Drive-in Theatres

[Troy]

Was reading an article the other day about the possibility of more drive-in theatres disappearing in the next year due to the fact that they have to all convert over to digital and at a cost of $70k it is too much for a lot of drive-ins. It got me thinking about how far they have declined even in the past two decades. In South Australia we have one left in Adelaide that has been around for nearly sixty years and then another out in (basically) the desert. In Australia there are probably less than two dozen around and they continue to die off each year.

I remember as a kid going to the drive-in with the family and it was a lot of fun. You didn't have to sit still, you could talk as much as you want and it was a unique experience. Now that I am older I wouldn't bother going there anymore and indeed haven't gone for over a decade. It was so long ago the last time you still had to connect that annoying box to your car to hear anything whereas now you just tune your radio to the right station. It is something that doesn't appeal to me at all anymore, I would much rather watch it in the cinema or even better watch it in the comfort of my own home. Plus in Adelaide, and around most of Australia, during summer we have this cool moonlight theatre that opens in our botanic gardens. You sit outside on chairs, the grass or beanbags and watch movies in the middle of the park in perfect weather. That is something that would definitely take away customers from the drive in as it is so much more comfortable doing it that way.

Are there any drive-ins left in your area? When was the last time you went to the drive-in?

 

[ThatGuyFromNukemHigh]

There are a couple within a half hour drive of me, and I typically go every October for the old horror movie marathons.

First time I ever went to a drive in was to see Jurassic Park, which really helped lend to the atmosphere of the T-Rex scene. Speaking of atmosphere, I was watching Twister as an F-1 tornado went by the field behind the screen. The last time I went was earlier this year with my son to see Despicable Me 2, and some old Superman serials. The one closest to me has been digital for awhile now, but they had to close their "grindhouse-esque" one room theatre to be able to make the conversion.

I have always found them to be the better option for a date night, can pack a picnic, talk all you want, and most importantly to me anyways, I can smoke while I enjoy a movie, which has become a pain in the ass since most movies have gone from 90 minutes to over 120.

 

[Chris]

None close to me and I've never been to any. The closest is probably 2 or 3 hours away.

 

[Tapout]

Have a drive in 2 miles away, that shows two movies back to back for only 5 bucks. Its amazing. I'm there every weekend. Don't think it's in danger though. Actually, they've been doing better then ever lately. I love drive ins more then actual theaters. Around September, October time frame where we get cool nights, its just a much better atmosphere.

 

[Rated R Superstar]

I have one about 30-45 minutes away from me. It's pretty nice too.