The joys of drive-in movies
Going to a drive-in theatre is so much more enjoyable that an indoor theatre
The city of Regina has two drive-in movie theatres located on the outskirts of the city. Moonlight Movies Drive-In is located nine kilometers from Regina in Pilot Butte, and Twilite Drive-In Theatre is in Wolseley. Since drive-in theatres charge per car rather than per person, it is a cheaper alternative than attending a traditional theatre. Furthermore, drive-in theatres are a great way to meet and catch up with friends. They are cozy and comfortable, especially if you love being outdoors. The best part is being able to bring some throws and pack snacks. Traditional theatres charge an arm and a leg for snacks, but with drive-in theatres you can freely bring anything instead of sneaking a pack of smarties in your pocket.
Drive-in theatres offer a different way of viewing films. In the era of a pandemic, I find that it is much safer than going to normal theatres. They provide a safer viewing experience compared to indoor theatres. I would rather be cuddled up in my car enjoying a good film. I think drive-in theatres are here to stay in the long run because the pandemic is not ending any time soon.
It’s important to note that the tickets for drive-in theatres are much cheaper than indoor theatres. The Twilite Drive-In Theatre charges $25 per car and the Moonlight Movies Drive-In charges $20 per car. Moonlight Movies Drive-In Theatre made an interesting statement about some of the newer drive-ins that developed during the pandemic: “When the pandemic broke out in 2020 and indoor movie theatres closed, a lot of “pop up” drive-in movie outfits just kind of, well, popped up. Some are private run, some are charity. All of them are great and serve a purpose. But that is not what we are. We are not an inflatable screen in a parking lot that must cancel if the weather is bad. We are a more traditional drive-in located in the countryside. With a permanent screen. So, we can play rain, wind, or shine.” Drive-in theatres like this are important because they ensure that the public has access to them regardless of the weather.
Whether you are into classics, animation, DC, or Marvel, there is something for everyone. It’s a great way to enjoy an old or new favorite. Moreover, drive-in theatres are amazing if you and your friends enjoy giving commentary and making jokes. Traditional theatres expect you to be quiet because there are other people in the theatre with you. However, with drive-in theatres you can get away with a lot more because there is the privacy to be able to do whatever you want, chew loudly, snicker with your friends, or cry during an emotional scene. Moreover, when the film is over, you don’t have to go through the hassle of trying to find your car in a huge parking lot – you can simply drive off.
One of the only downsides is that you must be strategic and arrive early if you want to be able to get a good spot to view the movie. Another downside to drive-in theatres is that they are only available in the spring, summer, and fall seasons, and are closed for our long winters. Regardless of this, the pros outweigh the cons. It’s a great community building initiative, since drive-in theatres bring people together. It’s incumbent on us to support local businesses like these as they are the heart of our communities.
