How Long Until Movie Theaters Are Completely Extinct?

February 11, 2026, 03:15 PM

Speaking of projectors, towards the last 1950's, there were 4,000 Drive-In theaters in the US. Today there are 338.

I always enjoyed the Drive-In theatre experience over the cinemas. And the greasy snack-bar food was better too !

February 11, 2026, 04:38 PM

9mmepiphany

quote:
Originally posted by Rey HRH:
quote:
Originally posted by 9mmepiphany:

The big budget savings for theaters was cutting out projectionist. It was a a huge part of their budget as most projectionist were unionized...get paid the same for running a 35mm movie as running a Super 8mm in a porn house.

Movies are now run on continuous reels and since it is a "push button" operation, theaters have a "manager" do it. Their big money maker is still the concessions bar. When I worked in a movie theater, but in the early 70s, the profit margin on popcorn was something like 300-400%

Don't you think it's all digital now? I don't know; I'm asking.

I'm just judging based on my local theaters...both the Big Two...where they are still running projectors. I happened across a former head of security at a theater and he told me that he had been hired as an assistant manager to run the projectors

I'll pay more attention next time to see. I can still see the window to the projection room, but didn't pay attention if there was light coming out during the showing

February 12, 2026, 05:59 AM

DanH

quote:
Originally posted by Graniteguy:
I always enjoyed the Drive-In theatre experience over the cinemas. And the greasy snack-bar food was better too !

I wouldn't mind trying a drive in if I could connect audio through my car's bluetooth and use my sound system instead of that crappy little speaker you hook onto your window.

February 12, 2026, 07:34 AM

V-Tail

quote:
Originally posted by DanH:

that crappy little speaker you hook onto your window

That was an essential part of the experience. Wouldn't be the same without it.

Who remembers starting to drive away after the show was over, and forgetting to take the speaker off your window?

February 12, 2026, 07:48 AM

rscalzo

quote:
Originally posted by V-Tail:
quote:
Originally posted by DanH:

that crappy little speaker you hook onto your window
That was an essential part of the experience. Wouldn't be the same without it.

Who remembers starting to drive away after the show was over, and forgetting to take the speaker off your window?

More than a few. Ebay has quite a few on sale.

I remember getting the PIC coils to ward off bugs. Low quality snack bar food, poor sound and bugs !!! what's not to like?

We had one in NJ which is a hotel across from the Metlife Stadium. During the day it was used for MV license road tests.