With the world in a health crisis, businesses that once worked yesterday no longer work today. New restrictions are in place, and businesses have no choice but to adapt. Covid-19 destroyed many industries. The movie theater is one industry that suffered the most damage. Hearts broke around the country as big-name industries such as AMC and Cineworld had to close its doors. As restrictions begin to lift, movie buffs are left wondering about the future of their big-screen date nights.
Pandemics don't go away overnight, and restrictions for social distancing may last for at least the foreseeable future. Some large movie studios have chosen to release new films directly to digital platforms for customers to enjoy. Let's face it; no one truly enjoyed that $20 popcorn. However, watching a movie at home doesn't replace the IMAX screen, the energy of the audience, or the experience of being in a new environment. With new guidelines in place, should we take a trip down memory lane to the classic movie-going experience? Should the drive-in movie theater make a comeback?
Drive-in movie theaters reached peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960's. The personalized approach to watching movies under the stars was an instant hit. You could pull your seat back, eat the snacks in the back seat, and listen to movie blare through your car speakers. In 2020, drive-in movie theaters are nearly extinct. Since the traditional movie-going experience cannot be replaced, some studios are back to the drawing board of ideas.
The classic movie theater experience is a gem for a reason. With a new lifestyle change, the drive-in movies meet the requirements for social distancing and feed the natural urge to venture out. If medical safety is a concern, you can still have a family outing you can enjoy by taking two vehicles. Even though you're separate, it's still a more personal time spent together in a time of social separation. Movie theaters were an atmosphere built on enjoying the movie; while the drive-in theater was based on enjoying the experience.