Drive-Ins - retro cool or bogan?
January 9th 2010 21:12
There is only one drive-in theatre left in the greater Sydney area when only 20 years ago there were 12!
In fact for the entire state of NSW - where once there were 51 cinemas - of these only four remain - and one of these is independently owned - operating spasmodically at best as it struggles with finances.
So what happened to the iconic drive-in theatre?
Sure - land prices and the advent of the multi-plex have played a major role - but given that drive-in was recently ranked as the second most recognisable icon of the twentieth century (behind the Rubix Cube!) is there a place for them in the future?
Sound and picture technology have passed the drive-in by, but as a total movie experience nothing beats it.
Why just last night - we journeyed to the last bastion of the outdoor cinema experience - and was greeted by a field packed with classic vintage and veteran Fords and GM's who had made a night of the whole thing.
Complete with deck chairs and tables set up to enjoy a summer nights viewing, speakers perched on car windows and kids in PJ's - the scene could quite easily been from the 1950s had it not been for those of us in attendance with more contempory motoring.
With pizza's in hand, soft-drink at the ready we sat back to enjoy a double feature.
Each year puts more pressure on the existance of the drive-in as the land values increase, the operating profit must make the venture worthwhile.
Sentiment goes some way to ensuring the survival - but I suspect one day it will be all over.
And that folks will be a sad day indeed.
In fact for the entire state of NSW - where once there were 51 cinemas - of these only four remain - and one of these is independently owned - operating spasmodically at best as it struggles with finances.
So what happened to the iconic drive-in theatre?
Sure - land prices and the advent of the multi-plex have played a major role - but given that drive-in was recently ranked as the second most recognisable icon of the twentieth century (behind the Rubix Cube!) is there a place for them in the future?
Sound and picture technology have passed the drive-in by, but as a total movie experience nothing beats it.
Why just last night - we journeyed to the last bastion of the outdoor cinema experience - and was greeted by a field packed with classic vintage and veteran Fords and GM's who had made a night of the whole thing.
Complete with deck chairs and tables set up to enjoy a summer nights viewing, speakers perched on car windows and kids in PJ's - the scene could quite easily been from the 1950s had it not been for those of us in attendance with more contempory motoring.
With pizza's in hand, soft-drink at the ready we sat back to enjoy a double feature.
Each year puts more pressure on the existance of the drive-in as the land values increase, the operating profit must make the venture worthwhile.
Sentiment goes some way to ensuring the survival - but I suspect one day it will be all over.
And that folks will be a sad day indeed.
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Comment by signals
The Health Fanatic
The Natural Order
Media Piranha
Arrogant News
The Dope Chronicles
Drive-ins are gone! I remember a whole carload of people can get in for a few dollars and some had all-night features. I remember one near a highway that would cause a traffic jam if a top naked woman was on the screen. There were sometimes accidents on an interstate that ran about a mile away!
Enjoy what few you still have until they become extinct worldwide.
Yeah good times that are gone forever!!!
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
I recall with fondness a time when queues to get into the dozen or so drive-in theatres would stretch as far as the eye could see sometimes - and ushers would trawl the traffic to inform disappointed patrons that the fields were full - and that's when Sydney had a dozen classic outdoor cinemas.
The 2nd but last drive in closed last year - despite widespread support from the masses to include it on some kind of heritage list of sorts - but to no avail.
We take our kids every 6 months or so - and done same for over a 15 years - just so they can enjoy the experience and relive to their kids and grandkids - because folklore is hard to experience through books alone.
Comment by Anonymous
Many of those drive ins lost out to "deferred maintenance" and to time. We were able to save a few of the neon signs, however. But the drive in facilities. Replaced with such stellar developments such as cheesy apartments, trailer parks, self storage facilities. I would rather have the drive-in. I did quit going in my early twenties to those drive ins just because I don't do dirty movies. The end of drive ins is like the end of Route 66, sad passing, but still a little history on the way. You can still find Rte 66 buildings, motels, gas stations, eateries, and whatnot, and I am sure there will still be a few drive ins for posterity if notihing else. Unless another theater moves into my city.