Drive-In Movie Theaters Booming Back to Life During Pandemic
The classic American experience of seeing movies at a drive-in theater is seeing a huge resurgence across the country.
People who have been locked down in quarantine for months might be itching for an escape, but don’t want to risk being exposed to germs from others they encounter in public. Sharing an experience with a large group is a welcome change of pace for moviegoers, even if they have to remain locked in their cars. We review some essentials to bring with you to the drive-ins.
What potential long-term effects could the surge in popularity of drive-in theaters have on the entertainment industry, and how might it impact the way that movies are distributed and consumed in the future?
The ongoing global pandemic has significantly impacted numerous industries worldwide, including the entertainment industry. However, amidst all the chaos, the drive-in movie theaters are making a dramatic comeback. The unique concept of outdoor theaters, which was popular in the 1950s and 1960s, has been rising in popularity once again due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has led to the closure of multiplexes and cinemas, leaving movie enthusiasts with limited options for enjoying their favorite films. The need for social distancing during the pandemic has made drive-in theaters an ideal option for movie lovers to enjoy cinematic experiences in a safe and controlled environment.
It is fascinating to note that while the majority of the world was shutting down, drive-in theaters were booming. With moviegoers relying on an old-school form of entertainment to escape the monotony of lockdowns, drive-in theaters are experiencing a massive resurgence in popularity. The automotive sector has also seen significant participation in supporting drive-in theaters by keeping the business afloat through sponsorships and partnerships.
As reported by industry analysis, drive-in theater revenue has shot up from a mere $15 million in 2019 to over $100 million in 2020. The demand is so high that even the biggest names in Hollywood, such as Warner Bros. and Amazon Studios, are opting to release their movies on drive-in screens.
Furthermore, some drive-in theaters are also providing an exceptionally authentic experience by showing vintage movies using original projectors and sound systems. With food trucks and other amenities, drive-in theaters provide a unique outdoor experience that comes with various social distancing protocols.
Another remarkable trait of drive-in theaters is that they can be set up anywhere, making them accessible to people in almost any location across the country. As a result, small cities and towns have been able to experience the drive-in theater nostalgia, which was previously only accessible to the big metropolitan cities.
To sum up, the pandemic has given drive-in theaters a new lease of life, revitalizing the industry and bringing back the long-forgotten glory days of outdoor cinemas. The drive-in theaters have proven to be a popular and safe escape from the pandemic’s stresses and restrictions, and it is evident that this trend could continue even when everything goes back to normal. Therefore, the drive-in theater business seems to be well and truly here to stay.