The Costco Date and other ways to watch movies while saving money

Just FYI, DO NOT, DO NOT tell your girlfriend you are taking her out for a bite to eat then a movie, then take her to Costco to eat samples and watch Toy Story 3 on the Flat Screen with Surround Sound at the entrance. I think this dent in my skull may be permanent.

There are many ways to watch movies inexpensively with your girlfriend without getting your head dented in. I've listed a few with various advantages, disadvantages, and dirtbag rating. Note dirtbag factor is inversely proportional to retention of girlfriend factor.

1. Costco

• Advantage - free with membership (or use expired card to get in). Free snacks available. Multiple screens. Can get a pallet of Charmin while you are there.

• Disadvantage - crowds, noise, limited movie selection, frowned upon moving recliner in front of tvs, girlfriend will dent your head in.

• Dirtbag factor - very high. not for a novice.

2. CABLE TV- assuming you already pay for cable it makes sense to just watch movies on TV.

• Advantage - You already paid for it! You can stay at home (if you consider this an advantage).

• Disadvantage - Commercials, dependent on programming schedule, no latest releases, no sense of occasion

• Dirtbag factor - high

3. WATCHING FREE ONLINE - Hulu, YouTube, etc.

• Advantage - free

• Disadvantage - dependent on internet connection, buffering, have to watch on computer screen unless you output to tv, commercials, usually limited recent releases.

• Dirtbag factor - high

4. DOLLAR THEATER

• Advantage - It's like going out to the regular movies

• Disadvantage - It's like going to the WalMart (aka WalMart factor*) of movies due to low barrier to entry, unwashed masses, head lice. Concessions can cost more than the movie.

• Dirtbag factor - medium

5. LIBRARY

• Advantage - free, you can shower in the sink while you are there.
  

• Disadvantage - selection, dvd's are often scratched unless you get a brand new release asap. See WalMart factor.

• Dirtbag factor - high

6. ITUNES

• Advantage - Very high Apple hipster factor bro.
  

• Disadvantage - must download to computer first then transfer to iphone/pod then wire to TV. Cost as much as renting at Blockbuster - are those still around?
  

• Dirtbag factor - very low.
  

7. NETFLIX - you can stream to your computer or get dvd's in the mail

• Advantage - streaming - instant gratification. Price - can watch tons of movies for rather little money
  

• Disadvantage - streaming - your internet and hardware need to be up to date. fewer latest release selection. You get billed the same no matter how FEW movies you watch
• Dirtbag factor - low
  

8. REDBOX

• Advantage - one dollar a day, many locations. No internet or computer required. Cheaper for two than the dollar theater.
  

• Disadvantage - you get charged a dollar if you reserve a movie and don't pick it up, or pick it up a day later. Less selection if you do not reserve. You actually have to leave the house. DVD's can get scratched though I have not encountered one yet.
  

• Dirtbag factor - low

Right now we're using cable tv, Redbox, and trying the Netflix streaming. I like Redbox the best so far to watch relatively new releases. I'm a fan of things that are pay as you go rather than monthly charges no matter how much or little you consume.

*The WalMart Factor means you will encounter the broadest spectrum of humanity at WalMart due to low barrier of entry ie very low prices however you are most likely to encounter people of the crimson necked variety.