Since the beginning of November, Reading Cinemas at the Valley Plaza Mall have been offering lower ticket prices along with concession discounts.
“It’s seriously the best deal,” said Mariah Calloway, 20, a Bakersfield resident. “Even though I do not pay for the tickets because that is my boyfriend’s responsibility, I feel like we both benefit a lot from these cheaper prices especially because now that they charge less we can even invite a friend or someone else to come with us.”
The everyday general admission ticket prices were reduced to $8.50 and matinees to $5.50. Tamara Watson, Reading Cinema’s manager, believes these new prices are a great help to local residents.
“The economy took a big hit in many people’s lives,” she said. “We are doing the best to help people out with reducing at least $2 per admission and so far it seems to be helping people out a lot. We are doing a lot better and it seems like the guests really appreciate it especially because with the low prices, they stretch out their dollars a lot more.”
For those who think Friday the 13th is a bad day, movie-watchers that are students might think the opposite. Since Friday Nov. 13, on Fridays any student with a valid student ID may purchase a $5.50 movie ticket to any show, and to top it off, they will also receive a free 8.5 oz. popcorn along with the ticket.
“It’s fun coming to the movies on Fridays because the prices have been cheaper and the best thing is that there is no school on the next day so you can enjoy the movies at any time,” said Elena Zavala, Bakersfield College student. “Plus receiving the free popcorn was great . sincerely watching a movie without popcorn is not the real thing.”
Another promotion is the Baby Boomer, where anyone 55 or older may purchase a movie ticket and popcorn, both for only $5. Every Sunday is considered Family Sunday at the concession stand, a promotion that includes lower prices for the whole family. For only $4, a whole family can enjoy a family-size tub of popcorn with unlimited refills, plus a free Nestle candy of their choice.
“These deals are seriously the best ones in town,” said Zavala. “Everyone should take advantage of these low prices.”