I guess hollywood is going to all digital projection systems, and all the theaters have to update to digital (non-film) equipment. One of the local drive ins has announced today that it is closing. The other one might too. I understand, they were struggling as it was, I am sure they can't afford all new equipment.
I always felt privileged to live near two drive in movie theaters. Now they both may be gone. That sucks. My wife and I go there several times a year. Take the cougar, roll down the windows, eat some junk food and watch a double-feature until the wee-morning hours. Great times.
Times are 'a changin'...
That sucks...havent been to a drive in movie in 20 years...:-(
Travis
Both of our (relatively) local drive-ins just updated. Won't be out there until late July but can't wait to see the vastly improved quality.
We did get lucky, though, that both made the investment. $70K a pop for the digital projector is NOT cheap...multiplied by 2 or 3 screens, OUCH.
That being said, it is an awesome experience still. I have fond memories of seeing a lot of movies in my early childhood at the drive-in (Star Wars and ET, especially) and am happy the opportunity is still here for the next generation. It's great to see so many kids on the swing sets in front of the big screen. And the food is pretty awesome too. One of the local ones even has a laser tag building next to it.
I've taken the convertible before and it's cool, but it's a lot easier with an SUV. ;)
Sorry to hear about the ones closing. That hurts everyone involved...
If you want to take a ~3 hour trip, though, I'll meet you at the local ones.
This drive-in is the last 1 down here for miles and it's at least a 1/2 drive from our house they have 3 screens and show a double feature every night through the summer with using your car speakers for audio on the am radio station.
http://www.holidaydrivein.com/
They are all closed here as well. Always loved going to them as a kid though. We even had a really nice old one, that had been going here since the 50's, that was actually called "Thunderbird Drive-In".
Peace Out to an era.
there is one kinda local to us that just updated, we've been there twice. cant wait to go back!
they got one in rome new york too