Save on Movie Tickets- Tips on discounts, free ticket offers and free movie screenings

I love watching movies in the summer. It's when some of the best blockbusters come out, and is the perfect, cool, air-conditioned escape on a sizzling hot day. But movies can be expensive with tickets now maxing out at nearly $9. Besides sneaking in your own drinks and snacks to cut costs on a trip to the silver screen, here are some tips on scoring discounts, free movie tickets and even free movie screenings in your town.

DISCOUNT TICKETS - Sometimes buying in bulk will save you a few bucks.

• Wild About Movies, a website featuring movie and DVD news, offers movie tickets for $6.60 a piece, with a minimum purchase of six (6). You also have to pay for shipping and handling (tickets are sent out via certified mail). The tickets are valid at any AMC, Loews, Cineplex Odeon, Magic Johnson, or Star Theatre in the United States and can be used anytime after the first 10 days of a film's release, and any day of the week thereafter—including weekends and holidays. The tickets also have no expiration date. If you need popcorn and soda, they've got discount vouchers for those too.

• Costco sells discounted movies tickets that average about $7.50 to $8 per ticket. You can get five (5) tickets to Regal or Cinemark theatres for $37.50 or five (5) tickets to AMC theatres for $39.99.
  

• The Entertainment Book offers reduced-price movie tickets from $5 to $6 each.

FREE TICKET OFFERS & PROMOTIONS - Always check sales ads or product packages to find out the latest promotions.

• Best Buy is giving away a free movie ticket of your choice to Incredible Hulk, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, Wanted, or Hellboy II, when you purchase a selected DVD priced at $6.99. Check out the website or your store for the current list of movies available. They are also giving away summer blockbuster previews on DVD while supplies last. This offer expires 10/16/08.

• Office Depot is offering two (2) free movie tickets with a $40 purchase of qualifying school supplies. Offer is valid from 7/13/08 - 9/12/08. For details, click here.
  

• Albertsons is having a promotion where you can get two (2) free movie tickets when you buy any 10 participating General Mills products in a single transaction with your preferred savings card. Offer ends 7/15/08. Right now you can get 10 products for $20 to $25.
  

• Specially marked packages of Pond's skincare products have codes for free tickets to Mamma Mia, the Movie or any other summer Universal Studios feature.

• Hershey's Mega Movie Ticket offer rewards you with a free ticket for every 15 points you collect on specially marked candy packages. Check here for details. Offer expires 3/09.

CASH IN THOSE POINTS FOR TICKETS - Several rewards programs include movie tickets. If you're already buying these products, this works out as a bonus!

• My Coke Rewards: Redeem 350 points for an AMC Silver ticket and large soda, or 375 for an AMC Gold ticket and large soda.

• Pampers Gifts to Grow: Earn a Movie Cash gift certificate once you collect 115 points by entering special codes from all those diaper packages.

FREE MOVIE SCREENINGS - These screenings are usually available on weekday evenings, but if you're available, it's perfect.

• Film Metro: Sign up for a free account and find free movie screenings in your area.
• Wild About Movies: Check out what screenings are available in your city.
• Movie Jungle: More free screenings here too.
• Campus Circle: A website geared towards college students, but worth a try for free movies!
  

FREE CONTESTS

• Entenmann's is having a "Summer Movie Moments" Giveaway in which you enter your info and will automatically win free movie tickets or discounts. I received a certificate for $2 off my next concession purchase - at least that will get me some candy! This giveaway ends July 26, 2008.