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MoviePass v AMC Stubs A-List: How the movie subscription services compare and which is best value

The competition in the film subscription space heats up

Ilana Kaplan
Thursday 21 June 2018 14:09 BST
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AMC Theaters have created their own movie subscription plan to challenge MoviePass, the upstart service that gives members the opportunity to see one movie per day for less than $10 a month.

The new loyalty programme - called AMC Stubs A-List - will be offered beginning June 26.

AMC's new business model is a surprising entry to the market considering how the company protested the use of MoviePass at their theatres.

However, it isn't too shocking that they wanted to compete in the film space with MoviePass.

Before the service begins, here's everything you need to know about AMC Stubs A-List before signing up.

How much does it cost?

AMC: $19.95 per month.

MoviePass: $9.95 per month.

How long does a customer's membership last?

AMC: Customers must make a three-month minimum commitment. After that period is finished, your membership will stay active until you opt out of automatic monthly billing.

MoviePass: There's no minimum commitment to join the service.

What makes AMC's programme different from MoviePass?

AMC: Subscribers can see three movies per week, in premium formats including IMAX® and Dolby Cinema®. Subscribers will also get all of the benefits of AMC's current rewards programme, which includes free popcorn refills.

MoviePass: Subscribers have the opportunity to see one movie a day for a month, but they can only see one per day. They are not allowed to see the same movie more than once. MoviePass doesn't include concession upgrades or link to another rewards program. Not all theatres are included in the package.

How do you enrol in the programmes?

AMC: On June 26, you can sign up to join here.

MoviePass: You can sign up for the service here.

Is AMC's subscription service or MoviePass a better value?

While AMC's subscription service costs more, the service has the possibility of being more sustainable than MoviePass because it owns all of the venues. Customers who sign up for this service will also receive an upgrade in concessions and the ability to see films in premium formats. They will also be able to see all of their allotted films in one day. If they wish, they can see the same movie more than once, which MoviePass doesn't let customers do. The downside is the weekly movie allowance doesn't carry over. With MoviePass, the cost is $10 a month and customers are allowed to see one movie per day under the membership. However, the business model hasn't exactly been stable and not all theatres are included in the membership. It all comes down to what your priorities are in going to the movies.

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