Drive-ins were great. I had a Ford Bronco. I’d back it in and drop the tailgate. A bean-bag chair and an ice chest in the back, we had it made. One drive in got rid of the tinny speakers and broadcast the sound over the radio.Light pollution was the last nail in the coffin.
We still have a drive-in. But with 4 screens and daytime running lights it’s impossible to enjoy a movie, Must just be for the younger folks there to make out. The wife and I concur that we are too old for the drive-in.
It’s the rise of video everywhere… VCRs, smartphones, YouTube, internet streaming, DVDs. Nobody needs to go to any theater anymore except for opening weekend movies. When older folks talk about the “good old days” they must be referring to the more social experience they had.
Daylight savings time contributed to the death of drive-ins. Shoot, it doesn’t get real dark until 10:00 pm around here. The earliest they could think about starting the movie was maybe 9:30 pm. Kind of late to be starting a date back when I was a kid. And speaking of not watching the movie, I remember one night where we stayed about 20 minutes before seeking a more private place. And yes, thank goodness for bench seats like that old 1965 Impala had.
We are lucky to have 3 drive-ins in our Allentown, PA area. They are always crowded & still fun as heck, even as a 50-yr old. There are still those low roofed concessions, playground & pony rides for the kiddies! On select off season wknds they use the grounds for car shows.Modern vehicles have not been curbed from this great American tradition.
The Nihilist over 12 years ago
Digital projectors… the downfall of many older theaters
Agent54 over 12 years ago
No. Cars that no longer have bench seats in the front. Hard to make out with that darn shifter console in the middle.
BRI-NO-MITE!! Premium Member over 12 years ago
Drive-ins were great. I had a Ford Bronco. I’d back it in and drop the tailgate. A bean-bag chair and an ice chest in the back, we had it made. One drive in got rid of the tinny speakers and broadcast the sound over the radio.Light pollution was the last nail in the coffin.
naturally_easy over 12 years ago
We still have a drive-in. But with 4 screens and daytime running lights it’s impossible to enjoy a movie, Must just be for the younger folks there to make out. The wife and I concur that we are too old for the drive-in.
Bittermelon of Truth over 12 years ago
It’s the rise of video everywhere… VCRs, smartphones, YouTube, internet streaming, DVDs. Nobody needs to go to any theater anymore except for opening weekend movies. When older folks talk about the “good old days” they must be referring to the more social experience they had.
James Hopkins over 12 years ago
We have a drive-in here too, just one screen but I love going to it to see double features. Wish they would make an even bigger comeback.
DanReynolds over 12 years ago
Dave,I swear to you I’m actually going to the DRIVE-IN tonight!!!!
Talk about good timing. Bug spray is a must from 9:30PM until 10PM.
jtviper7 over 12 years ago
We didn’t watch the movie there either…
jtviper7 over 12 years ago
We would sneak out friends in the trunk… even though it was a dollar a car load.
TexTech over 12 years ago
Daylight savings time contributed to the death of drive-ins. Shoot, it doesn’t get real dark until 10:00 pm around here. The earliest they could think about starting the movie was maybe 9:30 pm. Kind of late to be starting a date back when I was a kid. And speaking of not watching the movie, I remember one night where we stayed about 20 minutes before seeking a more private place. And yes, thank goodness for bench seats like that old 1965 Impala had.
REDROCKER51 over 12 years ago
when did Smorgasboards turn into Buffets?
tbritt99 over 12 years ago
We are lucky to have 3 drive-ins in our Allentown, PA area. They are always crowded & still fun as heck, even as a 50-yr old. There are still those low roofed concessions, playground & pony rides for the kiddies! On select off season wknds they use the grounds for car shows.Modern vehicles have not been curbed from this great American tradition.