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Klipsch Releases New Reference Series Speakers[teaser]The latest iteration of the company's popular speaker lineup is now available.[/teaser] Klipsch has announced the launch of its updated Reference Series speaker collection. The series consists of 13 models, including floorstanding speakers, bookshelf speakers, center channel speakers, Dolby Atmos enabled speakers, powered monitors, and subwoofers. "The new Reference series speakers combine modern materials and technology to create an unforgettable, unrivaled music and movie listening experiences at these price points," said Kerry Geist, product manager for Klipsch. Sixth generation Reference Series speakers use a larger proprietary Tractrix horn, a new tweeter, new phase plugs, and new rear Tractrix ports for enhanced bandwidth, accuracy, and bass. Likewise, the lineup also features some key aesthetic improvements, including angled feet, full-length low profile magnetic grilles, and a scratch-resistant black wood grain vinyl finish, along with industrial-style fasteners and spun-copper IMG woofer cones. Here's a full rundown of pricing for each new model in the collection: R-625FA Dolby Atmos Floorstanding Speaker - $599 each R-820F Floorstanding Speaker - $449 each R-620F Floorstanding Speaker - $349 each R-610F Floorstanding Speaker - $249 each R-52C Center Channel Speaker - $249 each R-34C Center Channel Speaker - $349 each R-51M Bookshelf Speakers - $249 per pair R-41M Bookshelf Speakers - $199 per pair R-41PM Powered Monitors - $399 per pair R-51PM Powered Monitors - $499 per pair R-41SA Dolby Atmos Elevation Speakers - $399 per pair R-120SW Powered Subwoofer - $449 each R-100SW Powered Subwoofer - $349 each The updated Klipsch Reference Series speakers are now available at select retailers and Klipsch.com. And beyond the new Reference Series, Klipsch also recently released its Heritage Theater Bar. The high performance 3-channel passive sound bar is now available with prices starting at $2,199. Source: KlipschPosted Wed Aug 8, 2018 at 01:10 PM PDT by: -
Microsoft Movies & TV Joins Movies Anywhere Digital Ecosystem[teaser]A new retailer has joined the cross-platform digital locker system.[/teaser] Movies Anywhere has announced the addition of Microsoft Movies & TV to its lineup of supported digital retailers. The service now joins previously compatible stores like VUDU, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, and FandangoNOW. "This launch has been highly anticipated by our most passionate movie fans, and we are very excited to bring Microsoft into the Movies Anywhere family," said Karin Gilford, General Manager, Movies Anywhere. "Movies Anywhere brings your movie collection together quickly and easily, and we're thrilled to share this benefit with Microsoft customers. Since our launch just nine months ago, consumers have stored more than 135 million movies on our app, and both content and quality continue to grow with the onboarding of new retailers like Microsoft." Movies Anywhere allows users to buy, redeem, and store digital films from five major studios and then sync those titles across multiple retailer apps and playback devices. The platform supports a growing collection of over 7,500 digital titles from Disney, 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros., Universal, and Sony. And beyond the new addition of Microsoft Movies & TV, customers can also link to their VUDU, Amazon Video, iTunes, Google Play, FandangoNOW accounts -- letting users access all their supported content on the service and device of their choosing. "We are thrilled that Microsoft now supports Movies Anywhere," said Pedro Gutierrez, Director, Movies & TV, Microsoft. "With Movies Anywhere, all of your eligible movies from Microsoft can be enjoyed across your favorite screens at no extra cost. Microsoft Movies & TV allows you to watch the newest movies across your favorite devices — like Xbox — before streaming services or disc, and without subscription or membership fees." To help mark the occasion, Movies Anywhere and Microsoft are also offering two limited-time promotions. First, Movies Anywhere users will get an exclusive sneak peek at a bonus feature from Deadpool 2. In addition, through August 28, customers who sync their Movies Anywhere account with Microsoft or another supported digital retailer for the first time will receive a free digital copy of X-Men: Days of Future Past. Source: Movies Anywhere via PR NewswirePosted Tue Aug 7, 2018 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Yamaha Reveals MusicCast BAR 400 Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer[teaser]The new sound bar can pair with additional Yamaha speakers to create a wireless surround sound system.