Faq

Why can’t I watch a movie on one screen and switch to the other to see its second movie?

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.

Why do you say that you can’t show in 3D?

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 require a silver screen, which at this time, no paint has been proven to withstand the elements of nature.  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! 

What’s the big deal about digital projection?

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. 

On the flip side, the image is much sharper and brighter and cannot be damaged like film. Skyway was the first drive-in theater in Northeast Ohio to convert to digital projection in 2013.

What do you do if it starts to rain?

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.

How big are your screens?

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, rebuilt in 2014 to enlarge its screen surface, is 74 feet by 31 feet.

Why don’t you have speakers any more?

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.

It’s so expensive to go to the indoor movies.  Is Skyway any cheaper?

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!

Why are the sides of the screen sometimes blank during the movie?

Movies are filmed in one of two formats, standard widescreen, or flat as we call it (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.

When a flat movie is shown on our screens, the image will fill top to bottom but leave the sides blank since our screens were built to properly accommodate Cinemascope movies. You are not missing any of the image on our screens in either format.

Standard television sets have a 1.33:1 ratio and HD televisions are typically 1.85:1 (or 16:9), 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/BluRay, always choose the “widescreen” or “letterbox” format in order to see the complete picture.

Why do you sometimes have the same movie(s) for weeks?

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 will appeal to the majority of our customers.

What is Laser Storm?

Laser Storm is an interactive laser tag game. Players are instructed on how to play, then outfitted with a vest, a headset and phaser. The players are separated into two teams, and play against each other trying to get the best score.  You score points by tagging players on the other team, or a base target.  The arena is filled with barriers that separate the two teams, black-lit, filled with fog and music.  When the game is over, players get a scorecard showing how they did during the game.

Can I watch a game being played?

Yes!  We have an observation deck that gives you an overhead view of the entire arena.  If your not sure about playing, or are just curious, come over and check it out!

Is Laser Storm Safe?

Laser Storm is very safe.  The are black lights in the arena, with very bright barriers so everyone can see clearly. The arena is separated in half by a 3 foot dividing line.  This prevents players on opposite teams from getting too close.  We do not allow running in the arena.  The barriers are made of a rigid form of cardboard, lined with a foam protector.  The employees who run our laser tag have 15+ years of experience running safe and family friendly games.

Laser Storm is great for kids, but it’s not just a kids game.

How much does it cost to play Laser Storm?

Currently the price to play for Skyway Drive-In Customers is $3 a game.

Do I have to buy a movie ticket to play Laser Storm?

At this time, yes.  However, you can book the arena for a private event.  Laser Storm is open during Skyway Drive-In’s business hours on Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial weekend until mid August.  The movie studios won’t allow us to let other customers in without purchasing a movie ticket unless we can provide a separate entrance and parking.  Signup for our email list, or find us on Facebook to watch for special events such as Fire Till You Tire.

Can you host parties or events?

Yes!  The Laser Storm arena can be booked for birthday parties or other get togethers.  Please call 330-647-6250 and leave a message.  We will get back to you with more information.

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.