After receiving a $40 voucher a while back I went to Hoyts at Melbourne Central for the first time in ages. The tickets cost around $20 each for a 3D movie… and don't get me started on the snacks.
So.. does anyone here still go to see a film at the cinemas? I know I'd like to, but I can't justify the excessive prices. Also - what are your tips on saving money if you do go?
I really struggle to find a man who carries a handbag of sufficient size to carry in my 700ml bottle of vodka and 2 litre bottle of orange juice.
LOL, I remember once taking a bottle of tequila, cut up lemon wedges & salt…we really enjoyed that movie! :)
I actually took a half empty bottle of tequila on a virgin flight last month because I was coming straight from a BYO restaurant where they made cocktails out of your spirits. I was thinking I was going to dip into it, but the trolley boys did a great job with keeping me supplied with beer.
My friends and I once smuggled an entire roast chicken into the cinema. Wasn't the most convenient finger food, but it was something we had to do. Another time we smuggled ~12 cans of coca-cola between 3 people. Good thing it was winter.
Haha i bought a entire chicken from supabarn for $4 and took it in and as soon as i opened it up outer the bag everyone was like looking at us…hahah
As suggested, the prepaid tickets and store snacks definitely help save money.
For me though, I will go to Grill'd and get a burger and movie ticket combo which generally costs $21.50. Effectively it's a free dinner and I a good deal at that cost. I'm not sure if they are affiliated and do a similar thing with Hoyts, but they do it at my local Village.
Generally though, I avoid the cinemas because of the cost. It's only for big blockbusters that I really want to see.
I see a movie atleast twice a week with optus movie rewards. $10 for any movie, any day and time except after 5pm sat. There's usually a wools/Coles next to whichever cinema I'm at so I'd pay less than $20 for a movie n snacks
In Queensland we buy RACQ movie tickets for $10 so maybe something similar in Victoria? Also we are in the Cinebuzz Club which is BCC which means we can see a weekly movie for about $8.
Yes because the Optus $10 tickets and Cinebuzz points make it very cheap. There is no way I would still be going to the movies regularly if it weren't for these offers, I am not going to pay $20+ for a ticket.
Who buys the snacks from the cinema anyway, eat beforehand or grab something from woolies.
I see about 2 movies a year in the cinema. Not only do I find it annoying and costly, but I often struggle to find anything I care enough about to watch.
Some interesting responses so far!
Another thing I didn't mention was how some cinemas are really, REALLY run down (dodgy seats, broken cup holders, not vacuumed after every session, etc) and they still charge normal prices. That's why I try to go to the one at Melb Central or Crown… the ones closest to me a pretty nasty
OTOH, some cinemas have done extensive renovations but still charge low prices.
Hoyts Charlestown (NSW) has done heaps of work, but their basic ticket prices are still $9.95 most sessions! You raise a good point though, some individual cinemas are better than others! :)
I hate how hoyts have so many movie previews before the show. But events cinemas prices really kills the deal.
Nah, I love the movie previews! :)
Yes, Event's usual prices are just ridiculous in comparison.
My first Toastmasters speech (speech objective is passion) is about movies. My father used to treat us to movies when he received overtime pays or any extra payment. And he had to drive hours for that. When my son was young we went to the drive-in movies and that was wonderful. Sadly these days I only go to the movies about a couple of times a year. I bought, and sometimes given, DVDs, box sets which I am struggling to go thru. Last month I bought a deal which comes with dinner and it was not a bad experience. But these days it is just too comfortable to sit at home, not to worry about what to wear, how to sit etc. Having said that, I will still find my odd two movies a year.
Work gives me free tickets through a partnership with a cinema, so I go about once a month
someone's bitter
I probably average 25 - 30 movies a year at the cinema. If they are over 2 hours, I prefer gold class. I never, ever, ever pay full price.
The Newcastle-Lake Macquarie (NSW) experience is a good one.
The three multiplexes (Hoyts, Event-Greater Union & Reading) have been struggling.
The smaller boutique cinemas around town were doing double features (two movies) for $10 and single movies for $6.
These smaller cinemas offered chips, drinks, popcorn and lollies at milk-bar prices … very low compared to the big three.
Hoyts went first … tickets all $9.90 per seat, no kids or concession prices.
Greater Union (Event) dropped to $8.50 per seat. No seniors, kids or student concessions any more.
Reading have 30% off all seats for all sessions starting before 6pm.
So, crowds are up to all the "decent" movies. Prices like these take me back 5-10 years. I still prefer the local boutique cinema but now I have more choice.
I go pretty much every week with friends on tuesdays. I have the hoyts rewards card which gives a few free movies a year and use discounted prepaid tickets whenever i can.
