Its no surprise that people are trampled to death during Black Friday.  I was in a small town in the Northwest corner of Iowa for the unofficial holiday, and it was still chaos.  This was my third (or possibly fourth) year of celebrating Black Friday and I learned something new: the earlier you arrive, the crazier it is.  This year I pulled into Wal-Mart about 15 minutes after it opened and there was barely a spot to park in.  I swear the whole town had to be there.  Nevertheless, the swarming mass of people didn't ruin my mission.  What's my mission?  Buying movies.

On Black Friday, I go to Wal-Mart for a bit and call it a day.  It started a few years back when my dad sent my brother and I there in hopes of securing him a GPS.  It didn't take long to discover they were completely out.  That's what happens with all of the "good items".  They vanish instantly.  What doesn't vanish?  Movies.  My brother and I found multiple displays of movies for $5 (This was before Blu-Rays so $5 DVD's were a steal).  If I'm not mistaken, I walked out without ten new DVD's and Season 5 of 24.  It was amazing.  It was like Christmas came early, and it was in this moment that I realized the true meaning of Black Friday: myself.

I can't imagine trying to hunt down specific items for friends and family members in the midst of a shopping riot.  What I can do is find things that I like, want, and for the cheap price, am able to buy.  Last year I discovered the early you get there, the more options of movies you have (not to mention some very good priced video games).  This year I purchased six Blu-Rays for $30!  That is insane.  I even bought two movies I already owned on DVD (that would be Predator and Batman Begins).  It brought a smile to my face, a spring to my step, and I was able to knock off some items I would have otherwise asked for, for Christmas.

I'm not trying to promote Capitalistic greed (though spending money [that is money, not credit] is good for the economy), but to encourage smart shopping.  I rarely buy movies when they first come out anyway, so Black Friday is a perfect event.  Also, I always go there with family which makes an enjoyable bonding experience.  I then have the opportunity to share these movies (as well as my opinions of these movies) with friends, family, and random strangers who read my blog (whom I very much appreciate).  Now only one question remains.  What movies did I buy?

Here is the rundown:

Slumdog Millionaire (Blu-Ray)

Fight Club (Blu Ray)

Predator (Blu Ray)

Walk the Line (Blu Ray)

Batman Begins (Blu Ray)

Passion of the Christ (Blu Ray)

Its also worth mentioning that I bought Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Infamous for PS3.  I also purchased the Incredible Hulk the next day for $3 in a post Black Friday sale.  Speaking of the Saturday after Black Friday, it really isn't a bad day to do Christmas shopping.  I got almost half of my shopping done that day and the sales are still abound.  Its also much less chaotic.  Let's be honest, what else do you have to do on that Saturday?  

PS I plan on doing posts for all the movies I bought on Black Friday.  However, I have to be honest.  What I plan for this blog and what actually happens aren't always the same.