Movie Ticket Prices Fall From Record $8.06 to $7.94 in 3rd Quarter

The average movie ticket price fell from an all-time high of $8.06 in the second quarter of 2011 to $7.94 in the third quarter, according to the National Association of Theater Owners.

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That's a 12 cent, or 1.48 percent, reduction, and likely reflects a dip in the number of 3D tentpole films as the summer season wound down and September got underway.

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NATO had estimated that summer attendance was up 1 percent, but that figure has jumped to 1.8 percent when using the new third quarter average in combination with the second quarter number.

NATO reports that the 2011 average ticket price is now $7.96, versus $7.97.

The average ticket price for the third quarter is still higher than the first quarter average of $7.86.

In general, the rising cost of going to the movies over the past few years is attributed to the premium charge for 3D movies.