Blast from past: Drive-in theaters reopen
But you’ll have to follow health rules
Folks can finally go to the movies again in California.
But we’re not talking about the regular multiplexes or even your classic stand-alone theaters. We’re talking about the drive-in movie theaters, which provide a more isolated moviegoing experience — as people watch from their cars as opposed to sitting next to one another in a theater — and thus can be better suited for proper social distancing practices during the coronavirus pandemic.
West Wind Drive-In Theaters has opened all three of its locations in California — in San Jose, Concord and Sacramento — plus one in Glendale, Arizona.
Its two locations in Nevada — in Reno and Las Vegas — remain closed.
“We are open but with STRICT rules!!” a post from Tuesday on the company’s Facebook page reads. “If you’re sick STAY HOME!”
Here are the five rules listed on the company’s website, westwinddi.com:
1. People must stay in their cars at all times except to visit the restroom.
2. You must wear a face covering when leaving your car for any reason.
3. You may not park your vehicle within 10 feet of another vehicle.
4. A limited number of people is allowed in the restroom at a time, except adult with child.
5. Customers who do not follow these rules will be asked to leave.
The lineup of movies might seem a bit dated, given that most of the offerings have been out, in one form or another, for weeks. And you might already have rented/streamed a few of these, like “Trolls World Tour.”
That’s to be expected, given that studios aren’t releasing new films right now, especially the kind of popcorn summer movies drive-ins are known for.
Still, it’s the movies! Who cares if director Leigh Whannell’s excellent “The Invisible Man” was released at the end of February? It’s a chance to leave the house! Just remember to pop some corn, as you’ll have to provide your own snacks.
Tickets run $8.25 for general admission and $1.75 for ages 5-11. Kids under 5 are admitted free. On “Family Fun Night” on Tuesdays, general admission tickets drop in price to $5.50. (Prices might vary by location.)
Here’s a look at the offerings (as of Tuesday) at the three California theaters. See the theater website — westwinddi.com — for the most up-to-date show times.
Capitol Drive-In, San Jose
“The Hunt” 8:30 p.m. w/ “The Invisible Man” 10:25 p.m.
“Gretel and Hansel” 8:30 p.m. w/ “Brahms: The Boy II” 10:20 p.m.
“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” 8:30 p.m. w/ “Good Boys” 11:10 p.m.
“The Wretched” 8:30 p.m. w/ “Disappearance at Clifton Hill” 10:30 p.m.
“Trolls World Tour” 8:30 p.m. w/ “Dolittle” 10:25 p.m.
“Onward” 8:30 p.m. w/ “Trolls
World Tour” 10:45 p.m.
Solano Drive-In, Concord
“Trolls World Tour” 8:30 p.m. w/ “Onward” 10:25
p.m.
“The Hunt” 8:30 p.m. w/ “The Invisible Man” 10:25 p.m.
Sacramento Drive-In
“The Wretched” 8:30 p.m. w/ “Disappearance at Clifton Hill” 10:30 p.m.
“Onward” 8:30 p.m. w/ “Trolls World Tour” 10:45 p.m.
“The Hunt” 8:30 p.m. w/ “The Invisible Man” 10:25 p.m.
“Trolls World Tour” 8:30 p.m. w/ “The Secret Life of Pets 2” 10:25 p.m.
“Queen and Slim” 8:30 p.m. w/ “Ma” 11:05 p.m.
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” 8:30 p.m. w/ “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” 10:50 p.m.