CLICK->NEW POSTSkyborn Drive-In Theatre (Fairborn, Ohio): On July 10, 2009 the first stop on the 2009 UltimateGTO.com Drive-In Movie Tour was the Skyborn. This place is located off the north end of the runway, across the highway from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. On this evening, while at the GTOAA / POCI Co-Vention, we made the short drive and saw Ice Age: Dawn of Dinosaurs followed by The Proposal. The lighted sign out front is very colorful. It is good to see this piece of history standing in good repair. CLICK->NEW POST The sky is beautiful this evening. Heading down the driveway toward the ticket window, some kids screamed out "Look at the Gee Tee Ohhh!". CLICK->NEW POST The sign reminds drivers to dim their lights. CLICK->NEW POST The '68 GTO is in place before darkness falls. We're headed to the snack bar to see what they have for dinner. Some people bring their own food to drive-ins. We nevvver do that, preferring to help support the theater owners by purchasing their food and snacks. At each theater, we don't know what we'll get, part of the fun. CLICK->NEW POST Looking around the snack bar, the door to the projection room is open. You can see the projectors, some power supplies, and part of the sound system. And, as always, wires hanging all around. CLICK->NEW POST The Ice Age movie is beginning. The place filled up with many cars and mini-vans. The locals are making good use of this theater, good to see. The screen is showing the opening title for Ice Age: Dawn of Dinosaurs. We thought this movie was funny. CLICK->NEW POST I'm rating each theater on a five star scale. I'm giving the Skyborn 4 stars for overall appearance/appeal. They have plenty of staff on hand, and the place is in good repair. They could improve the aesthetic view in the screen area by repairing all the broken boards on the sides of the screen. They get 3 stars for the snack bar, due to their limited selection of food items. The corn dogs were not outstanding and the popcorn was slightly chewy. They get 5 stars for projection quality & sound. The all-important picture brightness was good and the FM sound broadcast was absolutely first-rate with no distortion. In fact, the car next to us had a killer FM stereo. And they had their bass cranked UP. I enjoyed the roaring thumps during the fight scenes and dinosaur growls. I'm giving 4 stars for their prices, not too high. They get 5 stars for the restrooms. Skyborn gets 4 stars for their showmanship. We didn't hear them giving away any door prizes or showing trailers or cartoons between shows, although when they did make announcements, they were exceptionally clear and easy to understand. Here's one final photo proving we were "there", visiting yet another drive-in movie theater. Across the USA, these places are disappearing, although this particular one seems to be thriving. CLICK->NEW POSTVIDEO: Tri-Way Drive-in Theatre (Plymouth, Indiana): On September 5, 2009 the second stop on the 2009 UltimateGTO.com Drive-In Movie Tour was the Tri-Way. On this evening, we saw GI Joe followed by Transformers2. Behind the lighted sign is a large lot with four movie screens. To the right is their fantastically landscaped mini-golf course. Night photography is a challenge from a moving car. Due to construction zones along the way, I arrived later than normal, after darkness had already fallen, and the movie had just begun. I was sooo glad to finally arrive at this place. It was my second attempt. In 2007, I set out on the 2 hour and 15 minute trip and had an alternator failure. On that evening I completely missed the show. I ended up changing alternators in a dark Roanoke Auto Zone parking lot after their closing time. Three alternators later, and 2 years later, I made it here to see a show!
CLICK->NEW POST After clearing the entrance gate booth, I'm driving down the lane toward the screen area. At the gate, they actually have a nice security guy that will check your trunk for booze. No booze or stow-a-ways tonight. CLICK->NEW POST The large modern snack bar is called a "restaurant". Different from most drive-ins, this place actually has combo meals and decent prices. At the gate, they hand out a couple of pamphlets. One explains how the owners must make most of their money from food sales, rather than the admission ticket sales. It is crucial for patrons to visit the restaurant, rather than bringing food from home. CLICK->NEW POST This older sign is displayed on the restaurant wall. Two shows nightly. CLICK->NEW POST Get your ice cream, hot dogs, cheeseburgers and popcorn before the show. CLICK->NEW POST There are now four screens with four FM broadcasts, sending the sound throughout the grounds. CLICK->NEW POST Here is the sign above the TriWay Drive-in Theatre Restaurant. CLICK->NEW POST The beautiful mini-golf course. It has a flowing stream, waterfalls and fountains. It also has a snack bar and video game arcade. The golf area is just a few steps from the movie area - PERFECT! PICTURE SET CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE ...
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