We show you how you can enjoy a trip to the pictures without breaking the bank.
The price of going to the cinema can be expensive in itself, not least when you factor in the cost of snacks, peak times, and how many people are in your party.
However by taking advantage of the growing number of discounted deals available, the savvy cinema-goer can get their movie fix for less - we show you how:
Get 2 tickets for the price of 1
Orange Wednesdays has proved to be one of the most popular cinema discounts of recent years, with their great 2 for 1 ticket offer available every week. You and a friend can visit any cinema and see any film of your choice on a Wednesday, and providing you are an Orange customer you can get 2 tickets for the price of 1.
How do I get 2 for 1 tickets?
If you already have an Orange phone, all you need to do is text ‘FILM’ to 241 on a Wednesday (texts cost 35p). You’ll then get a confirmation text from Orange; simply show this at the cinema box office anytime on a Wednesday to get 2 tickets for the price of 1. Alternatively you can call 241 from your mobile to get your Orange Wednesdays text.
If you aren’t already with Orange you can still benefit from 2 for 1 tickets if your phone is compatible with the Orange network (you can unlock your phone by requesting a PAC - Porting Authorisation Code - from your current provider – just phone the customer service department). Free Orange SIM cards are available when you fill in a few details on the Orange website. When you receive your free SIM in the post you can put it in your existing phone, top up with at least £5 credit, and get your Orange Wednesdays text as above.
You can also benefit from 2 for 1 tickets if you use Orange broadband or dial-up. To do this simply text ‘JOIN’ and your unique user name (the part of your Orange email address that comes after the @ sign) to 80241. After registering in this way all you have to do is text ‘FILM’ to 80241 to get 2 for 1 tickets.
Preview new films for free
It’s possible to see new releases for free before they’ve even hit the cinemas. Two independent websites, See Film First and Momentum Pictures allow you to sign up to receive alerts when free screenings are happening in your area. Only certain films are available for preview screenings so you won’t be able to pick any film you want, but this is still a good way of being able to see a film for free.
How do I sign up?
Simply go to either See Film First or Momentum Pictures and sign up with a few personal details. You’ll then receive emails whenever a film that might be of interest to you is showing for free in your area. You can either choose to forego that film and wait for the next free screening, or just confirm your place and go along. Remember though that you may have to be quick to confirm your place as seats are on a first-come, first-served basis, and sometimes fill up quickly.
Save money with a Cineworld Unlimited Card
If you go to the movies regularly and live near a Cineworld cinema, then signing up for a Cineworld Unlimited Card could save you money. These cost £14.99 a month and allow you to see as many films as you like per month, any time of day, at any Cineworld. As an adult ticket usually costs £8.20 for an evening film, as long as you go to the cinema more than twice in a month the Unlimited card is an economic alternative to paying full-price for every visit. However, if you only go to the cinema sporadically, it will cost less to just pay the full price on the few times you do go.
To save even more, you can also use your Unlimited Card in conjunction with the Orange Wednesdays offer. Just text ‘FILM’ to 241 as usual and show your confirmation text at the box office. Your Unlimited Card will count as the paid ticket, enabling you to bring a friend for free.
How can I get an Unlimited card?
If you are happy to pay £14.99 every month (usually by direct debit) in order to watch as many films as you like, it’s simple to sign up for the Unlimited card. You can either apply in your nearest Cineworld or fill in the application form on the Cineworld website.
Once you’ve applied you’ll receive a temporary pass that you can use right away to access any film, and your Unlimited card will arrive in the post within 2 weeks. £14.99 will continue to be debited from your account monthly until you cancel the agreement.
Depending on whether you sign up for a Monthly Plan or an Annual Plan, you may have to give up to 1 month’s notice before cancelling. Check the Cineworld website for full terms and conditions.
Kids pay less
Many cinemas offer discounted or even free tickets to children of different ages.
- Odeon cinemas host ‘Newbie’ Parent and Baby screenings every weekday morning, where mums and dads can take children under 2 years old to see new films. Parents pay the standard price (usually around £6), but babies go free. What’s more, the screenings are specially catered for newborn babies with the volume a little quieter, the lights a little brighter, and often baby-changing facilities are available.
- Other kids’ offers are available at Vue Cinemas such as 'Kids AM'. Tickets for selected kids’ films, show in the mornings cost only £1 per child, with an accompanying adult also paying just £1.
- Similarly at Cineworld babies under 18 months can go free anytime, and children up to 14 years old only pay £5.70 (adult ticket price is £8.20 after 5pm).
And all the rest...
Plenty more discounts are also available for seniors and students, as long as you have ID with you when you buy your ticket. For students you’ll usually have to produce an NUS card or similar, and senior citizens will have to show a passport, driving license, or OAP bus pass.
Odeon Cinemas for example offers ‘Senior Screen’, where more mature guests can get discounted tickets, free tea and coffee before the film, and can enjoy films ranging from classics to modern blockbusters.
