MoviePass's latest change is another downer. Going forward, you'll only be able to use the service on a tight selection of six or seven films, which will change from day
That means you'll have to regularly check MoviePass's website to see what films you can watch for free and when. The lineups will supposedly feature a mixture of major studio blockbusters and independent releases. However, the current schedule omits the recently released Mission: Impossible — Fallout flick.
MoviePass announced the change on Thursday, the same day it began instituting another new limit: subscribers on the $9.95 plan are now restricted to watching only three films for free per month. After that, you'll have to pay up for your film tickets at a discounted price.
The new restrictions come as MoviePass has been struggling to pay the bills. On Tuesday, its parent company, Helios and Matheson Analytics reported a $126 million loss in the second quarter.
To turn the business around, the subscription service has been embarking on cost-cutting measures. On Thursday, MoviePass CEO Mitch Lowe sent an email to customers warning them that on top of all the changes, showtime availability for certain films may also be limited.
"Because actual availability will change daily, we encourage our members to always check the MoviePass app before leaving for the theater," he said. The service plans on publishing the film
Confusingly, Lowe's email said that MoviePass will offer "up to six films to choose from daily," even as the schedules show seven films will be offered. MoviePass later told PCMag: "We will offer more than 6 films to our members when possible."
Although the limitations will surely annoy consumers, Lowe promised that MoviePass is preparing to roll out new features to "bring greater value" to its membership base.
If you're looking to quit MoviePass, be prepared to jump through some hoops.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with MoviePass's comment on the film selection limitation.