It’s a movie theater where crying babies are welcome and fellow movie buffs won’t be bothered if you talk during the entire film. It’s hard to believe such a place exists (outside your living room), but they do and for some of us they are only a car drive away. They are drive-in movie theaters and they are slowly making a comeback in the United States.
Drive-in theaters were all the rage back in the 1950s, when there were more than 4,000 outdoor theaters across the country. Compare that to today when the national total sits at just 420. Given those statistics I suppose I should consider myself lucky that there is a drive-in movie theater located just 20 minutes from my home (though, I admit, I have only been there twice). Drive-in theaters provide you with the opportunity to watch movies under the stars. In addition, they are great for families with children (you can bring your kids in their PJs and change diapers in the car). What’s more, you never have to worry that your crying child is disturbing the entire theater.
One of the most popular drive-in movie theaters in the nation is located just outside of Albany, New York. The 54-year-old Hollywood Drive-In Theater in Averill Park is packed, especially on summer weekends. Theater owners say some families drive all the way from Massachusetts to catch a flicks at the 400-vehicle Hollywood Theater. Sure, the theater is currently showing the summer blockbuster hit “Pirates of the Caribbean 2, ” but that’s not the only reason so many are making the drive to the drive-in.
Like many drive-ins across the nation, Averill Park Hollywood Drive-In offers an unbeatable family-friendly atmosphere. At Hollywood Drive-In people play baseball and football as they wait for the movie to start, while younger kids can burn off energy on the theater’s playground.
Pleasant environment aside, I believe the biggest incentive to visit an outdoor theater is the price. It’s hard to beat the price offered at a drive-in theater. Since most drive-ins screen two movies a night for one admission charge you get the ultimate two-for-one deal. The “double bill” can be a children’s movie with an adult movie, two children’s features or two adult films. You can also save money by bringing your own snacks and beverages (and you don’t have to sneak it in, like you would at an indoor theater). In addition, you can bring your favorite pillow or blanket and stretch out (without shoes if you prefer) without offending other movie patrons.
And, lest you think that a drive-in theater won’t offer you the same sound and picture quality that you would receive at an indoor theater—think again. Patrons no longer listen to movies from speaker boxes that attached to the car windows. Instead, the advent of modern day technology allows you to simply tune into a special radio frequency.
To find a drive-in theater nearest you visit www.driveinmovie.com.