[/teaser] Yamaha has detailed the latest addition to its MusicCast lineup of audio products. The MusicCast BAR 400 Sound Bar is set to launch in September for an MSRP of $499.95. "The MusicCast BAR 400 offers exceptionally high performance and gets the most out of your music, video and gaming content," said Robert Goedken, general manager, AV Division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "This sound bar packs a wide array of features and advanced technologies at a price unmatched in its class." The sound bar system includes a wireless subwoofer and features MusicCast wireless multi-room audio technology, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. In addition, the BAR 400 can wirelessly pair with 1-2 MusicCast 50 speakers or 2 MusicCast 20 speakers using Yamaha's MusicCast Surround technology to create a full 5.1 home theater system. Likewise, the device offers Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround support, along with high-res audio playback at up to 192kHz with 24-bit resolution. Meanwhile, DTS Virtual:X post-processing technology is provided as well, allowing the unit to create 3D virtual surround. Wired connectivity options include an HDMI input, an HDMI output with Audio Return Channel (ARC), and optical and analog audio inputs. In addition, the system supports voice control from Amazon Alexa devices, like the Amazon Echo line of smart speakers. And as part of Yamaha's MusicCast wireless multi-room audio platform, the BAR 400 is capable of streaming thousands of internet radio stations, locally stored music files on mobile devices and computers, and popular music services via the MusicCast Controller app, including Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM Internet Radio, TIDAL, Deezer, and Napster. Source: YamahaPosted Tue Aug 7, 2018 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
MoviePass Limits Subscription Plan to 3 Movies Per Month[teaser]The movie-per-day option is officially being removed as the company struggles to stay in business.[/teaser] Following last week's news of a price increase, MoviePass has now announced plans to alter its standard monthly plan instead. While the company was previously set to raise the monthly fee of its movie-per-day plan to $14.95, the service will now keep its original $9.95 cost and instead reduce the number of eligible movie tickets per month to just three. In addition, subscribers to the new plan can also receive up to a $5.00 discount for any additional movie tickets. Likewise, despite the company's recent restrictions, the updated plan will also include support for many major studio first-run films, and the service will be suspending Peak Pricing and Ticket Verification for subscribers. The new plan will launch on August 15. Monthly subscribers will be able to make the transition when their current plan comes up for renewal following that date. Meanwhile, annual members will not be subject to the new three movie limit until it's time to renew their subscription. Reports of MoviePass' severe financial woes first broke last month, placing the platform's future in doubt. The new plan is being implemented to help reduce costs and produce a sustainable business model without resorting to a price increase. According to MoviePass, only 15 percent of its members see four or more movies per month, so the service is expecting the adjusted model to have little effect on the majority of its users. “We are well aware that during our journey to innovate moviegoing — a form of entertainment that over time has become unaffordable and broken — we’ve encountered many challenges. However, any industry-wide disruption like MoviePass requires a tremendous amount of testing, pivoting, and learning,“ said Mitch Lowe CEO of MoviePass. “We discovered over several months of research that our customers value a low monthly price above nearly everything else, so we came together to create a plan that delivers what most of our loyal MoviePass fans want, and one that, we believe, will also help to stabilize our business model. While most of our loyal subscribers shared the passion for this new accessible movie experience and experimented fairly, the fact is that a small number have used our business model to a point where it was compromising the business’ long-term stability. As is true with any new company, we’ve evolved to accommodate what has become an unprecedented phenomenon. We are now creating a framework to provide the vast majority of subscribers with what they want most – low cost, value, variety, and broad availability – and to bring some moderation to the small number of subscribers who imposed undue cost on the system by viewing a disproportionately large number of movies. We believe this new plan is a way for us to move forward with stability and continue to revitalize an entrenched industry and return moviegoing to everyone’s financial reach.” Beyond MoviePass, AMC recently launched its own rival movie ticket subscription service dubbed AMC Stubs A-List. The platform allows users to see three movies in any format at any AMC theater per week for $20 a month. Sources: MoviePass via BusinessWirePosted Mon Aug 6, 2018 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Patrick Stewart Set to Star as Jean-Luc Picard in New Star Trek Streaming Series[teaser]The legendary starfleet captain is setting a course for CBS All Access.