Consolidated
raises Ward prices
tonight to $9That's what an adult will pay
on weekend nights and holidays
Taking a family of four to a movie at Consolidated's Ward 16 Theatres tonight will cost $29.50, not including popcorn and sodas.
That's because as of tonight, adult general-admission prices on weekend nights at Ward are going up to $9 a person from $8.
Consolidated is also increasing prices for children, seniors, military and bargain matinees at all theaters by anywhere from 25 cents to $1.
General-admission prices at most other Consolidated theaters will remain at $8. The increase to $9 is only for Friday and Saturday nights after 6 p.m. and on holidays at the Ward complex, when demand is at its peak.
Consolidated increased ticket prices about this time last year -- just before the summer blockbuster season -- when general-admission prices at the Waikiki and Ward theaters went up 50 cents, to $8. Most other Consolidated theaters later followed that price increase.
"It's ($9 tickets) like, whoa," said Michelle Bolo, who was at the Ward 16 Theatres yesterday with her son, Andre, 4, and her fiance, Kevin Frondozo. "I think it's expensive."
But Frondozo was not fazed. "I think it's all right," he said, adding that he would probably just go to the movies on weeknights rather than weekends.
"I think it's ridiculous," said moviegoer Chris Stooke. "Before, it was cheaper. You didn't even think about prices."
Stooke, who goes to movies about once a month, said he may go to another theater rather than pay $9.
But George Vo, who is visiting from Maryland, wasn't bothered. He said $9 is what he pays back home for a movie.
In a written statement, Consolidated said, "The synergy of the area and the beauty of the theater make this location (Ward) one of the best movie-going destinations in the nation."
Even with the increase, the company said, "Hawaii remains one of if not the most affordable movie-going markets in the country."
Executives at the rival Signature and Wallace chains could not be reached for comment about whether they would also change ticket prices.
Consolidated, with 12 theater complexes statewide, is Hawaii's largest movie theater chain.
Now paying
New Consolidated movie ticket prices:
Ward 16 Theatres
>> General admission on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays after 6 p.m.: $9 (up $1)>> Other times: $8
>> Children and seniors: $5.75 (up 75 cents)
>> Military: $6.75 (up $.50)
>> Bargain matinee (before 4 p.m.): $6.50 (up $1)
Other Consolidated sites
>> General admission remains at $8, except for Kukui and Keauhou, which keep prices at $8.50, and Aikahi, which costs $7.25.>> Seniors and children $5.50 (up 75 cents), except for Koolau, $5, and Aikahi, $4.25
>> Bargain matinee: $6 (up 75 cents), except for Koolau, $5.50, and Aikahi, $4.75
>> Military: $6.25 (Pearlridge, Mililani, Kapolei and Koolau), $6.50 (Kahala, Koko Marina, Varsity, Kukui, Keauhou and Kaahumanu), $5.25 (Aikahi)
