outdoor movies
Drive-in movies are one of my favorite things, but they are almost extinct. Seems like all the ones near me have been transformed into weekend flea markets, which makes me a little sad. There's something magical about watching a movie outside, so this summer we've been showing a few movies right in our backyard.
My husband made the screen out of an old queen sized flat sheet, stretched across some spare wood he had in the garage. The support legs in back fold in, so we can pack it flat and leave it in the garage when it's not in use. Luckily my brother happens to have a pretty good projector, which hooks right up to the computer so we can play directly from a DVD. You'll need some speakers too, we used two sets and it was nice and loud. And it's always nice to let your neighbors know in advance what you're up to. We try and start our movies right at dusk, so they are over by 10 PM. We bring all our blankets out to the lawn and spread them out, luckily it doesn't get too chilly here in California.
All my brothers and sisters came to town the first week in August and one night we gathered at my house and watched a movie outside. The kids were bundled with blankets, arm in arm with their cousins (there are 12 in all). Most of the adults gathered inside the house and talked and played cards. Bowls of popcorn were passed around. A few of the littlest children fell asleep under the stars. All around, a lovely night.
09.15.2009
Reader Comments (41)
This looks like so much fun! I love that idea!
awww, such a great idea! I need to show this to my hubby. I like the ckick flick idea.
So fun! I love drive-in movies too, but this would be even better.
I love this idea - such a great family activity. It is tough to find a drive-in theatre these days...plus this way you can select your own flick! So fantastic!
Major awesome. Something for us to think about for next summer. Thanks!
We are lucky enough to have TWO drive-in movie theatres in the Minneapolis area--unfortunately, this summer all they seem to be showing are graphic and violent movies--so we have not gone with our son. BUT I love this idea and am going to wrangle my husband into making a screen for us this weekend. Movies I'd want to watch with the kids? How about Spirited Away, Willie Wonka, or any of the Harry Potter movies (we are all diehard Harry Potter lovers over at my house)....
Love your blog, all your ideas are so great... wish I had your creative brain:)
lovely idea! :)
So cute to do this in the back yard...
wonderful idea - my lil neighborhood would love it!
Aww, I want to do this SO bad. I love it! Watching movies outside can make any movie good. :)
What a memory maker for all the children! It sounds wonderful. And I too am saddened that there are no drive-ins anymore.
that sounds magical! I just discovered this summer that there are a couple drive-ins left in maine. it's so sad how they're all disappearing. what a fun idea to create your own in your backyard!
What a great idea!! That would be fun :)
My bachelorette party (me and my two best friends) was held at a drive-in theater. It's still there, too. One of the only ones I know of...
So this is what the fancy Italian wood planer made? I think I'm in love.
If you don't live too far, there is a great drive-in at City of Industry, California:
http://vinelanddriveintheater.com/
They have movies for kids and adults. Just for $8 per person, you get to watch 2 movies! I love this place because you can bring your own food and be in the comfort of your own car. The audio for the movie comes from your car radio. I find this amazing. There are 4 screens and each one has 2 different movies strategically paired up for watching. Just this past sunday, I watched "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" AND "Julie and Julia." There's something magical about being able to watch a movie outdoor on a ginormous screen.
I simply adore your backyard outdoor movie idea!!
So I know this was posted like two months ago but OMG! We just moved and this is one of my husbands GRAND plans for next summer to have outdoor friday night movies. I am showing this post to him tomorrow.
What is the name/brand of the projector
what type of a projector do you need for something like this? I am curious this sounds like so much fun
Be aware that any movie you project onto the sheet will be visible on the other side...so if you have neighbors they will be able to see what is playing. Keep this in mind when choosing films.