[/teaser] According to a report by Deadline, Patrick Stewart will star in a new Star Trek series for the CBS All Access streaming service. The actor will be reprising his iconic role of Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation. The news comes from the 2018 Official Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas, where Stewart made a surprise appearance to make the announcement himself. The currently untitled Star Trek series is being developed for CBS All Access by Alex Kurtzman, the co-creator and executive producer of Star Trek: Discovery. Though full plot details have not been revealed yet, the new show won't be a reboot of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Instead, the series will explore the next stage in Picard's life. Check out the announcement video with Patrick Stewart below! "With overwhelming joy, it's a privilege to welcome Sir Patrick Stewart back to the Star Trek fold," said Alex Kurtzman. "For over 20 years, fans have hoped for the return of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and that day is finally here. We can't wait to forge new ground, surprise people, and honor generations both new and old." Other members of the show's creative team will include James Duff, Akiva Goldsman, Michael Chabon, and Kirsten Beyer. In addition, Stewart, Chabon, Goldsman, Duff, and Kurtzman will executive produce, along with Heather Kadin of Secret Hideout, Roddenberry Entertainment President Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry, and Roddenberry Entertainment COO Trevor Roth. "I will always be very proud to have been a part of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but when we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with Star Trek had run its natural course," said Stewart. "It is, therefore, an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions within him. Seeking out new life for him, when I thought that life was over. During these past years, it has been humbling to hear many stories about how The Next Generation brought people comfort, saw them through difficult periods in their lives or how the example of Jean-Luc inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, pursuing science, exploration and leadership. I feel I'm ready to return to him for the same reason -- to research and experience what comforting and reforming light he might shine on these often very dark times. I look forward to working with our brilliant creative team as we endeavor to bring a fresh, unexpected and pertinent story to life once more." Patrick Stewart originally played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in all seven seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation, which ran from 1987 to 1994. In addition, the actor previously reprised the role in four theatrical films: Star Trek: Generations (1994), Star Trek: First Contact (1996), Star Trek: Insurrection (1998), and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002). An exact release date for the new Star Trek show has not been announced yet. Beyond the upcoming series, CBS All Access is also home to Star Trek: Discovery which is set to return for a second season in early 2019. A current CBS All Access subscription costs $5.99 per month with reduced commercials or $9.99 per month for a commercial-free plan. Sources: Deadline, Star Trek (YouTube)Posted Sun Aug 5, 2018 at 11:05 AM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: Maniac, Iron Fist, and More[teaser]A new series starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, and the latest season of Marvel's Iron Fist are among this week's streaming trailers.[/teaser] Netflix and Amazon have released new previews and info for several of their upcoming programs and films. In addition, FilmStruck has announced its new August lineup of movies for the Criterion Channel. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: Ozark: Season 2 (Netflix, August 31) - In its much-anticipated second season, Ozark continues to follow Marty Bryde and his family as they navigate the murky waters of life within a dangerous drug cartel. With Del out, the crime syndicate sends their ruthless attorney Helen Pierce to town to shake things up just as The Byrdes are finally settling in. Marty and Wendy struggle to balance their family interests amid the escalating dangers presented by their partnerships with the power-hungry Snells, the cartel and their new deputy, Ruth Langmore, whose father Cade has been released from prison. The stakes are even higher than before and The Byrdes soon realize they have to go all in before they can get out. Marvel’s Iron Fist: Season 2 (Netflix, September 7) - Billionaire Danny Rand (Finn Jones) returns to New York City after being missing for years, trying to reconnect with his past and his family legacy. He fights against the criminal element corrupting New York City with his martial arts mastery and ability to summon the awesome power of the fiery Iron Fist. On My Skin (Netflix, September 12) - The incredible true story behind the most controversial Italian court cases in recent years. Stefano Cucchi was arrested for a minor crime and mysteriously found dead during his detention. In one week’s time, a family is changed forever. Maniac (Netflix, September 21) - Set in a world somewhat like our world, in a time quite similar to our time, Maniac tells the stories of Annie Landsberg (Emma Stone) and Owen Milgrim (Jonah Hill), two strangers