Movie theater perks
 

I'm not sure how many GCers love going to the movies as much as do. I go a lot, but the theater I go to has really cool benefits. I can get points on my Emagine card -the more I go, the more points that build up. If I have enough points, it will allow me to see a free movie, but the catch to that is it has to be a movie that's been out for 2 weeks or more. And it can't be a Sony film. It also allows me to get a free combo once I have enough points for that. On tuesdays, all Emagine card holders get free popcorn and free refills, I just have to show my card. I think they have such wonderful benefits, and the card is free, too. :) There's also an AMC theater near my apt, too. I'm not a big fan of AMC, because they don't have any benefits that I know of. I mean, I think they have some kind of card, but it cost $5 bucks. I never really took the time to ask them about the card to find out what kind of benefits it has. I rarely go to that one, because I don't like the salt they use for the popcorn, and it's a "do it yourself" butter and salt service. That sucks.

What about the theater that you go to? Does it have good benefits?

We are faithful to Regal Cinemas. Tuesdays are $6 nights for non-new release movies (those that have been out for 2 weeks or more). Monday nights have candies and drinks for $1.

Since it's usually me and the Mister, we accumulate points on the same card pretty quickly just from buying tickets and we'll get coupons for something every other visit to the movies. Most often is for $1 small popcorn. For another buck we can upsize to a large. Doesn't get better than that. Did I mention that we accumulate points from concession purchases as well?

Free movie tickets from time to time as well (those are rare, but we get 'em), to be used for non-new releases. I don't think we've been to the other multi-plexes ever since.

I go to the movies a lot. For some reason the staff at the national chain likes me so they dont charge. I appreciate the courtesy so once a month or so I bring in a bunch of pizzas for them.

As for as other types of awards I am unaware.

Yep. That's how it is at the Emagine, too. It adds points from the concession purchases. Oh, and refills are only 25 cents on the days that it's not free for card holders. I remember when I lived in Lansing, I used to go to NCG movie theater. They didn't have many benefits, but I did like that their popcorn refills were free.

I tend to go to our Emagine most often now because it's newer than the MJR that is nearby but I have the MJR rewards card, which has good perks. Refills on pop (ok soda for you non-Michigan people) and popcorn are always free at MJR. I haven't gotten an Emagine card because I just don't go to the movies that often. I watch a lot of them at home, but I don't go out that out. MJR is more reasonably priced than Emagine but Emagine is a nicer, newer theater and has a bar. I've never gotten an alcohol drink from there, but it was the first one I've seen with bar service.

AMC does have perks. They have the Stubs card program. You buy the card for $20, the price of which is added to your card. Every time you buy tickets or concessions, you use your card to add value. Once you reach $100 you get $10 back in free money to use for anything with NO restrictions. With the card, you also get free upgrades on concessions to large sizes from medium. I have already gotten $100 back in rewards in a year...you do the math to see how much we go to the movies. :D

My father ran all 4 movie theatres in town (these were the days before multi-screen theatres).
Perks (or Positives):
I never paid to get in, even on first-release movies.
All-you-can-eat-or-drink popcorn and soft drinks (as long as it was in my own cup).
Preferred seating.
I could watch half a movie, go off and do something, and come back and watch the other half at the next showing.
I could put my purse in the office and not on the nasty floor.
I could bring my friends with me for free, too. Dates included.

Non-perks (or Negatives):
If they needed help in the concession stand, I was it.
The other kids working in the concession stand got a per-hour wage. I got $5 a shift, no matter how long the shift was (hey, it was the 1960s).
Occasional janitor duty, when the janitor didn't show up for work. Yes, that meant at the drive-ins, too. Picking up the back row (empty beer bottles, used condoms)

I didn't date much in high school. Only once was a guy astonished when we went to the movies and he didn't have to pay!:p

What's MJR?

Yep. Novi Emagine has a bar, too. I mean, I don't drink, so I've never needed to visit the bar, but they have one. When I first saw that they had a bar, I thought that people would be getting drunk and acting obnoxious in the theater. But, since I've been going there, I've never seen that happen.

Yep. That's it, it was $20 bucks. As soon as the guy mentioned that, I lost interest to even listen to the rest. I guess I should have listened to him, because I didn't know that it goes right back to me. :p I like that perk. I just don't like their popcorn and the self-serve butter and table salt.

Before moving I always went to NCG but besides free refills I don't think they had any perks.

Now I go to Harkins here in Arizona and it's awesome. You can buy a loyalty cup for $5 and use it every time you come for $1 sodas. And if you buy their t-shirt you get a free medium popcorn every time you wear it. The shirts costs $25 but if you regularly go to the movies it's worth it. Also if you buy their gift cards you get a free popcorn for every $25 you spend.

We usually see at least one movie every week or two so I know the cup saves me money. I'm not a big popcorn person but I'm sure I would have made back the cost by now if I had bought it.

I don't put anything on the popcorn so that doesn't bother me at all.

Didn't know this. I was just at Harkins Camelback last night to see Bernie. We go every once in a while to see indie movies. The AMC is two mile from my condo in downtown PHX so I'm not going to stop gong there, but I may have to pick up a tshirt and a cup. :D