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what are you in the mood for?

We've learned how to watch new movies over here. No, we don't wait until they come out on the big screen, although we have been able to enjoy 2 or 3 movies at a local mall theater. Usually there just isn't a lot we want to see showing in the theaters. Below is an example of what I mean.


The best thing about the movie theaters here in Bandung is the caramel popcorn - yeah! The package deal includes popcorn with a choice of Minute Maid pulpy orange juice or a very small bottle or water.

Another thing that is very hard to find here is popcorn, especially the microwave variety. Knowing that, we stocked up while we were at home over Christmas. Oh, the things we take for granted...

want a new release?

So we've started watching movies the way most Indonesians watch them. To be perfectly honest, I've only seen legitimate movies for sale in one place (though surely there must be more). Blu ray dvd's sell for approximately $80 US. Yep, you read that right! On the other hand, you can buy new release movies all over the place for.....are you ready....between 60-70 cents each. Last Saturday we went to a new movie place and bought 15 movies for a whopping total of $9.17. It's true.

store front - The Movie Rooms

Some friends introduced us to Empire DVD, a movie store which is located in a busy strip center. Empire has a large variety of movies, old and new releases, along with a decent selection of music CD's (new, $3 each). Just before the holidays, all the DVD places mysteriously closed down (wonder if Obama's visit to Bali  had anything to do with it?) Our driver informed us that this is just the way it is. The police sweep in and close them down every so often, then in a few weeks, they are all up and running like they never shut down.


So far, all but a couple have worked (I've learned to have the proprietor test them before leaving the store). We've only had one that wasn't a "genuine fake." I had badly wanted to see "The Help" before we left Houston but it didn't come to the theaters until a week or so after we left. I was anxious to see it but there is no way a movie with that message would ever come to Bandung. So I was extra thrilled when I found it at Empire. The problem with it? It was copied by someone hand-holding a recording device. It even had an "extra" toward the end, someone who just happened to get caught walking between the recording device and the screen. HA But for the most part, they are good copies and we have no problems watching them. We can view them on our computers or on our t.v. via a special cable that Ronnie purchased at the local electronics store. What can I say? Some of you may remember what our viewing choices on the tv are, so please don't judge us too harshly. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

employee will gladly check it out to see if it works