As one of NSW’s only remaining drive in cinemas, the vintage-minded Skyline Drive In Blacktown has officially reopened as of 28th May. With the ideal format for social distancing, it builds upon popularity of drive-in movies in the current pandemic, which has seen places like Vilnius in Lithuania turn its airport into a drive-in cinema and the scene experiencing a renaissance over in the USA.
Blacktown’s long-standing drive in is now embracing movie lovers with its nostalgic form, curating programs like Friday Fright Nights, Go Retro on Saturdays and a healthy line-up of family favourites.
Although few new titles are being released because of the current situation, the drive in still has a good line up of cult classics and some recent box office hits including Frozen II, Ford V Ferrari, The Goonies, The Invisible Man, Angry Birds, Birds of Prey, Bad Boys for Life, Grease, Spies in Disguise, IT Chapter Two, Knives Out, The Gentlemen, and more.
FILM REVIEW: BAD BOYS FOR LIFE
FILM REVIEW: THE INVISIBLE MAN
“We know that movies can offer a wonderful escape and are thrilled to be in a position to reopen our doors to offer people access to the simple joy of watching a movie on the big screen,” offered Luke Mackey, Director of Entertainment, Event Cinemas. “More than 60 years after the drive in movie concept first came to Australia, the fun of the drive in is experiencing a revival right across the world and we anticipate we will see this result in strong demand as we open our doors again.”
The dual-screen drive-in will be limiting capacity for all new sessions, so sell-outs are likely. The best way forward is to pre-purchase tickets online, especially seeing as just about everyone will be itching to get out and watch a film on the big screen after months of lockdown and while cinema houses remain closed.
Food from the drive-in’s Happy Days inspired retro diner will also be available throughout sessions, serving up the typical fare like burgers, hot chips and choc tops.
A range of extra health measures has also been introduced to maintain safety of guests. This includes the now standard social distancing in common areas and also between cars, the move to exclusively online bookings, contactless payment in the Diner Candy Bar, and a swift increase in frequency of cleaning and the amount of hand sanitisation facilities available.
Skyline Drive In will be open Thursday through to Sunday each week as well as Monday 8 June over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. There will be four films to choose from every night. Sessions start from $25 per car. More information and online bookings can be found at www.eventcinemas.com.au.