Also, save up your 3d glasses, i have a ziplock baggie with a whole bunch, saves a dollar a ticket for anything that's only out in 3d.
wow i never thought of that hellbound, you must have wicked smart and also you must be so attractive!
Can't put an exact figure on it but I'd say I must see on average about 2 movies a week over the last few years. I try to see everything I want to see rather than going for the sake of a weekly ritual, so sometimes I might go a few weeks without seeing anything but other times I might see a lot on a short period of time. The most I've seen in a day was six on a discount day at Cinema Nova a couple months ago, luckily I worked out the scheduling pretty well as I only missed a couple of minutes tops the whole day going from one movie to the next. Also go reasonably frequently to the Astor, though probably not as much as I would if I lived a bit closer. For the more mainstream stuff I'll go to the local Hoyts/Village as they're the only local cinemas for me.
I don't get people saying there's no good movies out any more, there are so many if you just look around.
I am very cheap in that I never buy any food from the cinema, I can't remember the last time I ever did. Been to 3D a few times but never Gold Class, I look at it as I'd rather see two movies in regular class than one with slightly more comfortable seats..
Prices:
Cinema Nova - on Mondays tickets are $6 before 4pm/$9 afer 4pm
Astor - Wednesdays are usually $10, Thursdays (from next month) $12, you can get a book of 10 tickets for $120. I try to limit myself to double features unless there's a single feature I really want to see.
Hoyts - Try to go on a Sunday/Tuesday and use gift card that Woolies sold recently for 20% off, purchased it with a discounted Wish gift card for an extra saving :)
We don't get savings like that here in WA. It must be because it costs so much to cart the film over the Nullarbor.
Hehe WA person over here too. I haven't seen a movie in ages. Last time I took my gf (she was visiting from NSW) and cost me $40 for 2 tickets. Coupled with some decent lunch (eating out in Perth is freakin expensive) I ended up spending ~$80 for the outing.
…and then we went out for dinner. /broke
Try taking my family of 2 adults and 4 kids to a move in WA.
You need a second mortgage - and that is even with sneaking in supermarket snacks.
That said, I like Readings Belmont because it is in pretty good shape and most of the time when I go my session is less than half full.
I've been there twice, It is on the other side of the world for me. If it was near me and the same "value" as event, I'd go to readings in a heartbeat. They made it an "experience".
No we go there to smooch. :)
I go to the internet.
Strange how people neg with no clue…..
I take my kid brother to the movies, I buy the 10 tickets for 100 from hoyts in June and they last 6 months. so that covers three school breaks including Xmas.
I think kids enjoy more at the movies when they're recently released, rather then watching the same movie on DVD after release which they watch repeatedly for no reason.
In my opinion normal movie tickets are a rip off. I only watch movies at IMAX unless it's like a spur of the moment thing with friends.
I used to get my cheap tickets from http://www.justtheticket.com.au/Product.aspx
However it seems that they have recently raised the price quite a bit to $15.50/ticket + $1.50 total delivery.
I've seen around 30 movies so far this year. The most I've ever paid is $12, average is $8.
Note that Optus changed their $10 tickets supplier to Hoyts (previously Greater Union) today.
I live in Brisbane.
I go to Southbank Cinema. Prices are Amazing!!
As little as $4.50 for children and pensioners.
The most you will pay for an Adult ticket is $8.50, or $10 for 3D (add $1 for glasses).
http://www.cineplex.com.au/pricing.php
The quality of the cinema is excellent, the location is right near the city, there's free parking, and the candy bar is very reasonably priced (small popcorn and soda for under $5).
They also have 1 screen which used to be an IMAX, so it's huge.
Glad some business owners aren't focussed purely on profit, and offer an affordable movie experience.
The other cinema which i go to is Eldorado, in Indooroopilly. Their prices are very reasonable.
http://www.eldoradocinema.com.au/Page/Tickets
"Glad some business owners aren't focussed purely on profit, and offer an affordable movie experience."
On the above, just my thoughts, but I reckon it is more what the market will bear. I own some commercial property on the sunshine coast and every couple of years have a visit. I am surprised what the various tenants are charging for their services. I do not see how they could possibly eek out a living.
Three cheers for Southbank Cinema and Eldorado! I could never watch movies in cinemas otherwise.
Plus I like that Eldorado offers a further discount for UQ students ;)
I also have a friend with spare Cinebuzz cards that get her discounted tickets at the Myer Centre cinemas.
Anyone who pays the full price to see movies in the cinemas is just asking to be ripped off, really.
If it wasn't for Cineplex, I simply would never go to the movies.
