Cheap Movies at Home or at the Theater

The movie business is still alive and well since the first talkie premiered nearly 100 years ago. While special effects, styles and even color have changed, the worldwide love affair with a good story continues.

In the 1980s, the movie business went from the theater to the home when video players became as necessary as the television. Families found they could save money by staying home and watching a movie instead of taking the family to the theater. In the late 1990s, DVDs emerged as the coolest way to watch movies. DVDs often include extras such as deleted scenes, interviews with the stars and commentary from the directors and others.

At the same time that DVDs were increasing in popularity, the Internet was becoming the best way to communicate and to business. Companies looked for a way to get consumers to purchase their movies online.

Netflix is the most well-known company that married movies and technology. For one monthly fee, consumers can order and watch as money movies as they want. The movies are received and returned through the mail. This saves money in late fees and gas for trips to the movie store. It provided an easy way for those in rural areas who did not have access to a movie store to get the latest releases delivered right to them. For more information, you can visit www.netflix.com.

The success of Netflix led the top movie rental franchise, Blockbuster to offer a similar program. Blockbuster claims to have an advantage over the competition by allowing you to return the movies in the store instead of waiting for a new movie in the mail. Customers can sign up for the program in the store or online. For many years, Blockbuster has also had in-store promotions that give you free rentals for one low fee each month. Check to see which program is right for you. You can find out more about their programs at www.blockbuster.com.

While both companies claim they never charge late fees, if the movies are not returned you will pay for them. That is the same for other movie chains such as Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video. These stores also have promotions that can save you money, particularly if you rent a lot of movies each month. If you are looking for a new release, all of these stores allow you to reserve it in advance. However, coupons and promotions may not apply to the latest releases.

A membership only company, www.movies-all-free.com, claims it offers downloads of favorite flicks for free if you join. In order to view titles, you must become a member. The site does warn that no all movies, games and software offered will be compatible with all computers. There is not free trial period that allows you to try to program before you buy, so proceed with caution.

What if you don't what to stay home? Is there a way to find cheap movie tickets and catch the latest movies in the theater? If you want to see the absolute latest release, the best way to save money on your ticket is to see an afternoon matinee. Most theaters offer discount movies from $1 to $3 off the evening ticket price. If you have the time during the day, this is the best movie deal available.

Many towns have discount theaters that offer showings on the latest releases at least of the price of other theaters. However, most of these movies have been out for a while. But these theaters do offer a chance to experience a great movie in a traditional theater setting.

Many large chains offer discount movie cards where you receive a free ticket after you have seen a certain number of flicks. If you love to go to the movies, this is a great way to see one for free.

If you decide to go the theater, you cannot avoid the high prices at the concession stand. Since theaters don't allow outside food to be carried inside, you may want to eat before you go to the movies and avoid purchasing a $5 bag of popcorn. There are special kid's packages that include a drink, candy and popcorn for a low price if you really want to savor the movie popcorn.