Frequently asked questions about
Skyway Twin Drive-In.

Q: Why can't I watch a movie on one screen and switch to the other to see its second movie?
A: The ticket you purchase entitles you to watch the features playing ON THAT SCREEN ONLY.  When we book and play the movies, we enter into a contract with the distributing studio(s) for those movies.  These contracts contain many rules that we must follow.  Movie studio policy forbids screen switching.  When you purchase a ticket for one screen, we report and pay based on the number of people that paid for that screen.  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:  All 3D features are now shown exclusively by means of digital projectors.  These projectors cost up to $100,000 per screen.  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.  There are many other concerns that we have about showing 3D as well.  While it is possible, and has been done, we do not find it to be feasible to install.  For now at least, you will have to settle for the great value of first-run double (and sometimes triple) 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 these prints, it's no wonder they would like theatres to show digitally.  Unfortunately, the exorbitantly high cost of these projectors (up to $100,000) 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?  Experts estimate that 35mm will be all but gone by 2014.  So unless us little theatres can afford to convert our screens, we will be forced out of business.  You can help by always supporting our concession stand when you join us!

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.  Refunds are not issued unless we are unable to show the features due to equipment failure.

Q: How big are your screens?
A: Our main screen is the largest in a 60+ mile radius--94 feet by 40 feet of viewable area.  That's over 3700 square feet!  Screen 2, added Labor Day weekend of 2010, is 60 feet by 25 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 via our transmitted sound 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 Twin 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: Both of our screens are the proper ratio for showing Cinemascope features--you see the WHOLE picture at the North Leavitt Road Skyway Twin.  Some theatres (including indoor theatres) cut off the sides of the movie in order to fit the image on their improperly sized screen.  So you actually miss out on seeing the edges of the movie.

Q: Why do you sometimes have the same movie(s) for 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.