I expected movie admission prices to be more than the $5 I have paid for years at the Narrow Gauge Cinema Complex in Maine ($3.50 for matinees), but I was somewhat shocked at what I found in the Boston area movie houses.
As always, patrons and customers will be charged according to what providers know you are willing to cough-up. This applies to food in the grocery stores as well.
But here is what I found.
Basic movie ticket prices range in the neighborhood of $7 to $13.75 depending upon the time of day, the movie title, and the length of time the movie has been playing at the cinema. Figured into the price structure is whether you are a child, senior, or a full-paying adult.
Basic ticket prices go up IF you wish to sit in a cinema's Luxury Level area. Say What?! What is the Luxury Level, and what amenities do you receive?
In Luxury Level, you have access to a Lux Level Concierge Desk; you have escort to the Lux Level Auditorium, and you have Coat Check Service available.
You must be 21 years of age to be seated in the Lux Level.
What types of films will you be shown in the Lex Level Auditoria? Films offered will be new releases and first run films appealing to those in the 21 plus age group. No "kiddie" movies here folks!
What is the cost for the Lux Level Program? Patrons can enjoy this VIP experience for an additional fee at the time of the ticket purchase which includes a $5 off food/beverage vouncher, reserved seating, and exclusive Lux Level parking. The additional fee for Bargain Matinees prior to 6PM everyday is $10.50; for General Admission Sundays thru Thursday, $11, and on Friday and Saturday $13.50. So now; we are paying anywhere from $17.50 to $20.50 just to sit in the Luxury Level Section.
You have the additional privilege of ordering food from a very nice menu and have it brought to you so you can enjoy eating and drinking while watching your movie. Luxury Level menus feature innovative appetizers, personal pizzas, wraps and paninis, complemented by luscious desserts and signature cocktails. A selection of fine wine and beer is also available. I want you to look at the menu available for one particular Cinema.
The menu selection isn't 'chopped liver.' We're talking about: Premium Crab Cakes, Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels, Chicken Cordon Bleu Petites, and Bourbon Steak Tips. Pizza's are on the "high end" with Chicken Parmesan, Philly Steak made with certified Angus Beef.
Link to Luxury Seating Menu Items:
Oh! I forgot to mention that the seats are extra wide and comfy and you have a small table to hold your food.
Now if you can't afford to sit in the Luxury Section and must sit in the 'regular' section, you have 'options.'
Here's what they are: you can eat before you go into the movie or after you come out. No.... You don't have to get in your car and ride to a restaurant; there is one right inside the lobby area. This particular Cinema's restaurant is called "Studio Three."
Studio Three is a full service restaurant featuring American Fare in a relaxed, sophisticated setting. Patrons can enjoy dinner and/or drinks before or after the movie, or just stop by to meet friends for lunch/dinner or an afternoon snack. Menu items at Studio 3 include appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, panini's and a wide variety of other quick dining options. Studio 3 also features a full service bar with beer, wine and innovative specialty drinks.
A link to Studio Three Menu Items is here:
You can also just sit in the regular seats and enjoy the "Food Court." In the Food Court, you do what we have always done before seating ourselves to watch the movie; you load up on your popcorn, candy, and soda. In this particular Cinema, you have a choice of: Nathan's Famous Hotdogs, cheeseburgers, and signature cheese fries. You can have Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream in a dish, freshly baked waffle cone, or try one of their frozen drinks. If you like coffee; Starbucks is there to serve you.
Now; this particular Cinema does not have this service; but some other cinema locations offer what is called "In Seat Dining."
With In Seat Dining you can enjoy your concession items delivered to your Premium Director's Hall seat.
Menus are provided when you pick up your tickets at the Box Office and all food is delivered before the movie begins. Menu items range from traditional pop corn and nachos to burgers, pizza and more. Simply go to your seat and one of their servers will take your order. Orders will be received right up until the start of the Coming Attractions and all food will be delivered prior to the start of the film.
A link to the In Seat Dining Menu is here:
Going to the movies today can be an expensive treat. Not to speak of all of the calories we can add to our already over-burdened bodies (at least to mine). I wonder if they have wheel barrow service to your car after eating and viewing is over??
When a man takes a woman to the movies today; he'd better be prepared... and she had better be prepared to 'fork over something' after the show.
In the 'old days' if your date spent over a certain amount of money on you; you most likely would have been asked to 'give up a little something,' if you know what I mean.
With today's prices, no wonder people rent movies.
Taking the family out to the movies with today's economy, you might be spending a week's grocery bill or more.
