Frequently asked questions about Skyway Drive-In.

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.

For now at least, you will have to settle for the great value of first-run double features for one low price and the relaxing atmosphere that drive-in theatres offer!

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.  In how long?  Who knows.  But the most common estimate is around 2015.  So unless us little theatres can afford to convert our screens, we will be forced out of business.

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.

Our goal is to provide you with the best entertainment value possible without compromise.

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Movies are filmed in one of two formats, standard widescreen (1.85:1 ratio) and Cinemascope (2.39:1 ratio).  A 2.39 to 1 ratio simply means that the image is 2.39 times as wide as it is high.

Standard television sets have a 1.33:1 ratio, which is why many times movies shown on television will say that they "are formatted to fit this screen".  Simply put, they either cut the sides of the image off, or they use a "pan and scan" method.  Either way, you are not getting the full effect of the original formatting.  If you have a choice when watching television or a DVD, always choose the "widescreen" or "letterbox" format in order to see the complete picture.

An easy way to tell if a screen is the proper format is to hold up a dollar bill in front of your eyes while looking at the screen.  Move the bill closer or farther from your eyes until the top and bottom of the bill appear to be at the top and bottom of the screen.  If the bill is much wider than the screen, the theatre you are at is cutting off (or cropping) the edges of the picture because they do not have the proper size screen.