South Africa’s last drive-in cinema has shut its gates as the rise of digital film chokes old-tech facilities.<\/p>\n
Johannesburg drive-ins have shut down one-by-one over the past few years, having served their time since the early 60s, battling advances in cinema technology, and the convenience and safety offered by shopping malls.<\/p>\n
Ster-Kinekor drive-in, Velskoen, located in Randburg, closed down in 2012 after its last show (Men in Black III), following the closing down of another popular Joburg drive-in, Top Star, in 2009.<\/p>\n
According to Menlyn Park management, as was the case with Velskoen and Top Star, the move to shut down the NuMetro movie destination – which had been in operation for 13 years – boiled down to “technical constraints”.<\/p>\n
“All cinemas in the country have switched over to a digital system in the past year…The drive-in still functions on a film-projection system and the availability of these reels is extremely scarce,” Menlyn Park’s marketing manager, Andrea de Wit told eNCA.<\/p>\n
The management team added that, due to the distance and the size being projected in the drive-in cinemas, digital projection is not an option.<\/p>\n
“This has been the case nationwide. We understand the importance of the drive-in and the bond with our patrons. Unfortunately this is the reality of the situation.”<\/p>\n
Additionally, Menlyn noted that, due to the “serious shortage” of movies appearing on 35mm projector reel, it had become increasingly difficult to source blockbuster films to show at the drive-in.<\/p>\n
Before shutting down at the end of February, the cinema showed Oscar-winning space sci-fi thriller, Gravity, and Jennifer Anniston-led comedy, We’re The Millers.<\/p>\n
However, before the final screening, the only films available to show were relatively unknown British comedy, I Give It a Year, and 2012’s spy-versus-spy rom-com, This Means War.<\/p>\n
Due to the final two nights of showing at the drive-in being free, the outdoor cinema was filled to capacity as people came to bid the facility farewell.<\/p>\n
Typically, a trip to the drive-in would have cost patrons R65, with the freedom to bring their own snacks and foodstuffs.<\/p>\n
In comparison, conventional cinema-goers pay adult prices of R53.00 to see a 2D movie, and R68.00 to see movies in 3D.<\/p>\n
According to Menlyn Park, the drive-in space will be re-purposed for another “first” for Pretoria in recreation and entertainment, set to launch in the second half of 2014.<\/p>\n