It's the most Wonderful Time of the Year (and I don't mean X-Mas)

Folks we are now in that special time of the year when the film industry puts out it's Oscar fodder. There are many hopefuls but only a few will make it through to the nominations.  What is a cinephile to do at a time like this, when the price of movies can be up to $13.50 or more if it is 3-D? Here are some tips that I have so that you don't break the budget this Oscar season, though these tips apply to the whole year. 

1. Discounted tickets, money companies offer this perk for a mere $5 to AMC's and Regals around the company, in some places like NYC there is a surcharge at the theater, typically $1. There are some restrictions, you can't use this discount during the first 10 days after a movie has been released.  If you can't wait, see tip #2.

2. The matinee - yes, I know that places outside of NYC typically offer matinees and those of us living in this urban jungle are getting jilted.  That said, if you have an AMC in your area, know that if you go to a film before 12pm, the cost is $6 (half off).  Yes, that means that you have to get up a little earlier on a weekend. So what. You can see a movie at 11 and still get brunch, it's a win, win situation. Not to mention less people thus increasing the likelihood that you'll get the best seat.

3. Check your On Demand options.  These days some movies are being released On Demand, before they hit the theaters, like Melancholia for example, and they are a fraction of the cost of a ticket, usually $4.99-$9.99.  You can invite a bunch of friends over and have them chip in a dollar and bring over snacks and it will be free for you :-)! Mainly these films will be your typical art house independent films, but you can also catch Human Centipede 2 (if you're into that sort of thing).

Have a good time at the movies!