This is an interesting proposition for regular moviegoers. A new service called MoviePass just launched in beta today, offering a monthly subscription service for unlimited movie screenings at your local theater. Here's how it works: for $20-$40 a month (MoviePass is testing variable pricing in different regions with a nationwide average of $30/month), you get a special debit card that works like a normal credit card. When you want to watch a movie in a theater, you let MoviePass know using a smartphone app as you approach the theater (within 100 yards). Moviepass then adds the price of the ticket to your debit card, which you can use at the theater as long as they accept credit cards.
The system is a little more complicated than buying a ticket with Fandango, but is a pretty smart way of running a movie theater subscription service without having to partner with theater chains or independent theaters. I've seen similar subscription deals from local theaters but those are restricted either for seasonal film festivals or a limited number of regional theaters. MoviePass's deal seems to gives offer more flexibility and choice if you can use it at both big multiplexes and indie film houses.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the average price of a movie ticket in the US is $8.12, though theaters in major metropolitan areas regularly charge $10-$12 for a ticket (not counting 3D or IMAX premiums). MoviePass only works for 2D movies and limits subscribers to one ticket screening redemption per day, so you can't use the service to marathon movies on a Saturday or Sunday. Still, even at $40 a month, this could be enticing for the holiday and oscar movie season if there are no cancellation fees. I'm signed up for the wait list to try out the service.