drawn to the late stages of a mysterious pharmaceutical trial, each for their own reasons. Annie’s disaffected and aimless, fixated on broken relationships with her mother and her sister; Owen, the fifth son of wealthy New York industrialists, has struggled his whole life with a disputed diagnosis of schizophrenia. Neither of their lives have turned out quite right, and the promise of a new, radical kind of pharmaceutical treatment—a sequence of pills its inventor, Dr. James K. Mantleray (Justin Theroux), claims can repair anything about the mind, be it mental illness or heartbreak—draws them and ten other strangers to the facilities of Neberdine Pharmaceutical and Biotech for a three-day drug trial that will, they’re assured, with no complications or side-effects whatsoever, solve all of their problems, permanently. Things do not go as planned. Maniac is created by Patrick Somerville, and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. The Good Cop (Netflix, September 21) - Tony Danza plays Tony Sr., a disgraced, former NYPD officer who never followed the rules. He lives with his son, Tony Jr., an earnest, obsessively honest NYPD detective who makes a point of always following the rules. This “odd couple” become unofficial partners as Tony Sr. offers his overly-cautious son blunt, street-wise advice on everything from handling suspects to handling women. Nappily Ever After (Netflix, September 21) - Violet Jones has a seemingly flawless life – a great job, a handsome doctor boyfriend, and a meticulously maintained perfect coiffure. But after an accident at the hair-dresser, each of these things start to unravel, and Violet begins to realize that she was living the life she thought she was supposed to live, not the one that she really wanted. Starring Sanaa Lathan, Ricky Whittle, Lyriq Bent with Ernie Hudson and Lynn Whitfield. Forever Season 1 (Amazon Prime Video, September 14) - Married couple June (Maya Rudolph) and Oscar (Fred Armisen) live a comfortable but predictable life in suburban Riverside, California. For 12 years they’ve had the same conversations, eaten the same meals and taken pleasant vacations at the same rented lake house. But after June talks Oscar into shaking things up with a ski trip, the pair suddenly find themselves in completely unfamiliar territory. Forever is an utterly original, insightful and poignant comedy about love, commitment, and marriage, created by Emmy Award-winning writers Alan Yang (Master of None, Parks and Recreation) and Matt Hubbard (30 Rock, Parks and Recreation). The Romanoffs (Amazon Prime Video, October 12) - From the creator of Mad Men, The Romanoffs is a contemporary anthology series set around the globe featuring eight separate stories about people who believe themselves to be descendants of the Russian royal family. Starring Aaron Eckhart, Diane Lane, Isabelle Huppert, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Amanda Peet, Jack Huston, Kathryn Hahn, Noah Wyle, Paul Reiser, Andrew Rannells and more. Finally, Criterion has revealed its August lineup of films set to hit the Criterion Channel on the FilmStruck streaming service. Here's a full rundown of titles premiering in August: Tootsie, Sydney Pollack, 1982 (August 1) The World, the Flesh and the Devil, Ranald MacDougall, 1959 (August 1) Hunger, Peter Foldes, 1974 (August 7) Lick the Star, Sofia Coppola, 1998 (August 14) The Moonshiners, Juho Kuosmanen, 2017 (August 21) A Private Function, Malcolm Mowbray, 1984 (August 21) Night Mayor, Guy Maddin, 2009 (August 28) - A current Netflix subscription starts at $11 per month for HD streaming and $14 per month for Ultra HD streaming. - A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $119 per year or $13 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. - A current FilmStruck Subscription starts at $7 per month. In addition, a FilmStruck + The Criterion Channel Subscription costs $11 per month, and customers can also opt for an annual Subscription for $99 per year. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube), FilmStruckPosted Fri Aug 3, 2018 at 06:15 PM PDT by: -
New YouTube 8K HDR Video Offers Breathtaking Views of Morocco[teaser]The stunning clip offers a taste of 8K video potential.[/teaser] While consumer 8K displays are still forthcoming here in the US, YouTube has actually been offering 8K streaming support on its platform since 2015. And a new video uploaded to the Jacob + Katie Schwarz channel just might be one of the most impressive demos for the format so far. The short film focuses on several breathtaking locations in Morocco and has been uploaded as an 8K FUHD HDR 60fps video using Google's VP9 codec. With that said, the only way to currently watch the clip in full 8K glory is via a computer web browser. But since the content was captured using a Red Monstro Vista Vision 8K Sensor and mastered in 8K, even YouTube's down-rezed 4K feed should still offer a tantalizing taste of 8K video production's potential benefits. With that in mind, despite not having a true 8K display handy, we decided to check the clip out on one of the next best things -- Samsung's 2018 flagship 65-inch Q9 QLED 4K HDR TV. You can also watch the video for yourself below (or through the YouTube app on your smart TV). The short film features smooth 60fps gliding camera shots that slowly move through various Moroccan locals, including the streets and markets of Marrakech, the blue city of Chefchaouen, the Arfoud desert, and the ancient city of Ouarzazate. When streaming in 4K HDR on the Q9, the down-rezed 8K footage renders breathtaking detail, offering stunning views of wildlife, rocky shores, impressive architecture, and sand dunes. Textures on walls and objects, and patterns on structures and fabric, are especially striking, allowing one to make out every brick or slab of stone in buildings, and every individual leaf on trees or strand of grass on the ground. Fine detail is especially notable in one sequence shot inside a room full of golden lanterns, highlighting every intricate nook and cranny creating a spacious sense of dimension and separation between each object. The HDR grading also results in sumptuous primaries and impressive specular highlights on the Q9. Shots of the sun resting just over the horizon in the desert carry concentrated intensity while maintaining detail. Likewise, drifting shots that move through shadowy rooms toward light creeping in from the outside world feature strong contrast and a smooth transition between deep blacks and bright light. Warm tones are rich and realistic, and the pastel blue walls of Chefchaouen are gorgeously realized. Of course, being a YouTube stream, the clip is still subject to some occasional signs of compression, including some fleeting noise and banding here and there. Likewise, the video actually had to pause once on my setup in order to buffer. But even with these limitations, the clip serves as perfect demo material for current-gen 4K HDR TVs. With that said, as jaw-dropping as the footage is, I'm not sure the down-rezed 4K stream really offers that much of an edge over similar clips shot and mastered in 4K on YouTube or other streaming services. Don't get me wrong, it's among the more impressive streaming videos I've seen when it comes to overall detail, but I'm not totally sold on the benefits of 8K just yet. The higher-res video capture definitely offers a lot of added freedom for filmmakers to play around with footage during editing and grading on the post-production side, but it remains to be seen if the end product actually offers an appreciable increase in observable detail over a 4K master. And to determine that, we'll really have to wait for higher bitrate 8K content and true 8K TVs. For now, however, watching the material on a flagship 4K TV offers a promising (albeit far from revelatory) look at what 8K video capture has to offer. And beyond this beautiful trip to Morocco, the Jacob + Katie Schwarz channel also offers a growing collection of additional 8K HDR, 4K HDR, and slow-motion clips that are well worth a look for users who want some impressive demo material to help show off their new Ultra HD TVs. Source: Jacob + Katie Schwarz (YouTube)Posted Fri Aug 3, 2018 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Comcast Set to Bring Amazon Prime Video Support to Xfinity X1[teaser]Amazon's streaming service will be available on Comcast's set-top box.[/teaser] Comcast and Amazon have announced a partnership to bring Prime Video support to the Xfinity X1 platform. With Prime Video integration, X1 users with a Prime subscription will be able to access Amazon's library of streaming movies and shows along with Xfinity live TV, On Demand, and DVR services. "Amazon Prime Video’s growing list of originals, movies, shows, documentaries, and kids' programming will be an excellent complement to the overall X1 viewing experience," said Dana Strong, President of Consumer Services, Comcast. "We want to give customers easy access to all their favorite content in one place. X1 continues to be a platform that can curate live TV, On Demand movies and shows, and streaming internet video and music titles into one, easy-to-use, seamless experience." Amazon Prime Video integration on Comcast's X1 platform will allow customers to watch Prime original streaming content and Xfinity TV all in one place. Users will be able to launch and search for Prime Video content using the X1 Voice Remote. In addition, compatible X1 set-top box will also support playback for Amazon's growing lineup of 4K HDR titles. Likewise, Prime Video on Xfinity will also offer access to Amazon's library of movies and shows available for rental or purchase and the platform's selection of over 160 add-on Prime Video Channels. "Prime Video is dedicated to making your favorite shows and movies effortless to watch. The addition of the Prime Video app to X1 will make navigating between Prime Video and live TV easier than ever," said Greg Hart, Vice President of Amazon Prime Video. "We are excited for our Prime members to seamlessly find the shows and movies they love." A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $119 per year or $13 per month. Likewise, Prime Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Amazon Prime Video is expected to launch on the X1 platform later this year. Comcast previously added Netflix support to its set-top box in 2016. Source: ComcastPosted Thu Aug 2, 2018 at 12:05 PM PDT by: -
