Google has expanded its list of services available in Malaysia by introducing Google Play Movies to the country. This provides locals with the opportunity to buy or rent movies through the Google Play store for as low as RM10 per movie.
Google Play Movies will provide the latest Hollywood movies as they are made available for viewing outside cinemas. The pricing varies according to the show itself, although it looks like rental cost between RM10 and RM13. Buying a whole movie appears to be between RM50 and RM57; not entirely cheap, but could be worth it for movies that will be viewed over many times.
Movies can be watched on PC, tablet or smartphone through Google Play Movies. On PC this is achieved through Chrome, while mobile devices will be able to access the shows through the Google Play Movies app on both Android and iOS.
Rented movies must be viewed within 30 days of purchase, and users have 48 hours to complete viewing the movie once it has been started. A reasonable time frame, and will take us back to the good old days of renting VHS tapes for a couple of weeks.
There does not seem to be excessive censorship in these movies either, and appear to be from the US releases of the movies. We were at least able to confirm the Matrix lobby shootout that is cut from many Malaysian screenings of the show is available in the Google Play Movies version, which is a relief (and a good excuse to watch the movie again).
