In the pre-internet era, finding out what movies were playing at your local theater and what time they started was a daunting task. You had to either check the newspaper, drive to the theater to see the showtimes on the marquee, or call the theater directly to ask. That was until Moviefone came along and revolutionized the way people accessed movie information. But have you ever wondered how much it cost to use this innovative service? In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore the history of Moviefone, its pricing, and its impact on the film industry.
A Brief History of Moviefone
Moviefone was founded in 1989 by Russ Leatherman, and it quickly became a household name. The service allowed users to call a phone number (1-777-FILM) and hear a recorded message listing the showtimes for movies playing in their area. The service was available 24/7, and it was a game-changer for moviegoers. No longer did people have to rely on newspapers or theater marquees to find out what movies were playing and when.
The Early Days of Moviefone
In the early days of Moviefone, the service was free to use. Users could call the phone number and hear the showtimes for movies playing in their area without incurring any charges. However, as the service grew in popularity, Moviefone began to charge users a fee to access the information.
The Introduction of 900 Numbers
In the early 1990s, Moviefone introduced 900 numbers, which were premium phone numbers that charged users a fee per minute to access the service. The cost of using Moviefone varied depending on the location and the time of day, but it typically ranged from $0.50 to $1.00 per minute. This may not seem like a lot, but it could add up quickly, especially if you were trying to plan a night out at the movies and needed to check the showtimes for multiple films.
The Rise of the Internet and the Decline of Moviefone
The widespread adoption of the internet in the late 1990s and early 2000s marked the beginning of the end for Moviefone. With the rise of online movie ticketing services like Fandango and MovieTickets.com, people no longer needed to call a phone number to find out what movies were playing and when. They could simply log on to their computer or mobile device and access the information they needed.
The Shift to Online Services
In an effort to stay relevant, Moviefone shifted its focus to online services. The company launched a website and mobile app that allowed users to access movie showtimes, buy tickets, and even watch trailers. However, the service was not as popular as its phone-based counterpart, and it struggled to compete with other online movie ticketing services.
The Eventual Sale of Moviefone
In 2014, Moviefone was sold to AOL for $1 million. The service continued to operate, but it was eventually phased out in favor of other online movie ticketing services.
How Much Did Moviefone Cost?
As mentioned earlier, the cost of using Moviefone varied depending on the location and the time of day. However, here are some approximate costs associated with using the service:
- 900 numbers: $0.50 to $1.00 per minute
- Premium services: $1.00 to $2.00 per minute
- Online services: free to use, but with ads
A Comparison of Moviefone’s Pricing to Other Services
It’s worth noting that Moviefone’s pricing was competitive with other services at the time. For example, Fandango, which was launched in 2000, charged a convenience fee of $1.00 to $2.00 per ticket. MovieTickets.com, which was launched in 2000, charged a convenience fee of $1.00 to $3.00 per ticket.
The Value of Moviefone’s Service
While the cost of using Moviefone may seem steep by today’s standards, the service provided a valuable convenience to moviegoers. It allowed people to access movie showtimes and buy tickets from the comfort of their own homes, which was a game-changer at the time.
The Impact of Moviefone on the Film Industry
Moviefone had a significant impact on the film industry, particularly in the 1990s. The service made it easier for people to access movie information and buy tickets, which helped to increase box office revenue. Additionally, Moviefone’s service helped to promote movies and raise awareness about new releases.
The Rise of the Blockbuster
The 1990s saw the rise of the blockbuster movie, with films like “Jurassic Park,” “The Lion King,” and “Toy Story” becoming cultural phenomena. Moviefone played a role in the success of these films by making it easier for people to access information about them and buy tickets.
The Democratization of Movie Information
Moviefone also helped to democratize movie information, making it available to people who may not have had access to it otherwise. The service was particularly popular among young people, who used it to plan nights out at the movies with friends.
Conclusion
Moviefone was a pioneering service that revolutionized the way people accessed movie information. While the cost of using the service may seem steep by today’s standards, it provided a valuable convenience to moviegoers and helped to increase box office revenue. The rise of the internet and online movie ticketing services eventually led to the decline of Moviefone, but its impact on the film industry cannot be overstated.
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Moviefone is founded | Moviefone is founded by Russ Leatherman and begins offering free movie showtimes to users. |
| 1990s | Moviefone introduces 900 numbers | Moviefone introduces 900 numbers, which charge users a fee per minute to access the service. |
| 2000s | Moviefone shifts to online services | Moviefone shifts its focus to online services, launching a website and mobile app. |
| 2014 | Moviefone is sold to AOL | Moviefone is sold to AOL for $1 million. |
In conclusion, Moviefone was a groundbreaking service that played a significant role in the film industry. While its pricing may seem steep by today’s standards, it provided a valuable convenience to moviegoers and helped to increase box office revenue. As we look back on the history of Moviefone, it’s clear that the service had a lasting impact on the way we access movie information.
