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Why did they get rid of drive-in movies?
“The decline of the drive-in was directly related to the movement away from Main Street America and towards the mall society, where convenience, times, weather and the idea of ‘all-inclusive’ became the popular way to enjoy a night out, pushing away the classic night out at the drive-in,” Stefanopoulos elaborated.
What happened to the drive-in?
Decline. The 1970s energy crisis led to the adoption of daylight saving time, which affected the start times of films at drive-ins. That, combined with an increase in home entertainment systems like color televisions and VCRs, led to a sharp decline in the drive-in industry.
How much does a drive-in projector cost?
You can often find these used. How much is a projector screen? A quality projector screen for your drive-in theater can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000 depending on your area and the specific local requirements.
When did drive-ins end?
They become less popular in the 1970s as they switched from first-run Hollywood fare to exploitation films, and by the time home video started appearing, it was the end for the height of the drive-in. As of 2007, there were only 405 drive-ins left operation in the U.S. That’s a 90\% drop over three decades.
How many drive-ins left in the US?
Currently, there are about 325 Drive-in Movie Theaters still operating in the United States. There are many more that are permanently closed but still remain standing and could potentially be re-opened at some point in the future.
Are there any drive-in movie theaters left in the United States?
There are barely any drive-in movie theaters left in the US. Despite some claims to the contrary, drive-in movie theaters in the United States are not making a comeback.
Why are drive-in movie theaters so expensive?
The cost is higher partly because it takes a much stronger bulb to project across a field to the screen. If drive-ins don’t make the switch, they won’t have any movies left to show.
Should drive-in movie theaters play up the experience of nostalgia?
Drive-in theaters have another problem that’s facing all indoor theaters: declining attendance. One tactic that might help reverse that trend would be to play up the archaic filmgoing experience that’s unique to drive-ins. After all, catering to nostalgia can go a long way.
How many drive-in theaters were there in the 1950s?
In the 1950s, there were around 4,000 drive-in theaters around the United States. But just like peace, love, and American cars, drive-ins began to decline around the early 1970s.