I very, very rarely go. The only two movies I've seen at the cinemas this year were The Dark Knight Rises and The Avengers. I find it nice to go once in a while, but the exorbitant price for mediocre popcorn and fast-flattening soft drink somewhat detract from the experience.
That, and I hate people. Honestly, I can't go to the movies without having some ignorant little bastard child(ren) sitting behind me and annoying the almighty hell out of me the whole time. Listen you little fools, I don't care if you tricked your mother into believing you're seeing Ice Age, I want to watch the damned movie in peace. deep breath
Being from a regional town (no Hoyts or anything) there are practically no promotions on (greedy bastards), so I never have a reason to think "Oh, I haven't been to the movies in a while, should do that again some time."
I (gasp) torrent new releases to watch for myself, when time permits, before buying the Blu Ray if I find it to my liking.
I always request to be away from people when the event person asks me where I want to sit. I often say front row, absolute front row. I always let them know the most important criteria is distance from other people. Still they put me in row J or something - front row of the main section. I don't want to be around anyone at all. Put me in row a,b or c, hopefully no one will be anywhere near.
If I am with my daughter, it'll be a kids movie, so I put up about 3 arm rests, lie down and have a gooood nap.
You can request specific seats. When they ask what seats just say B7 and B8 or whatever and they'll put you there.
I know the layout of all the cinema rooms in our local, so depending on which one we're in I know which seats to choose.
Our local has about 16 screens. A number of the theatres are different to cater for different size audiences. Now I just say Row C in the middle.
wow great thinking hellbound, you must be really smart and handsome!
Heh, the cinema in my town is not quite as organised… it's get a ticket, then get your own damn seat -.-
I think all the event cinemas are like that, unfortunately.
I find allocated seating useful if a session is going to be more than 3/4 full, otherwise I wish they'd let people pick their own seats when they get there.
When I went to see the midnight screening of Harry Potter at Crown (which had about 3 cinemas FILLED), these two people were sitting in our seats when we got there. We had to explain to them for a few minutes that the seats were allocated before they got up and left.
I go maybe once a fortnight, $10 a ticket. Roughly $20 and it's a nights entertainment. Pretty good if you ask me. Sometimes we'll get a dinner meal deal with a ticket included too.
I go occasionally. We actually find it's cheaper to buy drinks from the vending machine in the cinema foyer than in the candy bar - plus they're not post mix.
We built a house last year and a proper home cinema was high on my list of priorities. HD projector, dark walls, big screen, good sound. It was made to a budget, the projector & speakers were second hand, the screen is a painted wall, the couches are existing, but the end result blows everyone away.
I'm generally not in a rush to see things, I can wait for the bluray. Finding a reason to go to the movies is getting harder and harder. We've booked gold class tickets for The Hobbit, but other than that I can't remember if we've been at all this year.
I don't have to put up with mobile phones going off, people who won't shut up or exorbitant snack bar prices. I have a Harmony remote to control everything, the all important pause button and the kitchen is in the next room. We average 2 movies a week as well as the bigger, more cinematic TV shows (don't crank it up for the throw away stuff) & a bit of Xbox. 9 months in and I'm still amazed at the experience, every single time.
when I lived at home dad installed one, first few months it was thrashed.
After that no one could be bothered to pull the screen down and turn all the amps on.
I might hit him up for it, since the gf wont let me get a 60''
Can see why that might be a problem, WAF was high on my list: dedicated room, no screen to mess with, fire everything up with a single button press on the Harmony. Too easy, wife loves it too.
i use netflix :D best value ever, although their library seems to be getting smaller…
If i do want to go to the cinema i got southside in canberra for cheap tix.
Is that Limelight?
Ya. just have to make your way through the shopping centre…
worst.placement.ever.
Try parking in the lower carpark and use the Kmart travelator.
I'm in Sydney and usually go in the city after work. most money saving tips are already mentioned i.e. optus, tuesdays, cinebuzz weekly specials etc. I'd like to mention Dendy Cinema, which normally cost less than Event Cinema. Also you can pay a membership fee and become a member for a lower rate, and it allows you to bring a friend also paying member rate. and each movie you watch you collect points/stamps, after a few you get a free one. a few months ago they had half price on the membership fee too.
for Event Cinema, in Jan each year they often have special promo, prepaid movie vouchers cost $7 to be used in Feb/Mar. I guess its their low season.
for Imax, they had buy one get one free a while ago when you sign up for free on their website as a member.. not sure if thats still on.
I'm looking forward to the Hobbit on the big screen! :)
Not really. Every now and then I might take the missus to the Drive-in. The novelty factor there is worth it, but I still prefer going on Tuesdays :) And then the Moonlight cinema is a lot of fun too. Bring whatever you want in. They play some good older films as well.
