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Netflix-style subscription program coming to movie theaters

Wednesday - 6/29/2011, 8:06am  ET

Michelle Basch,

WASHINGTON - Why bother with your Netflix subscription at home when you can subscribe to all of the new movies heading to theaters?

MoviePass follows Netflix's model, but instead of paying a monthly fee to get films by mail or streaming on your TV, you can watch movies in theaters.

Subscription holders can use their smartphone to search for a particular movie at a particular theater. Seat reservations can be made from the app, as well as the ability to use your phone as a ticket.

MoviePass will build a profile of tastes based on past films, even inviting customers to advance movie screenings.

Wired reports the service is only available in the San Francisco Bay area, but theaters in more cities will be added this summer.

If the unlimited plan ($50) is too pricey, the company is working on offering another plan: four movies per month for $30.

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(Copyright 2011 by WTOP. All rights reserved.)

Tags: netflix