DATE: 01-15-08
As far as I know, there are four ways to watch a movie in Chiang Mai: 1) download from the net 2) cable TV 3) theatres, and 4) DVD's.
CABLE TV
You can get HBO-ASIA or Starz Movies.
They both, obviously, need to tailor to the local audience, so there seems to be an abundance of low-budget, "Action-Jackson: blow 'em up, shoot 'em up, kick 'em in the cajones", genre.
If that's not to your liking, you can watch 'straight to cable/DVD' teen horror or teen comedy.
But every once in awhile, they'll show something good; however, they'll show it five times a day, for the next two-weeks.
In summary, cable movie channels in Thailand are EXACTLY the same as in the States.
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MOVIE THEATRES:
There are two major multiplexes in Chiang Mai, one with eight screens, the other with six.
They usually show two different American movies at a time, most often in English with Thai sub-titles.
- Thai movies:
The Thai people seem to like: 'Kung-Fuey-Louie' movies; unbelievably sappy 'boo-hoo-hoo' love stories; and dumb-ass comedies, often featuring one, or more, lady-boys.
The Thai movies often have English sub-titles, and on a rainy afternoon, it's a fun way to spend a couple of hours.
- American Movies:
The leading U.S. box-office grossing movies are shown here at the same time as in the States. Movies like "I Am Legend" and "National Treasure-2" are VERY POPULAR, and are routinely shown on multiple screens at a varied starting times.
Coming attractions, probably in the next two weeks: "American Gangster" and "Charlie Wilson's War".
Note: movies open here on Thursday, which is Wednesday in the States.
Prices: higher for the first three-days and the weekends: 60-130 baht ($1.82 - $3.64).
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DVD's:
I suppose if you LOOK really, really, REALLY HARD; you might, and I say might, be able to find DVD's that aren't counterfeit. But I honestly, have never see any that are legit.
The quality of the DVD's varies between what you would find at Blockbuster (good), or like your Aunt's "Trip to Cozumel" video (TERRIBLE!!!).
The selection is very extensive, and run all the way from the BIG box office hits, to Sundance Film Festival movies.
The last few DVD's I've picked up are: "Sweeney Todd", "There Will Be Blood", "Bucket List".
Note: I saw "Bucket List" when they were advertising it as: 'Limited Engagement in New York and Los Angeles: Opening Soon Nationwide'.
PRICE: 100 baht ($3.03).
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the photo: I'm just slightly out of the frame to the left. I'm wearing glasses.
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