Q:
Why can't I watch a movie on one screen and switch to the other to see its
second movie?
A: Movie studio policy forbids screen switching.
When you purchase a ticket for one screen, we report the number of people that
paid for screen "x". If you switch to the other screen at intermission,
then we have not paid the proper studio for the combo that YOU selected and paid
for initially. If you want to watch the second feature on the other
screen, you must purchase a separate ticket for that screen.
Q: Why
do you say that you can't show in 3D? I saw Spy Kids 3D there a few years
ago.
A: Drive-In Theatres currently cannot show 3D
movies. All 3D features are now shown exclusively by means of digital
projectors. Digital projectors cost around $75,000 plus an additional
$10,000 or more for the 3D capability. In addition to the massive expense,
drive-in theatres have logistical issues that indoor theatres do not, such as
wide viewing angles, tempered windshield glass, and many more obstacles.
Most 3D systems also require a silver screen, which at this time, no paint has
been proven to withstand the elements of nature. Special lenses also have
to be made to accommodate the long distance (throw) that drive-ins project from.
We are such a small segment of the industry that the manufacturers are not in a
hurry to develop the necessary components for us. There are many other
concerns that we have about showing 3D as well.
Q: What's the big deal
about digital projection?
A: The movie studios want to eliminate the
expense of producing, storing, shipping and eventually destroying 35mm film
prints. Each print of a movie costs around $1500. The studios have
been absorbing this cost since the beginning of the movie industry. At a
cost of around $1 BILLION per year to manage the prints, it's no wonder they
would like theatres to show digitally. Unfortunately, the high cost of
these projectors ($75,000+) is for the most part paid for by the theatres.
This will lead to the demise of many, many small theatres and drive-ins down the
road when 35mm film is no longer used.
Q: What do you do if it
starts to rain?
A: We will continue to show the movies as long
as the weather is not dangerous and we can still get the picture on the screen.
During heavy rain, we will give rain checks that must be used within 2 weeks.
We do not issue refunds unless we are unable to show the features due to
equipment failure.
Q: How big is your
screen?
A: Our screen is the largest in a 60+ mile radius--94
feet by 40 feet of viewable area. That's over 3700 square feet!
Q: Why don't you have
speakers any more?
A: Unfortunately, after 60+ years, the miles of
underground wiring has degraded to the point that we can no longer maintain it.
Plus, the quality of the sound coming from those old speakers cannot even come
close to matching the high-quality, FM stereo sound available through your car
radio or boom box.
Q: It's so expensive to
go to the indoor movies. Is Skyway any cheaper?
A: Our ticket and concession prices are substantially
lower than first run indoor theaters. A family of four can come to the
North Leavitt Road Skyway Drive-In for less than $40 for two movies AND dinner
for all. So get out of the house or cramped indoor theatre and enjoy a
night out with the stars!
Q: I've noticed that some
movie screens are more square than rectangular. Why is yours more of a
rectangle?
A: Our screen is the proper ratio for showing
Cinemascope
features--you see the WHOLE picture at the North Leavitt Road Skyway.
Some theatres (including indoor theatres) cut off the sides of the movie in
order to fit their screen. And don't be fooled, there is no "technology"
that will fill a screen from edge to edge if the screen is not the proper
format. You simply miss out on seeing the edges of the movie.
Q: Why do you sometimes
have the same movie(s) for a couple of weeks?
A: When playing first-run movies, the film studios
require a two or three week commitment in order for us to bring you the newest
features. We use our best judgment in selecting movies and try our hardest
to choose what we think our customer base will enjoy the most.
Do you have other questions? Email us and we'll send you a response or post your question here. We appreciate hearing from you because when you make a suggestion, comment or even a complaint, we listen.