New York opens drive-in theater but no car needed

By Patricia Reaney

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!)- Movie buffs hankering for a bit of nostalgia can catch a film at what is billed as Manhattan's only drive-in cinema -- but it only has room for one car and six guests.

In a store front on the city's Lower East Side, Ben Smyth, 26, and his brother have opened their version of the classic outdoor theaters that peaked in popularity in the 1950s and early 60s.

But unlike the original drive-ins that catered for dozens of cars in open spaces, DRV-IN is indoors and fits only one car -- a 1965 Ford Falcon convertible.

"DRV-IN is our alternative to standard movie theaters. We felt that by creating a drive-in, or this private atmosphere, you can experience movies probably the way they were meant to be seen," Smyth told Reuters.

Up to six guests paying a total of $75 can park themselves in the front, or back seat, of the convertible, eat popcorn and watch one of three films on offer each evening under painted starry skies in the shop decorated with artificial grass and a potted tree.

"You basically rent the entire space," explained Smyth, who holds up to three showings weekdays and more on weekends, all of which are usually sold out.

The brothers opened the drive-in last month and plan to keep it going until the end of November or longer depending on demand. They plan to take their guests through four decades of film starting from the 1960s through 2000.

It's been a big hit with nostalgia buffs and younger people who didn't experienced original drive-ins, which were created in the 1930s and offered privacy for dating couples and eliminated the need for a baby-sitter for families.

But changing times and the arrival of color TVs and videos led to the decline in the number of drive-ins across the country.

"I don't know if it is just for nostalgia buffs, although that is definitely a big audience. It is for people who want to watch films in an alternative environment," said Smyth.

Before the brothers opened the drive-in the shop front, they used the space for a ping pong parlor.

"We basically have a new store every three or four months. That is why the store is called GrandOpening. We come up with these different concepts and ways to interact with the community," said Smyth.

The brothers already have a new concept in mind for the store for the holiday season -- an office party for people who don't work in offices.

"Whether they are freelancers or whether they are people who just want to have a good time, they could come here and experience role-playing in a fake office environment," said Smyth.