Buaran Theatre aka Butet

I first entered this bioskop when it screened Pan’s Labyrinth early this year. The only reason I choose to watch it here because I was afraid if I didn’t go that time I won’t be able to watch that movie anymore. If one movie screens in Buaran Theater that means it’s their last time because Buaran usually gets the latest edition of a released movie.

And because there were only view people who watch this movie, they didn’t give me seat number which means I can sit wherever I want. At that time I sat right on the main entrance so I could have my best view.

And then this week I went there twice to watch Cinta Setaman by Harry Dagoe (the same thing happened, that was the last day they screened this movie). I sat on the right main entrance with Lisdi and the view is still OK. Then the next day we watched Laskar Pelangi. This was the time me and Lisdi really take a close look on this theatre.

So, Buaran has 4 screening theatres inside it and I think they have the same capacity. The screen where the movie is projected is quiet big and the sound well … not really surround sound but it’s OK. The chairs are not comfy enough because they’re too small but the altitude of the rows are quiet high so we won’t be bothered by people in front of us’ head. The environment is enough only Lisdi said it was a little hot.

Buaran is completed with Kantin Buaran. This is the snack bar actually and you can buy brondong, chocolate bars, snack and beverage. They provide only drinks in can or bottle so don’t hope to get a hot cappuccino or fresh juice here. There is also wartel and a place to play. But when we were there this dingdong place is close. There are also two toilets for woman and man. The toilets are small yet it’s clean enough. Some people go to Buaran Theater only to chat with friends because there are eight round cozy coaches in waiting room and each round has movie posters above it. The posters contain movies that have released a very long time ago. So if you want to fresh up your memories on old movies just go to Buaran. One poster I remember to see is ‘A Time to Kill’ poster. Wow, when was it released, 1995?

Nevertheless, Butet still has the old version of ticketing. There are four ticket lockets for each theatre and they are not computerized. So you’ll have the ticket with no title of the movie printed on it.

I don’t know whether we can classify Buaran as 21 or XXI. If you go to www.21cineplex.com they include Buaran as one of their theatre. But there’s no sign of 21 in Buaran. With the vintage version of Bioskop I do wish 21 Group will renovate this place just like what they did to Metropole XXI. Put carpets on its floor, add some Air Conditioners in the waiting room, improve the sound and please change the seat with more comfy chair.

I used to think Buaran is one place just like Metropole XXI. People go there only to watch movie. But I guess right now, this reason isn’t everything because there is Buaran Plaza right beside Buaran Theatre nowadays. So, people who go to Butet will easily change their mind and go to Buaran Plaza instead. I don’t know, it’s just a thought.

But again, I still recommend Butet as one of the old bioskop you can visit. You’ll find old and vintage atmosphere there and the community, Buaran people who go there is one unique people too. I guess this theatre has become one icon for Buaran people. If people are being asked about Buaran they’ll easily say, oh, Buaran? Near the Bioskop Buaran?

Right in front of the Butet you’ll be able to see the famous ‘Jembatan Cinta’, a well-known Buaran by pass bridge full with pairs of lovers not only in Saturday night but the other nights too.

And if you want to go to Buaran Theatre simply just follow this route:
Train:
KRL Bekasi-Kota… get down in Buaran Station and take a walk.
Buses:
Metromini 506 Kampung Melayu-Pondok Kopi
Metromini 47 Senen-Pondok Kopi
Metromini 52 Kampung Melayu-Stasiun Cakung
Angkots:
KWK 25 Rawamangun-Cakung
KWK 26 Rawamangun-Kalimalang
KWK 27 Rawamangun-Kalimalang
KWK 22 Pondok Gede-Walikota

Enjoy your nostalgic momment there!

(By Pujangga Cinta)