MoviePass is adding some new “features” to their service and a new way curb some loses.  But do these new features make MoviePass less attractive?

Face it, MoviePass, whether you love it or hate it, has changed the way many of us watch movies.  And with AMC throwing their hat into the subscription ring, it would appear the model is not going away anytime soon.  But fresh off of AMC’s announcement, MoviePass is making some changes of their own.  But are these changes even a good idea?  Well, here is what’s coming.

First the good: The company is bringing a “bring-a-friend” option to the service.  According to Business Insider, the publication that ran the interview with MoviePass CEO Mitch Lowe, the feature would allow subscribers to select the option to “add a friend when buying tickets through the app…” It’s not known if this feature will cost anything extra but I would imagine it would.  Further, subscribers will also have the option of paying an up-charge to go see IMAX or 3D versions of movies.  This is a welcome addition for those into premium viewing experiences.  Unfortunately, pricing has yet to be announced on what those uncharges might be.

Now the bad: Also, according to Lowe, the company is going to experiment with something they call “high-demand” pricing.  The idea is kind of like the “Surge Pricing” that Uber practices during high demand.  According to Lowe, subscribers will be charged a premium to go see movies that are popular.  The popularity of said movie will be determined by other subscribers and based on what is considered popular or “high demand.”  The price for this high demand ticket will “start at $2” although I would pay special emphasis to the word “start.”  It’s unclear if ticket prices will vary based on movie or theater chain but the word “start” does indicate there may be some deviation.

The good news is that customers still have some time to enjoy the current perks they’ve grown to love.  A majority of these changes are set to take affect in August with the exception of the surge pricing which will take affect in July.  I’m told that those people who are on an annual plan will not be affected but if you are on the month-to-month $9.95 deal, expect to hear about this soon.  So far, MoviePass has been an experiment for a lot of people, especially in patience.  The company has recently changed course on many of its features; curbing repeat movie watching and now requiring certain customers to submit photos of ticket stubs.  Despite all this, many people are still hanging on to the service.  But with the recent addition of AMC’s A-List, you have to ask yourself, is MoviePass still attractive?  Stay tuned for updates as we have them.