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Once upon a time, drive-ins were considered one of the most popular movie-going experiences in the United States. But, like most trends, they fell out of style with the introduction of VHS and the evolution of the movie theater experience that we have come to know and love today. While there are still quite a few drive-ins throughout the US, they do not make nearly as much money as regular theaters.
However, with the sweeping coronavirus pandemic shutting everything down, drive-ins have become one of the only ways to get out of the house and experience a sense of “normal” entertainment. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the history of the drive-in before looking at how the experience of going to the drive-in has changed during the time of quarantine.
History Of The Drive-In
Drive-ins have been around for a number of years, but they have evolved quite a bit over the years. A brief exploration into the history of the drive-in and the changes they underwent will provide context for the drive-ins we know today.
How Did It All Start?
The first drive-ins in the US existed as early as the 1910s, but the first patented one wasn’t opened until 1933 in Camden, New Jersey.
A local man named Richard Hollingshead had the idea to open it after he created a mini drive-in specifically for his mother. He sought to accommodate people who simply couldn’t fit in the smaller movie theaters around town. His drive-in was well-received, and he found success very quickly. More drive-ins began to appear in every state within the US, as well as a few countries overseas.
The Golden Age Of Drive-Ins
Drive-ins hit their peak popularity in the 50s and 60s with the Baby Boomer generation. During this time, there were over four thousand drive-in locations all across the US. They became extremely popular amongst families, who could afford to bring their young children and let them run free around the car while the movie was playing without being reprimanded by theater staff. They also became popular for cheap date-nights amongst teenagers and young adults.
The Decline Of A Trend
While drive-ins were appreciated for the unique experiences they offered, they began to steadily decline as the economy and society began to shift. They were already at a slight disadvantage, as they needed the perfect kind of weather to stay in operation. When the 70s rolled around, the oil crisis brought about the downsizing of cars, which in turn made it far less comfortable for people to see movies while sitting in their vehicles.
Then the VCR was introduced, making it easier for people to save their money by watching movies from the comfort of their own homes. In an effort to make up for lost revenue, drive-ins began straying from family-friendly content and began to show adult and slasher films.
A Return To The Drive-In
Of course, drive-ins are still in operation in a select few locations. Their popularity has significantly decreased as the movie theater experience has evolved over time, now offering alcohol, a variety of food and snacks, and comfortable, reclining seats. Many drive-ins switched between showing old, classic films and new, modern films. They also often boast double-feature nights and offer some of the same concessions offered at a regular movie theater.
West Wind Capitol Drive-In is a chain that operates only on the West Coast. They have one location in Arizona, two in Nevada, and four in California. Their San Jose, CA location is both the closest to me and by far the cheapest option for movie entertainment in the Bay Area. For a double feature, it’s $8.25 every day besides Tuesday when it’s only $5.50 for family fun nights. They have restrooms and a nice little concession area where you can get popcorn, drinks, and candy. Of course, it was shut down temporarily due to the quarantine restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. However, it is now the only open movie experience in the Bay Area.
The Drive-In Experience During Quarantine
People are desperate for a sense of normalcy in these difficult times and the drive-in offers a safe, fun way for you to get out of your house and get back to enjoying a good film or two! While many drive-ins are reopened, they have revised their rules in order to protect guests as much as possible. For example, my local drive-in, West Wind’s San Jose location, instituted a handful of new rules. The full list of rules can be found in a May 9 status update on their Facebook page here.
The most notable rule change is that no guests are allowed to sit outside of their cars in chairs. You must remain in your vehicle, which must be parked at least ten feet away from other vehicles. The only time you are allowed to leave your car is to go to the restroom, which has a limited number of people in order to maintain social distancing guidelines. You must also wear a mask when you go to the restroom. If you want to check which movies are playing, West Wind lists them all out by date on their website.
All movies begin at 8:55 pm and are offered as double features. They also have security trucks that patrol through the six lots, ensuring that everyone is following the guidelines they have set forth. If you are not adhering to the rules, you will be asked to leave to ensure the safety of those around you.
If I’m being completely honest, going back actually almost felt like a normal summer night. The weather was nice, the sky was clear, and everything was so peaceful. It was nice to escape everything going on in the world, even if it was just for two hours, and it was a very positive experience overall. Don’t get me wrong – I absolutely love movie theaters. But something about the drive-in has always kept my interest and I am very pleased that more people are getting to experience it now.
The Perfect Break From Quarantine Madness
I can’t say for sure if drive-ins will make a comeback thanks to quarantine, but I do feel safe saying that it is one of the best sources for outside entertainment during this difficult time. If strict rules are set, enforced, and followed, it can be a fantastic experience for you, your family, or your roommates.
If you have a drive-in near you, consider adding it to your list of things to try during quarantine. It would be great to support a dwindling form of entertainment, while also allowing you to escape your worries like any other movie experience.