording I'm tapping the "Get Ticket" button, so make of that what you will haha

  • +6

    Melbourne iMAX is included. So tempted but don't want to commit to 12 months when I have no faith that they will be in business in 6months time.

    • +3

      IMAX is only on 2 for $10 or 3 for $15 plans. Not Bad. Avengers is $34 at IMAX.

      • +2

        where did u get this info?

  • +1

    Would sign up if Event Cinemas was included. Only cinema near me

  • Only one cinema in Perth :<

    • Which one is that? I don't see any for Perth.

      • Not seeing any for Perth either .
        Fremantle and Mandurah is as close as it gets .

      • +1

        Ah, I consider Fremantle as part of greater Perth but not Mandurah.

    • +3

      In the app it shows most metro hoyts and even event cinemas

      • Event Cinemas Innaloo is included in Perth?

        • +2

          According to app yes

      • I cant see them in the app unless i buy the subscription. could you tell me if there is event cinema at marion SA? thanks

        • sure is.

          in the app you go to explore, select a random movie then see showtime and then enter a suburb.

  • It says "You can see 2 movies in a month (30 days) on 2 separate days". So if you want to watch movie with a partner, your partner needs to get a subscription as well.

    • You can buy a double ticket subscription. Costs twice as much but both tickets are used on the same day. And it's you + 1 (although how they make sure it's you using it who knows)

      • The 2 movie days for 2 deal makes more sense then for $13.99. You get the next 2 tickets for $2 each.

        • +1

          true, but personally it's rare that I go to the cinema twice in a month, it'd be mostly wasted. I'm thinking for the 7-8 times a year I go it's still a bargain.

  • +2

    Billed Annually kills the deal, I have no confidnece these guys will be around in 12 months.

    This is like buying a years subscription to Rapidshare or MegaUpload.

    • +6

      FYI Mega still exists ;)

    • +1

      Wonder if they accept American express. If something goes wrong, can refund through amex via a short phone call.

      • Would this work say, 7 months after purchase though ? I thought there was a time limit of 3 or 6 months on credit card charge backs

        • Amex direct cards don't have any limits that I'm aware off. I just went into my online account and checked a charge from 13 months ago and I could lodge a dispute online.

  • -1

    No cinemas in Perth included, what a surprise.

    • +2

      Check the app, got most metro hoyts and events

      • They don’t have any Event cinemas

        • There's a few in the Sydney area.

        • @kpm: was in response to the original comment which mentioned PERTH, then the reply that said they have Event which they don’t, in Perth. They have Hoyts but in Perth they are all South and therefore pretty much no good for anyone who lives North which is about 50% of the Perth population.

        • +2

          @extremecouponer: FWIW, Luna Leederville & Cinema Paradiso are both showing in the app

          Update: Both Innaloo & Morley Event Cinemas are also showing

        • @kpm: can someone pls check if Events Castle Hill is included? Thanks heaps.

        • @Penpinch: just downolad the app

        • @agam2104: You can't see the cinema locations in the app without signing up.

        • you're not looking hard enough, it's got all event and hoyts around my area.

        • @extremecouponer:

          It has events Innaloo

      • Can you actually book tickets against those cinemas though?

        • no idea, will find out when I get the card. if not, i'm going to reverse charge for false/misleading advertising.

    • someone from WA actively looking to have an inferiority complex about nothing, there's a shock.

  • +2

    It does not inspire confidence when the text on the page states "Sinemia is available in every major theater throughout the United States."

    I'm sure it's a good deal though. Not many cinemas to choose from. None near me.

    • +3

      It shows WAY more cinemas when you look in the app. Went from none around me to every cinema near me.

  • anyone know if there's any hidden fees when booking the movie? seems to be through their site/app. Just wondering if there is any admin or booking fees

  • +6

    I know people are concerned about the local cinema availability, but try to download the membership app (which is much better than the website) and see which locations appear – all of the cinemas local to me (VIC 3195) are there, even though it doesn’t appear on their website: https://cl.ly/rQix

    Sinemia app:
    iOS
    Android

    • +2

      Looks like I have to create an account to view cinemas, at least on the Android app.

      Reviews for the app aren't exactly inspiring either; nearly as many 1 star ratings as there are 5 and the recent comments are all about it being broken and customer service not responding.

      • +2

        Hmm seems like you're right — I joined a couple days ago, so I didn't see the logged-out experience. I'm happy to look up any particular cinema branches you have in mind for you though :)

        • +1

          Have you used it yet? Can you use it straight away or do you need the card to come in the mail? Going to go watch Avengers so Might buy this and watch it in Imax.

          Also did you get charged the whole years subscription in one go or is it done monthly?

        • +1

          @El Grande: You need to wait for the card to come in the mail, so I haven't been able to use it yet.

          They charge the whole year at once.

        • +1

          @itsfree: Let us know how you go. I might get it next month. Some good movies coming out Deadpool 2, Han Solo etc.

        • @El Grande: Will do!

        • Are Doncaster or Eastland included?

        • +1

          @sween64: Yep, both Doncaster and Eastland are showing in the app

        • Are Hoyts in ACT included? I can only see two indie cinemas through the online portal.

        • +1

          @griffy: With the app, you need to search by the cinema name, rather than suburb, so I was able to do a couple of searches, and Hoyts Woden & Belconnen are showing: https://cl.ly/rQ4C

        • +1

          @itsfree: Thanks mate! You've help sell it to me, do you want to pm me your referral link? Happy to reward your effort

        • @griffy: My pleasure!

          Cheers! I’ll do so now 😊

        • Is burwood nsw event cinema and hoyts Broadway covered?

        • Can you check if Event Cinemas Strathpine and Chermside in QLD are included?

        • @gilbarc: you can skip signup on the app and check locations, nothing showed up for strathpine but it could be under a slightly different name. Did get a hit for Event Chermside and can see movie times.

        • @rekabkram: Thanks. It could be listed as BCC Strathpine.

          I have the app, but I can't figure out how to find cinema locations without signing up.

        • Hi, are you able to see if wetheril park or event cinema Liverpool?

        • @rekkore: Yes, they’re showing: https://cl.ly/rRnU

        • @griffy: @griffy I am living in the ACT as well and am keen to see whether it works well in Canberra? Just wondering whether your Sinemia card has arrived? Have you tried using it?

    • Are you sure that the app isn't just showing the cinemas near you? On the android app, it's showing some of my local, independent (non-franchise) cinemas, and I'd be very surprised if they were affiliated.

      • It’s showing a “buy a ticket using premium” button for each of them. The way it works is that they don’t even need to partner with any of the cinemas, thanks to the debit card (see: MoviePass sticking it to AMC

        • Wow, was wondering how they'd make money, looks like they may rely on marketing the data like the bike share operators want to do?

        • @kiitos: Yeah that’s the plan

        • So confusing. I'm guessing "Premium" is the name of their debit card, and not one of their plan tiers?

  • If anyone successfully uses this to see a movie let us know the process.

    Also it shows as $9.99 for two for me

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