Pop-up, drive-in movie a sign of the COVID times

ANSONIA — For Eric Bruce, watching from his dad’s car under the stars at the drive-in as Indiana Jones battled evil spirits while conquering the Temple of Doom was like a rite of passage.

At 7 years old, there was something magical about munching on popcorn as he marveled at Hollywood blockbusters on a giant, outdoor screen, Bruce said. He saw the Indiana Jones movie when it debuted in 1984 at a drive-in theatre in San Jose, Calif.

While most drive-ins of yesteryear have long since faded to black, Bruce, now 43, will get a chance to take a trip back in time.

The city has teamed up with Fright Haven of Stratford to bring back the drive-in movie experience, dubbed the Ansonia Family Drive-In, to be held at Warsaw Park.

The event will debut Aug. 22 at the park, 119

Pulaski Highway, when it will show the 1984 classic “Ghostbusters” on a 45foot, inflatable screen. Cost to attend is $20 per carload, with a maximum of five people per car.

Corporation Counsel John Marini, a major sci-fi movie buff, was instrumental in bringing back the classic drive-in experience, which couldn’t be timelier during a pandemic when people are being told to keep their distance from one another.

“The COVID-19 crisis had made the concept more relevant than ever, as it’s now the safest way to watch films with an audience,” Marini said. “Safety is our top priority. We will be limiting these events to 50 vehicles per show. Vehicles will be spaced 15 to 20 feet apart. Guests can view the film in, on, or directly in front of their vehicles.”

Other flicks set to hit Ansonia’s newest big screen include The Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night” Aug. 29; “Creature from the Black Lagoon” Sept. 5; and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” on Sept. 12.

Entry begins at 7:30 p.m. and the movies start at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Marini said the pandemic has kept movie fans away from their favorite pastime, so he’s excited to welcome them to enjoy a bit of nostalgia.

“We’re hoping that these movie nights can offer a unique and, most importantly, safe substitute until life goes back to normal,” he said.

Bruce, owner of Weirdo Wonderland in Milford, which specializes in movie memorabilia, art, gifts and collectibles, already scored his tickets for “Indiana Jones” and “Creature.”

“I’m really looking forward to getting out of the house,” Bruce said. “I’ve always been a big fan of the drive-in and now more than ever, it’s a smart move.”

Bruce said he’s always “fantasized about owning my own drive-in theater and mini golf,” but quipped that he’s “still waiting to hit the lottery” before that happens.

Fright Haven’s Charles F. Rosenay contacted Marini about teaming up for a summer drive-in experience, since Rosenay has been presenting weekend horror movies at a pop-up drive-in. Fright Haven hasn’t been able to present its usual number of scares because of the pandemic, so Rosenay has been holding special events.

“In this era of social distancing, and all the difficulties and fears of indoor cineplexes opening, the drive-in makes so much sense,” Rosenay said. “Pop-up drive-ins fill a void for entertainment in this climate. … They give the family a fun and safe night out at a reasonable cost and they invoke a nostalgic throwback to simpler times which many youngsters heard about, but never experienced.”

Rosenay recalls fun nights at the former Bowl Drive-In in West Haven when his parents brought his sleeping bag and a blanket for him as watched movies from atop their Dodge Coronet.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/3fD3TWB. For more information call the DRIVE-INfo line at 203-641-6505; reservations and information also available at 203-795-4737.