VIZIO Launches WatchFree Streaming Service on SmartCast TVs[teaser]More free streaming channels are now available on SmartCast TVs.[/teaser] VIZIO has announced the launch of its new WatchFree streaming platform on SmartCast TVs. The free service is powered by Pluto TV and offers a wide assortment of digital channels without any fees or need for a subscription. "With the TV landscape continuously evolving, we're excited to offer consumers a comprehensive entertainment solution packed with free and unlimited content offerings." said Bill Baxter, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "Powered by Pluto TV, WatchFree is a next-generation streaming service with an easy-to-navigate, cable-like interface that delivers creative and thoughtful content selections." WatchFree is accessible via a dedicated input in the 2018 SmartCast OS. The service provides free, direct streaming access to over 100 live and linear channels, including Pluto TV Movies, Action Movies, Black Cinema, News 24/7, NBC News/MSNBC, Fox Sports, Frontdoor, Cats 24/7, Crime Network, MST3K, The Surf Channel, and more. "Powering VIZIO's WatchFree service is a pivotal next step in our goal to deliver free, premium entertainment to as many consumers as possible," states Tom Ryan, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Pluto TV. "From hit TV shows to blockbuster movies, news, sports, lifestyle and more, WatchFree is a gamechanger for cord-cutting enthusiasts." Andy beyond the new WatchFree service, 2018 VIZIO SmartCast displays also include TV tuners for OTA broadcasts via a separate digital antenna. Likewise, the SmartCast OS offers integrated access to popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Vudu, iHeartRadio, Crackle and Xumo directly through the TV screen using the included remote. Meanwhile, customers can also download the free SmartCast Mobile app to use their smartphone as a touchscreen remote, and Google Chromecast built-in allows users to cast thousands of Chromecast-enabled apps to the display from their supported mobile device. Finally, voice-control support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant is offered as well. WatchFree is now rolling out to nearly all VIZIO SmartCast TVs. The 2018 SmartCast lineup includes the E-Series, M-Series, P-Series, and P-Series Quantum 4K HDR TV lineups. Source: VIZIOPosted Wed Aug 1, 2018 at 09:05 AM PDT by: -
MoviePass Announces Price Increase and New Restrictions[teaser]The subscription movie ticket service is implementing changes as it struggles to stay in business.[/teaser] MoviePass has announced plans to enact a price increase for its standard movie-per-day plan. The company will raise the monthly fee to $14.95 from the current $9.95 cost within the next 30 days. In addition, the service is also implementing new restrictions on tickets for wide-release films. The changes come amid reports of severe financial woes for the company, placing its future in doubt. "These changes are meant to protect the longevity of our company and prevent abuse of the service. While no one likes change, these are essential steps to continue providing the most attractive subscription service in the industry. Our community has shown an immense amount of enthusiasm over the past year, and we trust that they will continue to share our vision to reinvigorate the movie industry," said Mitch Lowe, MoviePass CEO. As part of the service's cost reduction plan, MoviePass will now limit ticket availability for Blockbuster films. The restriction will apply to first run movies opening on 1,000+ screens during their first two weeks of release. With that said, studios can opt to increase ticket allotments for specific films through special promotions with MoviePass. Meanwhile, the company will also continue to implement and refine its Peak Pricing program which charges an extra fee for select movies when certain showtimes are in demand. "Over the past year, we challenged an entrenched industry while maintaining the financially transparent records of a publicly traded company. We believe that the measures we began rolling out last week will immediately reduce cash burn by 60% and will continue to generate lower funding needs in the future," said Ted Farnsworth, Chairman and CEO of Helios. MoviePass allows subscribers to see one 2D movie per day. After signing up for the MoviePass Unlimited plan, users are sent a special MoviePass debit card. Customers can then select a theater and movie showtime from the MoviePass app. Once a user's smartphone GPS registers within 100 yards of the selected theater, subscribers can then check-in for the film they want to see. Credit is then transferred to the MoviePass debit card which can then be used to buy the ticket. Over 91% of theaters in the US currently work with MoviePass, but some chains have been attempting to limit their support, including AMC. On that note, AMC recently launched its own rival movie ticket subscription service dubbed AMC Stubs A-List. The platform allows users to see three movies in any format at any AMC theater per week for $20 a month. Sources: MoviePass via BusinessWirePosted Tue Jul 31, 2018 at 03:20 PM PDT by:
