FARK.com: (4214195) Rise and fall of the drive-in movie theater: Can they survive now that cars are sold with built-in DVD players?

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		Rise and fall of the drive-in movie theater: Can they survive now that cars are sold with built-in DVD players? (slashfilm.com)		64
		More: Unlikely

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898 clicks; posted to Entertainment » on 16 Feb 2009 at 2:29 PM | Favorite | share:

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BlackCat23		2009-02-16 01:57:45 PM

There's only two drive-ins left in my state. And they both do a BOOMING buisness come nice weather. One is a large 3 screen plaza, the other is a small, one screen place literally in the middle of no where, in the middle of the woods, with a "No Cops unless Called" policy(which has been the same for 35+ years). Both show only double features, and the small one has some of the best god damn cheeseburgers and chili fries you'll ever have at a theater set in the middle of the Connecticut woods.

/saw The Dark Knight there
//they're also BYOB(just no kegs)

slayer199		2009-02-16 02:07:18 PM

As long as there are horny teens....yes.

assegai		2009-02-16 02:32:15 PM

News?

There hasn't been a drive-in NY in over 10 years.

FreeLoveFreeway		2009-02-16 02:36:28 PM

As long as people need to make movies that take place in the 60's, we'll need at least 1 drive-in to shoot at.

Yeah Sure Whatever		2009-02-16 02:37:40 PM

If we want to see movies we can ONLY go to a drive in. The closest one is almost an hour away but we always go and see my grandma and then go to the movie. Its cheap and its double features only. We'll be going down to see Watchmen in a few weeks

vernonFL		2009-02-16 02:38:58 PM

Bengies Drive In (new window)

Middle River, Maryland.

TimeWaste		2009-02-16 02:40:58 PM

There's a booming drive-in in PEI as well, I love it. Good movies, good lots, cheap. And if anyone around me is talking, I can actually swat them upside the head.

TheMaskedUnit		2009-02-16 02:49:51 PM

I was really disappointed when the drive-in near my house closed a few years ago. It was the best way to be able to see current movies and not need a babysitter. All we needed was a blanket and some toys in the bed of the truck and no one around us even noticed that we had kids. It's also a little easier to stretch out in a comfy chair in the back of a Dodge Ram long-bed than in a movie theater. That's the only thing I miss about that truck.

When we did have a babysitter, it was nice to be able to drink our own beer, eat our own snacks and smoke our own "cigarettes" during the flick.

kernunrex		2009-02-16 02:51:14 PM

Why would anyone want to sit in a car in their spare time in this age of hour-long commutes? Drive-ins died for a reason.

Ironpendragon		2009-02-16 02:52:39 PM

Nothing better than pulling into the drive-in at the age of 18 with a cooler of beer and four sofas in the back of a truck.

They tore the place down shortly before I graduated from high school. There was often a line half a mile long to get in.

benlonghair		2009-02-16 02:54:07 PM

Yep, as long as you can get drink, smoke and bring in a carload of people for $18.

Mansfield Drive-in. (new window)

Midnight Rambler		2009-02-16 02:54:58 PM

I've been to only one drive-in movie in my life.

I was 12 years old, visiting a friend who had moved to another town. His 17 year-old brother snuck us into the drive-in under some blankets on the floor of the back seat.

The movie was "My Tutor", and boy did I get an education. I'll never forget how awesome that was.

/lawn, etc.

mynameismark		2009-02-16 03:07:17 PM

I live within 15 minutes of 3. Come summertime, they are packed full every night.

And it's not like they cost much to operate.

ctobio		2009-02-16 03:07:44 PM

assegai: News?

There hasn't been a drive-in NY in over 10 years.

Charcoal Corral and Silver Lake Drive-In, Perry, NY (new window).

Or are you one of those people that think NY ends where the Major Deegan becomes the NY State Thruway?

Saw WALL-E there with my 4 year old last summer. It was the highlight of the trip to Grandma's for her. She watches DVDs in the car on the long trip to Grandma's, but thought seeing the movie from the hatch of the Honda Pilot, snuggling under blankets with her cousin of the same age, was the coolest thing ever.

Snuffybud		2009-02-16 03:12:32 PM

assegai: News?

There hasn't been a drive-in NY in over 10 years.

According to the Drive-in List website there are 32 operating drive-in's in NY. The East Avon Vintage Drive In is mobbed on a warm summer night, we were even turned away at the gate due to them being full one night!

Link (new window)

Skyfrog		2009-02-16 03:21:15 PM

Yeah because given the choice everyone would prefer to watch movies on some tiny ass screen in their car. Drive in movies are a social thing, it's not just about the movie, and I'll take the big screen anyday. Besides the drive-in here is filled to capacity every summer.

Skorkles		2009-02-16 03:26:03 PM

Skyfrog: Yeah because given the choice everyone would prefer to watch movies on some tiny ass screen in their car. Drive in movies are a social thing, it's not just about the movie, and I'll take the big screen anyday. Besides the drive-in here is filled to capacity every summer.

This.

The car DVD player vs drive-in is a ludicrous comparison.

"Is the home television set nearing extinction now that you can watch TV on your cell phone?"

Crudbucket		2009-02-16 03:26:12 PM

My hometown has one.

/first movie I saw there was "Joe vs the Volcano."

katerbug72		2009-02-16 03:27:40 PM

The last thing I saw at the drive-in was Ghostbusters. We're going to have a drive-in party sometime this year. We're getting a projector, renting a popcorn machine and bbqing hotdogs and hamburgs. We can't decide on what movies to show.

There is a drive-in up past London (Ontario) that's still operational. I think that's the only one around here.

bonesdilligaf		2009-02-16 03:33:03 PM

Snuffybud: assegai: News?

There hasn't been a drive-in NY in over 10 years.

According to the Drive-in List website there are 32 operating drive-in's in NY. The East Avon Vintage Drive In is mobbed on a warm summer night, we were even turned away at the gate due to them being full one night!

Link (new window)

I watch all first run movies at the Warwick NY drive in. Nothing beats sitting in an air conditioned car with surround sound from your bose speakers. Smokin and drinkin, and eating a fresh pizza or whatever else you want to bring in. We usually pop a bag of popcorn before we go as well. about 50 minutes outside of NYC, and well worth the trip. And the seats are much more comfortable.

damageddude		2009-02-16 03:33:32 PM

Snuffybud: According to the Drive-in List website

Cool site, but not completely accurate. When I was a child there was a drive in in Valley Stream, Long Island just over the NYC border. It's been a multi-plex (Sunrise Multiplex) for about 30 years. I remember there were still at least one or two on LI 20 years ago, not sure when they closed but it was in the news. I was surprised that so many still exist in upstate NY with such a late sunset from May - July.

Anyway to answer the question: in areas like the NYC area where the land was too valuable they're already gone. Probably the same for most developed suburbs. Other areas, they'll probably survive in some form as long as people drive cars and the land is cheap enough to make it economical. Daylight Savings Time, rising land prices and air conditioning probably did more damage to drive ins then DVD players in cars will.

bonesdilligaf		2009-02-16 03:35:08 PM

damageddude: Snuffybud: According to the Drive-in List website

Cool site, but not completely accurate. When I was a child there was a drive in in Valley Stream, Long Island just over the NYC border. It's been a multi-plex (Sunrise Multiplex) for about 30 years. I remember there were still at least one or two on LI 20 years ago, not sure when they closed but it was in the news. I was surprised that so many still exist in upstate NY with such a late sunset from May - July.

Anyway to answer the question: in areas like the NYC area where the land was too valuable they're already gone. Probably the same for most developed suburbs. Other areas, they'll probably survive in some form as long as people drive cars and the land is cheap enough to make it economical. Daylight Savings Time, rising land prices and air conditioning probably did more damage to drive ins then DVD players in cars will.

the drive-in in Warwick is open from March till November...

Hang On Voltaire		2009-02-16 03:47:41 PM

I saw Blazing Saddles in a drive in when I was a wee young lad. Have a very vague memory of it.

Gyrfalcon		2009-02-16 03:49:29 PM

Who would go to a drive-in to watch a movie?

katerbug72		2009-02-16 03:51:28 PM

Movies I remember seeing at the drive-in:

The Man Who Loved Women/Ghostbusters
Silver Streak/Heavy Metal
Meatballs (and bits of Amityville Horror on the screen behind us)

I know there are more but I can't remember.

evilmrsock		2009-02-16 03:54:27 PM

Upstate NY representin' the drive in triple threat of Hollywood, Malta, and Jericho. Growing up we'd always go to Hollywood - strawberry slushies ftw.

Broktun		2009-02-16 03:56:16 PM

I was 8 in 1977 and saw Herbie goes to Monte Carlo.

Needless to say, the drive in lot is now overgrown.

Broktun

skribble		2009-02-16 03:57:36 PM

assegai: News?

There hasn't been a drive-in NY in over 10 years.

there are 2 in new york that i know of - within 5-10 miles of each other. hyde park drive-in and the overlook drive-in. both an hour and a half north of NYC. went last summer.

ColSanders		2009-02-16 03:57:41 PM

All the drive-ins in my area have been closed for years. I think it'd be fun buying and old one and trying to resurrect it.

Any idea what the operation/maintenance cost on one would be? Seems like you could pack them in every weekend just because of the nostalgia of it.

skribble		2009-02-16 04:00:18 PM

Gyrfalcon: Who would go to a drive-in to watch a movie?

me

InmanRoshi		2009-02-16 04:02:21 PM

kernunrex: Why would anyone want to sit in a car in their spare time in this age of hour-long commutes? Drive-ins died for a reason.

Yes, why in heavens would someone want to sit in their personally climate and noise controled car, isolated in a cocoon of privacy as they they drink/smoke/eat whatever they please when they can experience the utter joy and pleasure the modern movie going experience at the local Cine-mart-plex 32. Where one can immerse themselves in the conversations of all those around you who insist on talking during the movie. Enjoy the housewife next to you asking her husband if he thinks the leading actress is really that attractive, as he quietly shifts around hoping the plush theatre seat muffles his latest in a long line of putrid farts, as the special little snowflake behind you kicks your chair as you enjoy your stale $9.00 popcorn.

John Buck 41		2009-02-16 04:04:35 PM

Cannon		2009-02-16 04:06:06 PM

kernunrex: Why would anyone want to sit in a car in their spare time in this age of hour-long commutes? Drive-ins died for a reason.

I drive 120 miles a day/3 hours(wreck free drive) everyday to get to and from work. And I still would love to go to a drive-in. You can bring your own food, not worry about some little kid talking behind you, drink, smoke, whatever.

braedan		2009-02-16 04:09:37 PM

BlackCat23: There's only two drive-ins left in my state. And they both do a BOOMING buisness come nice weather. One is a large 3 screen plaza, the other is a small, one screen place literally in the middle of no where, in the middle of the woods, with a "No Cops unless Called" policy(which has been the same for 35+ years). Both show only double features, and the small one has some of the best god damn cheeseburgers and chili fries you'll ever have at a theater set in the middle of the Connecticut woods.

/saw The Dark Knight there
//they're also BYOB(just no kegs)

Location. I demand to have it.
The last movie I saw at the drive in was Superman IV: The Quest for Peace

petersonsct		2009-02-16 04:10:24 PM

I'm suprised Drive-Ins survived THX, SDDS, and other digital sound formats so why not DVD players in cars? There is a charm about watching a movie in a car that is hard to explain.

limboslam		2009-02-16 04:25:30 PM

One of the saddest sites to see is a dead drive-in.

IAmSuperBeast		2009-02-16 04:28:51 PM

Yes they can. I live 15 minutes away from the only drive in left in the state and it is AWESOME.

Brainsick		2009-02-16 04:39:06 PM

Last movie I went to in my car was Snakes on a Plane at the Drive-In in Reno. It was the perfect venue. I live in Tahoe now, and we have snow for 6-7 months every year, but damn it would be nice. Maybe an indoor/outdoor setup...

guilt by association		2009-02-16 04:42:11 PM

There was an old drive-in back in York County, Virginia that was supposedly going to be renovated and reopened in 2001/2002. But then it was demolished and a Wal-mart supercenter was built there.

natazha		2009-02-16 04:49:28 PM

1975 - second and last time at a drive-in. The first time was in high school. My family had a van and it was a $2 per car night, drove a load of my sister's friends in. Don't remember either movie.

Gyrfalcon		2009-02-16 05:00:07 PM

limboslam: One of the saddest sites to see is a dead drive-in.

Looks like a screengrab from Fallout 3

Prince of Pluto		2009-02-16 05:04:26 PM

braedan:
The last movie I saw at the drive in was Superman IV: The Quest for Peace

That's pretty bad, but I can trump it... mine was Supergirl.

Warchild		2009-02-16 05:11:35 PM

assegai: News?

There hasn't been a drive-in NY in over 10 years.

Yep, I miss Johnny All Weather in Copiague, the Bay Shore Drive-In, Westbury, and Patchogue.

/sad

Mr.IF		2009-02-16 05:28:07 PM

We went to the drive-in all the time when I was a kid. We'd go play at the playground under the screen until it was dark enough to start. EVERY drive-in must be set up that way, I think it was a law. :)

Last drive-in movie I saw was a double-feature, Barbarella and Conan (first one). I saw it with my first girlfriend. I recall the first 15 min of Conan and nothing of Barbarella. Man what a great time.

I drive by that drive-in every night now on my way home from work. Its a parking lot now.

Yeah, get off my lawn.

Midnight Rambler		2009-02-16 05:38:47 PM

Mr.IF: We went to the drive-in all the time when I was a kid. We'd go play at the playground under the screen until it was dark enough to start. EVERY drive-in must be set up that way, I think it was a law. :)
www.seeing-stars.com

Yep!

TheSuperFunk		2009-02-16 05:40:30 PM

The one I know of here is bumpin' every summer.

Probably due to the lax security going around, thus plenty of people are drinking. And there's always the scent of weed in the air.

DV1976		2009-02-16 05:50:27 PM

assegai: News?

There hasn't been a drive-in NY in over 10 years.

There's at least one -- in Rome.

Heroic Poser		2009-02-16 06:32:09 PM

I wish they'd come back.
I saw Star Wars for the first time at a Drive - Inn. I would've love to have watched Ghost Rider in a Drive Inn.
With cars today, you'd think more people would want to go. Lots more comfort.

Now excuse me. I'm in my footy PJ's and I need to run around the parking lot looking for my mom and dads car.

katerbug72		2009-02-16 06:43:37 PM

braedan:
Location. I demand to have it.
The last movie I saw at the drive in was Superman IV: The Quest for Peace

Wow, that sucks that that movie is your last drive-in flick.

Nightmaretony		2009-02-16 06:51:34 PM

And We Danced (new window)

Gotta love a music video in a drive in. Oh yeah!

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