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While researching the theater business, Nelson learned that studios are transitioning to digital distribution. Thousands of independent theaters that couldn't afford equipment upgrades have closed over the last 10 years, according to industry experts. Hundreds of others — which, like the Met, still show print films — remain on the brink. The subscription business model could pay for the new equipment.

The tricky part of the membership-model calculation is that box-office totals are based on ticket sales, and distribution deals for a movie include a percentage of each ticket sold. But Met members would scan magnetic cards to record attendance totals for each film. In the end, the success of the venture may come down to whether major studios are willing to negotiate contracts without traditional tickets being sold. But first, success depends on signing up members.

But then Garren and Massman allegedly began using the coins at local establishments, spending them at face value, including a quarter that is estimated to be worth thousands of dollars. The Daily News reports the collection includes a variety of rare coins included Liberty Head quarters, Morgan dollars and several others dating back to the early 1800's, After police conducted their investigation, they now say the couple spend several 1930's coins at a Battle Ground area movie theater, using quarters worth between $5 and $68 each. Later on the same day, they then spend more of the coin collection at a local pizza restaurant, including a Liberty quarter with an estimated value between $1,100 and $18,500.