A UK copy-cat version of MoviePass cinema subscription service has been revealed, with now operator cPass currently accepting applications for its GBP £9.95 (USD $13.83) a month plan. The websitesays that “cPass is the first UK and European cinema subscription service. For just £9.95 per month, our members can see one standard 2D film every day.” The service has not yet launched, but would be competing with existing ‘unlimited’ schemes run by cinema operators such as Cineworld and Odeon.
The cPass service appears very similar to that of MoviePass, with customers registering for a card, with no contract required. They can then download the app (currently not available in Apple app store or Google Play store) to choose their preferred film. They then head to “any cinema” and “use cPass on arrival to get your free ticket.” Those who refer three friends upon signing up for the waiting list will be allowed to “cut in line” for the service. As of now there appear to be 441 people in the queue.
Not much has been revealed or is known about cPass (short for cinema pass). The website was registered on 6 January but cpass.io has blocked its domain registering client. The email confirmation (signed by ‘John’) for the subscription give the address as 1188 MISSION ST, 94103, SAN FRANCISCO, USA, which appears to be a luxury residential building called Trinity. It does not appear to have any offices or official businesses operating there.
At least one major UK cinema operator was not aware of this new service and did not have an agreement in place. Unlike when MoviePass launched in the US, the UK already has several ‘unlimited’ cinema passes, operated by exhibitors themselves. However, these are priced higher than cPass, with Odeon’s Limitless costing GBP £17.99 a month, while Cineworld’s Unlimited card costs £17.90 or £20.40 including London West End.
It will be interesting to see if/when the service launches how it will be received by UK cinema operators and audiences. We will update this story continuously.
(Credit to Jan Runge and Rory Nolan for alerting us to this.)
