Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Randy Jock-Reidy

Every April some of us wait with anticipation for one of the real signs of Spring....the opening of the 56 Drive-in Theatre in Massena, New York. Then there's some of us who prepare to have that sinking feeling if the news is that it may not open for another season. Well I, for one, am so happy to know that we probably won't have to go through that anymore now that a recent requirement to stay in the theatre business has been put in place. Upgrading to digital. Not only has it been a thorn to deal with in the regular movie houses, but a major one for the few outdoor movie drive-ins left because they are only seasonal. Jeff Szot, owner of the 56 Drive-in agonized over this because of the cost, and the necessary refurbishment and maintenance needed in the projector room to house the new unit. At $100,000 for a digital projector, think of going from a Volkswagon to a Mustang. The choice between the old way and the new is no longer there because the film industry is no longer producing film as of this past July.

The old standard that has been in place since Charlie Chaplin was putting out silent movies may now be gone, but Jeff is pleased that the two hours transferring the 6 cans of film reels to a master reel about the size of a small child's swimming pool is over. These days you just plug a cartridge into the computer driven unit and load it.

Now the process is only about twenty minutes.

The improvements are not only visually noticeable, but also the sound is crystal clear. Jeff also looks forward to other possibilities like simulcasting, sporting events, and who knows what else can be done in this new technology for the future.

That is probably a few of the deciding factors for Jeff to seek financing to continue the outdoor movie business. He has such a love for it and knows what a loss it would be if another drive-in goes under. He also knows how to treat his loyal customers and stories of his generosity are out there. However; he won't be looking at much, if any, profits for years to come with this new way of keeping us entertained. That is up to us by supporting a fixture that can't be found in many places anymore. Hurry, there's only a little time left before we have to wait for Spring. At least now we can anticipate it instead of wondering about it.