AJ stands for Andrew Jackson, our 7th president. His reputation for toughness earned him the nickname "Old Hickory." A hero of the War of 1812, Jackson has appeared on the $20 bill since 1928.

Let's look at the costs and convenience of movie watching!Viewing Choices

I'll be comparing cost and convenience of different ways of viewing your favorite flicks:

• Renting a movie from the video store
• Using a movie by mail service
• Watching movies online through a service
• Seeing a brand-new release in the theater

There are ups and downs to all of these choices.Close

The 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.

What's a Movie to You?

Movies mean many different things to people:

• Entertainment
• Enlightenment
• A bookclassic brought to life
• A piece of artwork
• A little slice of magic

Even if they're simply stories, we all have our favorites, no matter what they may be.

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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 technology these days, the question is: What's the least expensive and most convenient way to view our top flicks?

Video Store Cost

Many teenagers choose to rent a movie from the video store. But, the video store can be very expensive, usually costing more than the other options.

At one store, the price to rent a DVD is $2.99 for one week with no late fees. Instead of charging you for not taking the movie back on time, this store will put your name on a list that bars you from taking out any more movies from that store.

At another store, 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 exchanges of DVDs 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 of value for what you're paying for.

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Mail Service Cost

You could also watch your movie via a mail service. With this kind of service, you pick which plan suits you. You decide how much you want to pay based on how many movies you want every month.

All plans but the most basic and least expensive give you unlimited times that you switch your DVDs every month. They all are great deals because you get a lot of value for your dollar. All you have to do is choose the plan for you.

Public Library Cost

Renting your favorite films from the library is economically the best option. You pay zero dollars at most libraries! Some require you to pay a minimal fee, usually only a couple of dollars.

If you return library movies late, you'll have to pay a small fee. It's just like when you don't return library books after a certain period of 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 Ultra-Screen theater. The prices increase by at least $3.00.

None of the prices I've given include snacks. But popcorn and soda are vital when viewing any movie, particularly a long one!

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I saved this 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 pm, adults are $8.50, and children and seniors are $6.50. Kids under two years old are always free.

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If you choose to go to discount theaters where the movies are older, it costs less—but the seats may be uncomfortable and the snacks are not as desirable as at "new-movie" theaters.

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

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