How-to Guides » OLD GUIDE Cut the cost of going out

Save money at the movies

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1) Make the most of Orange Wednesdays

If you're lucky enough to be an Orange mobile customer, you can make use of the Orange Wednesdays deal and get 2 for 1 cinema tickets every Wednesday, as well as 2 for 1 on main courses at Pizza Express if you download this voucher.

Not an Orange customer? You can sign up for a free Orange pay-as-you SIM card here.* You don't need to spend a penny - just pop it in your mobile on a Wednesday and text 'film' to 241.

2) Watch movies for free

Websites such as See Film First and Momentum Pictures offer regular preview screenings for free. All you have to do is sign up and wait for an email telling you when the next preview is!

It's worth noting that tickets are served on a first come first served basis, so you will have to be quick if you want to secure a seat.

3) Go unlimited

If you're a regular cinema-goer, you could apply for an unlimited access pass. Cineworld cinemas offer such a thing, giving you access to unlimited movies, any time, any day. You'll have to pay £13.50 per month for at least 12 months, but given that an adult ticket can cost as much as £8.20 (depending on where you live), this works out to be really good value if you're going to go to the cinema several times a month.

What's more, your unlimited pass will get you preferential invitations and discounted tickets to Cineworld Exclusive Advance Screenings, festivals and events. And you'll receive exclusive cinema food and drink offers.

3) Go lastminute

If your flexible about when you can go to the cinema and what you see, Lastminute.com and Vue Cinemas in London offer cinema tickets for just £6.49.

The drawback is the offer is only valid Monday to Thursday, you must book your tickets by 4pm on the day of the viewing, and you cannot choose which film you can go to. You'll also have to pay a 65p booking fee per ticket.

4) Get discounts

Both Vue cinemas and Odeon offer various kids clubs so that the little ones can watch films at fabulous prices. Certain cinemas also hold screenings for more 'mature' viewers. Find out more in Nine ways to enjoy the movies for less.

Want to cut the cost of going to the cinema? Why not ask a question using our Q&A tool? You may find that other members of lovemoney.com have experiences they can share which will help you.

5) Rent movies for less

If you prefer snuggling up at home to going to the cinema, signing up for online DVD rental could be a smart move.

LoveFilm are probably the best known provider of DVD rentals, and you can get a free 14 day trial, as well as unlimited DVDs for around £10 per month - or for less avid users, a maximum of two DVD rentals per month for around £4.

However, it is often cheaper to go for Tesco DVD rental, despite the fact that this is powered by LoveFilm! Make sure you check out prices for your desired package on both sites.

Other top DVD rental websites include Blockbuster, Cinema Paradiso and CD wow (also powered by LoveFilm!).

Alternatively, there's a site called easyCinema, again powered by LoveFilm, which offers 'credits' instead of monthly limits, which you redeem against your rentals. The DVDs work out at £1.99 per film, which is still is cheaper than popping down to your local Blockbuster. Bear in mind that credits expire 90 days after you've purchased them.

Finally, if you don't mind a bit of hassle, you could actually make money from these DVD trials by signing up via cashback websites.

All you have to do is use smartcashback.co.uk to figure out which cashback site will pay you the most to sign up for one of their free trials. Then, once the trial is over, simply cancel your contract, go back to the cashback website and sign up with a new DVD rental site.

So you've got free DVDs for weeks, and you're quids in - winner!

Want to cut the cost of going out to the cinema? Why not ask a question using our Q&A tool? You may find that other members of lovemoney.com have experiences they can share which will help you. Or if you know a few tricks yourself, why not share them using the tips box below?

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