ROUND 1: SEATING SOUND-OFF
MOVIE THEATRE: With dozens of big screens underneath one roof, the modern movie multiplex has become a staple in North American culture. Theatre chains such as Cineplex, Empire, or AMC offer rows upon rows of velvety, candy apple-red seats. Now, if only they could stop the kid behind you from kicking your chair…
DRIVE-IN: Drive-in theatres, on the other hand, are few and far between nowadays. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the latest blockbuster from the comfort of your own car and you don’t have to worry about sticky seats or week-old popcorn crunching under your feet.
Drive-in theatres offer you all the cosiness without any distraction. The Drive-In wins Round 1!
SCORE: MOVIE THEATRE – 0
DRIVE-IN – 1
ROUND 2: SNACK ATTACK
MOVIE THEATRE: If you’re like most moviegoers, then you probably enjoy munching on a few Milk Duds or slurping on a soda during the film. However, be prepared to pay through the nose for a medium-sized popcorn or another snack if you get it at the theatre.
DRIVE-IN: Of course, the beauty of going to a drive-in theatre is you can bring your own snacks (and save money at the same time)! And if you do need to get something sweet or salty, you can just hop out of your car and buy it at the central concession stand.
Pack your own snack and don’t get ripped off! The Drive-In theatre revs up the game!
SCORE: MOVIE THEATRE – 0
DRIVE-IN – 2
ROUND 3: PICTURE PERFECT
MOVIE THEATRE: The picture quality of the silver screen is, arguably, the most important factor when watching a film. At a large cinema complex, the screen is positioned to give every person an unobstructed view of the action. The worst you might encounter is the passing shadow of a person in front of you.
DRIVE-IN: If you go to the Drive-In, you may have to compete with the weather if it starts to rain, the glare of your windshield, or, worse, a lightning-like crack in the glass (especially if you live out West!). So, if you forget to clean your windscreen, the movie may go partially unseen!
The multiplex makes a comeback, but can it ultimately defeat the Drive-In?
SCORE: MOVIE THEATRE – 1
DRIVE-IN – 2
ROUND 4: “SOUND” DECISION
MOVIE THEATRE: When it comes to big sound, it doesn’t get any bigger than IMAX! Although not all movie theatres are equipped with this technology, you’ll only find it in traditional theatres, not in your car.
DRIVE-IN: Drive-in theatres rely on old technology to broadcast the film’s audio via a local radio transmitter, so that you can tune in your car’s stereo to the corresponding channel. That is, if you can actually find the right channel. Once you do, you can enjoy the sound in all its static glory!
The Drive-In runs out of gas in Round 4, as the cinema complex catches up. The score is tied!
SCORE: MOVIE THEATRE – 2
DRIVE-IN – 2
ROUND 5: TICKET TROUBLE
MOVIE THEATRE: Regular admission at a movie theatre will normally run you anywhere from $10 to $13 per person, depending on which chain you visit. At that rate, many people have stopped going to the movies, opting instead to wait for the DVDs to be released.
DRIVE-IN: Meanwhile, tickets at drive-ins are generally cheaper because these theatres are independently-owned and, in many cases, you get two movies played back-to-back for the price of one! Plus, you can usually get a family rate for everyone in the car or kids are sometimes free.
Simply put, the Drive-In won’t drive away with your wallet!
SCORE: MOVIE THEATRE – 2
DRIVE-IN – 3
ROUND UP: If movies are like road trips from beginning to end, then it’s better to sit in the driver’s seat than to be stuck in a theatre. The cinema complex may have a bigger picture and better sound, but there’s nothing like getting a blast from the past when you experience the comfort, convenience, and low cost of going to the good ol’ Drive-In.
Web Links:
www.cineplex.com
www.driveintheater.com