Movie ticket prices this year are averaging $7.85, a nearly 5 percent increase over 2009, according to .
Besides the obvious advice of going to less-expensive matinee showtimes and skipping outrageously expensive popcorn, candy and soft drinks, here are a few tips to spend less when going to the movie theater:
Loyalty programs at theaters. Avid moviegoers might benefit from joining a loyalty program, where going frequently earns free tickets and concessions. Examples are the Regal Crown Club and AMC MovieWatcher Rewards.
Entertainment books. The little, fat coupon books, sometimes sold as fundraisers, usually have coupons for movie theaters. See entertainment .
Warehouse clubs. If you belong to a warehouse club, check for discount movie theater tickets. Costco, for example, offers discounts on tickets to theaters run by AMC, Regal Entertainment and Cinemark Theatres. Gregory Karp, Chicago Tribune
