Despite recent reports of high ticket prices*, a trip to the cinema is still Australia's most cost effective form of entertainment, new research from Optus has revealed.

Australians surveyed spend on average just $23.95 each during a single trip to the movies, making other popular forms of entertainment seem expensive by comparison. A visit to the pub is almost twice as expensive, costing surveyed Australians $46.94 on average every time, while dinner tops the $50 mark at an average of $50.74. A trip to the footy costs survey respondents $63.33 each on average, while seeing a gig is likely to set you back $104.84, a whopping four times that of a cinema visit.

The research, commissioned to launch the Optus Movie Rewards Program, also confirms that Australians' love of "Cheap Tuesday" is as strong as ever, with five times as many choosing to visit the cinema early in the week (44 percent), rather than enjoying a traditional Friday night at the movies (9 percent).

The Optus Movie Rewards Program aims to make cinema even better value by offering all Optus customers, and their friends and family, the chance to buy up to ten movie tickets for just $10 each, any day of the week.**

Optus Movie Rewards Program ambassador, red-carpet reporter and movie buff, Sami Lukis, believes that the movie rewards scheme could see Friday nights at the cinema make a return to the social agenda. "Going to the cinema is a great night out for the whole family, and Cheap Tuesday has always been a great way to get your movie fix and save money at the same time. Now, thanks to the Optus Movie Rewards Program, there's no need to wait until Tuesday to watch the movies you love for just $10."

To be a member of the Optus Movie Rewards Program, you must be an existing Optus customer and register at: www.optusrewards.com.au.

For further information, please contact:
Liz Hunt or Emma Harris
Bang PR
02 9018 2222
liz@bangpr.com.au
emma@bangpr.com.au

* Choice Australian Consumer Group - July 2011
** Tickets valid any time except after 5.00pm Saturday evenings and on public holidays, not valid Gold Class. Surcharges apply for Vmax and 3D screenings

The study of 1,052 Australians aged 18 years and over was conducted online by Lonergan Research in September 2011, amongst members of a permission-based panel. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.