Drive-in Cinema Concept
A drive-in movie allows patrons to watch movies outdoors from the comfort of their own vehicles. It typically consists of a large outdoor screen, a projection booth, and a parking area for cars where visitors can tune in the movie’s audio through their car radios.
Drive-in Cinema Popularity and History
The first drive-in theater opened in Camden, New Jersey in 1933. It was created by Richard Hollingshead Jr. to provide a convenient and comfortable movie-viewing experience. The success of this first drive-in led to more opening across the country. By 1951, the number in the US increased from 155 in 1947 to over 4,000. The drive-in’s popularity peaked in the 1950s and 60s. While numbers dropped for decades as people favored indoor theaters and home video, about 300 drive-ins still operate in America today. With recent renewed interest, they could make a comeback.
How Drive-in Cinemas Work
A drive-in movie theater allows visitors to watch films outdoors from the comfort of their own vehicles parked in front of a large outdoor screen. The concept originated in 1933 when the first drive-in opened in Camden, New Jersey. Created by Richard Hollingshead Jr., it provided a convenient movie-viewing experience. The drive-in theater peaked in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s across America with over 4,000 in operation. However, numbers dropped over time as people began to favor indoor theaters and home video. Today, around 300 drive-ins continue operating in the U.S.
Renewed interest in drive-ins has emerged recently. Their ability to enable social distancing through spaced vehicle parking makes drive-ins appealing during the pandemic. For some, the option to safely watch movies from inside cars seems more comfortable than enclosed cinema halls. This explains new drive-in theaters gaining attention in cities across India and elsewhere. However, suitable locations with ample open space pose a key challenge in setting up drive-ins. While modern cinemas offer advanced experience, the nostalgic drive-in retains certain charms. It brings in income through ticket sales and concession products. Most profit comes from food and drinks since distributors claim a large share of ticket revenue. While fragile economically with around 368 surviving nationally, some drive-ins appear to be doing alright by providing an affordable entertainment choice.