I go once in a while thanks to Optus Rewards, but I actually prefer watching the Blu-ray at home a lot of the time now.
Plus I feel like cinemas rip everyone off and that bothers me.
I'm going to see the Hobbit when it comes out, but apart from the occasional action flick with my friend, or REALLY AMAZING MUST SEE MOVIE (e.g. harry potter, avengers, the hobbit), im trying to steer clear 'cause of the extreme prices
Even when using vouchers, Event Cinema finds creative new ways to charge more. Many new movies are now 3D, and only shown in V-Max cinemas at popular times. One adult ticket easily reaches $20 in such cases.
If I wait four months I can have the blu-ray in my hand from Zavvi for maybe $4 more than the cost of one ticket.
It is becoming really difficult to justify going to the cinema.
Don't bother. Just get a half decent CAM. I'd be lucky to bother going once every 2yrs.
QLD - I go to Eldorado in Indooroopilly as another poster recommended. $5.50 for UQ students, free parking with lots of space, cinemas are usually 3/4 empty so no need to rush in like South Bank.
I go to event cinemas all the time. Just type in the code, "Rydges", and it comes up with a $10 price.
Good for all except 3d. Never had a problem with normal or VMax seats yet.
Booked tickets last Saturday at 6:30 for an 8:30 session, no problems! Been using this one for ages!
Don't know why someone down voted you. I just tried that code (in capitals) and it worked fine. Thanks :)
only if they're free:
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/52270
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/74645
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/79534
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/33261
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/28533
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/48892
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/72978
or heavily discounted:
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/66780
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/66027
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/65067
:)
I used to watch movies at least twice a month in US until I cam here in 2008. I have watched almost every big movie released when I was there. As I remember I haven't paid from $6 maximum $ 8.50 for a ticket. That's not a special, they are normal prices. Some of the big movies I have watched on the day they released.
After moving in here from 2008 till now I have watched only 2 in the theatre. Both of them are for my kids. I can not justify the price we have to pay for a movie in theatre. I know you will say that the salaries they pay for staff is way higher than in US which I can not dis agree. Still the price is not justifiable.
If the price is reasonable people would go to the theatre very frequently without thinking twice.
I think the prices have gone up in the US as well, i believe it's around $10 now. probably not comparing apples to apples, but my prepaid discounted tickets are $11.
Can we only watch movies at Hoyts and NOT Event Cinemas anymore with the $10 deal from Optus rewards?! Just tried and it seems so :(
RAC members in WA can buy Hoyts tickets for $11- for adults and $9- for children. Unfortunately you can't just flash your card at the cinema. You have to physically go down to an RAC branch or otherwise order online from their site. Still not a great deal but better than in-cinema prices.
Prepaid tickets, I buy like 20 at a time and I go with friends almost weekly, so the tickets get used up quickly.
Also join the Hoyts rewards program, for $10 (*cough per year *cough) and you get a free ticket… and special offers… often a $10 movie (which hoyts chooses)
Movies should be $10
then more ppl would go
Well, I know this doesn't help much unless if you are a frequent movie goer , try out their reward programs. As a student on renewal I get 2 free tickets with a renewal fee of $10, also I manage to accumulate quite a bit of points for movies and confectioneries. That said I avg, about a movie in every 1.5 months.
I usually wait to see films tip Cheap Tuesday rolls around, I've also just got into the Optus $10 tickets which included free popcorn this time around.
Not any more haven't been in a year and won't ever again in my life
Tickets too expensive
The image quality sucks
Too many people turning on their iPhones
Expensive popcorn and drinks watered down over salty and stale
Have to sit through 15 min of adds
Long quest or online pay surcharge
I prefer watch at home for free with $1 popcorn I make 100gmail and $2 2lt coke
e
Absolutely. I love going to the movies. There is something special about seeing a new blockbuster (NOTE: if you want to support a movie, see it in on opening weekend - I've been told that's how cinemas judge how long they are going to play the flick for).
For me, the screen size isn't the reason I go to the movies. It pretty much the same as your home TV. "But it's so much bigger!" you say. Sure, it is, but you sit 30 metres away from the screen so it looks the same really. The reason I go is the sound. It's hard to recreate that excellent soundscape in a home environment.
Buy prepaid tickets when they're available, there's often deals posted on OzB. Failing that, tightarse Tuesday can save you a few bucks.
A trip to the supermarket for some easily concealed snacks/beverages (if you can't take in a backpack, it helps to have a partner with a good size handbag) will save you perhaps more than on the tickets! ;)