What was Moviefone, and how did it work?
Moviefone was a popular telephone service that provided moviegoers with information about showtimes, ticket prices, and theater locations. To use the service, users would dial a toll-free number (1-777-FILM) and interact with a pre-recorded voice, typically provided by Russ Leatherman, who became synonymous with the brand. Users could then select their desired movie, theater, or showtime using their phone’s keypad, and the service would provide the requested information.
Moviefone’s innovative approach to providing movie information revolutionized the way people planned their trips to the cinema. The service was launched in 1989 and quickly gained popularity, becoming a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s. At its peak, Moviefone received over 3 million calls per week, making it one of the most widely used telephone services in the United States.
How did Moviefone make money, and what were its pricing models?
Moviefone generated revenue through a combination of advertising and partnerships with movie theaters. The service would play audio advertisements before providing movie information, and theaters would pay a fee to have their showtimes listed on the service. Additionally, Moviefone would also earn a commission for each ticket sold through its service. The pricing model varied over time, but the service was initially free for users, with Moviefone relying on advertising revenue to sustain its operations.
In the early 2000s, Moviefone began to charge theaters a fee for each listing, which ranged from $0.05 to $0.20 per call. The service also introduced a premium model, which allowed users to purchase tickets directly through the service for a small fee. However, the rise of online ticketing platforms and mobile apps eventually disrupted Moviefone’s business model, leading to a decline in revenue and ultimately, the service’s demise.
What impact did Moviefone have on the film industry and popular culture?
Moviefone had a significant impact on the film industry, providing a convenient and accessible way for moviegoers to access information about showtimes and ticket prices. The service helped to increase ticket sales and boost box office revenue, particularly for independent and art-house films. Moviefone also played a crucial role in promoting new releases and creating buzz around upcoming movies.
Moviefone’s influence extended beyond the film industry, with the service becoming a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s. The service’s iconic voice and catchy jingle (“Hello, and welcome to Moviefone!”) became ingrained in popular culture, with references in TV shows, movies, and music. Moviefone’s impact can still be seen today, with many online ticketing platforms and movie information services drawing inspiration from the pioneering telephone service.
What led to the decline of Moviefone, and when did the service eventually shut down?
The decline of Moviefone can be attributed to the rise of online ticketing platforms and mobile apps, which provided users with a more convenient and user-friendly way to access movie information and purchase tickets. The proliferation of smartphones and high-speed internet also reduced the need for a telephone-based service like Moviefone. Additionally, the service’s business model, which relied heavily on advertising revenue, became unsustainable as more users turned to online alternatives.
Moviefone’s parent company, AOL, eventually shut down the service in 2014, citing declining revenue and increased competition from online ticketing platforms. The service’s iconic telephone number, 1-777-FILM, was discontinued, and the Moviefone brand was relegated to a nostalgic relic of the past.
How did Moviefone adapt to the rise of the internet and online ticketing platforms?
Moviefone attempted to adapt to the rise of the internet by launching its own website and mobile app, which allowed users to access movie information and purchase tickets online. However, the service struggled to compete with more established online ticketing platforms like Fandango and MovieTickets.com. Moviefone also experimented with new features, such as online ticket purchasing and personalized recommendations, but ultimately failed to regain its former popularity.
Despite its efforts to adapt, Moviefone’s brand and business model were closely tied to its telephone service, which made it difficult for the company to transition to a new online-only model. The service’s iconic voice and telephone number, which were once its greatest strengths, became liabilities in the online era, as users increasingly turned to more modern and convenient ways to access movie information.
What legacy has Moviefone left on the entertainment industry, and how is it remembered today?
Moviefone’s legacy can be seen in the many online ticketing platforms and movie information services that have followed in its footsteps. The service’s innovative approach to providing movie information and its iconic brand have become synonymous with the entertainment industry. Today, Moviefone is remembered fondly by many who grew up using the service, and its influence can still be seen in the way we access and interact with movie information.
Despite its decline and eventual shutdown, Moviefone remains an important part of entertainment history, and its impact continues to be felt today. The service’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adapting to changing technology and consumer habits, but also as a reminder of the power of innovation and branding in shaping popular culture.
Are there any modern-day alternatives to Moviefone, and how have they improved upon the original service?
Yes, there are many modern-day alternatives to Moviefone, including online ticketing platforms like Fandango, Atom Tickets, and MovieTickets.com. These services have improved upon the original Moviefone by providing users with a more convenient and user-friendly way to access movie information and purchase tickets. Many of these services also offer additional features, such as personalized recommendations, social media integration, and mobile apps.
Modern online ticketing platforms have also addressed many of the limitations of the original Moviefone service, such as the need to dial a telephone number and interact with a pre-recorded voice. Today’s services provide users with a more streamlined and intuitive experience, allowing them to quickly and easily find movie information and purchase tickets from the comfort of their own homes.