Moscow discovers drive in movies

A fading piece of Americana has found new popularity in Moscow. As automobile ownership continues to climb in Russia, the opening of a drive in is a logical extension. While the drive in movie in America is at best a novelty today, it may find new life in Russia.

At first glance, a drive-in theater is no different from an ordinary movie theater: same large white screen, film projector, sound system, rows of seats and a concession stand. The difference is that at a drive-in, the seat and sound system are located in your car, and the sky is your ceiling. Yes, it is just that simple: you drive into an area more suitable for a modest airport than a cinema, tune in your stereo to the appointed AM or FM frequency, recline in your chair as far back as you like, and enjoy the magic of the movies. And the fact that the shows start after dark gives the whole experience an even more attractive feel.

Technically, Moscow was first introduced to a drive-in theater back in 2003, when the Formula Kino multiplex chain launched an open-air movie theater just outside of the city. Unfortunately, not much thought was put into the project: there was no snack bar or other services, the choice of films was far from creative, and the location was not chosen wisely. Even though this theater still exists today, it is barely visited, and many people have already forgotten that drive-in theater ever entered Moscow.

The reinvention of the drive-in took place earlier this month with the opening of Kinoparking - a drive-in theater located not far from the city center and offering the same amount of functions that an ordinary drive-in is supposed to carry. (Moscow News)

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