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What's a movie to you?

Movies Mean What to You?

Movies mean many different things to people:

• Entertainment
• Enlightenment
• A classic book brought to life
• Art
• A little slice of magic

Even if they're simply stories, we all have our favorites.
CloseThe other day I went to the movie theater excited to see one of the most anticipated films of the year, "The Mysterious Pie," with my friends. I strutted up to the counter in the mid-afternoon.

I asked the cashier if many tickets were left for the 7:30 p.m. showing. He replied with a look of sympathy that there was only one more available. I was disappointed.

Has this ever happened to you? With all sorts of options these days, the question is: What's the least expensive and most convenient way to view your top flicks?

Video Stores Cost

You can rent a movie from the video store. But, it usually costs more than other options.

At one store in my town, the price to rent a DVD for six days is $3.98. This store has late fees—about 50 cents a day. This can really add up!

What kinds of mail plans can you get?

Plan Options

You can choose a DVD-by-mail plan that matches what you're looking for. You pay on a monthly basis:

• Plan 1: One DVD at a time, with a limit of two DVDs a month for $4.99.
• Plan 2: One DVD at a time and you can exchange your DVDs as often as you want for $8.99 a month.
• Plan 3: Two DVDs at a time with unlimited DVD exchanges for $13.99.
• Plan 4: Three DVDs at a time and you can exchange your DVDs as often as you want for $16.99 a month.

In addition:

• Plan 1: You get up to two hours a month of movies on your Mac or PC.
• Plans 2-4: You get unlimited hours of movies on your PC, Mac, or TV.

I think it's really cool that the movie-by-mail service includes this because you get a lot for what you're paying for.
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Mail Service Cost

You can watch your movie via a mail service. With this kind of service, you pick which plan suits you, based on how many movies you want every month.

All plans, except the most basic and least expensive, give you unlimited DVDs every month.

They are great deals because you get a lot of value for your dollar.

Public Library Cost

Renting your favorite films from the library is economically the best option. You pay zero dollars at most libraries! But chances are the library won’t have the latest titles.

If you return library movies late, you'll have to pay a small fee, same as when you don't return library books on time. If there are no other people on a waiting list for the movie, you may be able to renew.

Theater Cost

Go for the ultimate!
Go for the Ultimate

If you want the ultimate experience, upgrade to an IMAX. The price increases by at least $6.00.

None of the prices I've given include snacks. But popcorn and soda are vital when viewing any movie, particularly a long one!CloseI saved the most expensive for last. You can watch a movie in the theater. These are the movies that everyone wants to see fresh when they come out. They've been advertised constantly on television for months.

Movie theaters aren't just selling you the movie; they're selling you the experience. The Experience

Tarjani, one of my friends, says, "I like movie theaters because you can have a lot of popcorn and snacks. When they turn down the lights you get all cozy, and it's fun to stare at the big screen."

Typical new-movie theaters charge different prices depending on age and time of day you see the movie. This experience can get pretty pricey, especially if you have a large family.

For example, where I live, after 5:30 p.m., adults are $8.50, and children and seniors are $6.50. Kids younger than two are always free.
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If you go to discount theaters where the movies are older, it costs less—but you have to wait for the new attractions get there.

Besides price, convenience is another factor in picking out how you want to watch a movie...