In American films the drive-in always looks like so much fun – a whole lot of teenagers sitting in the back of their cars 'making time' with each other in the dull bits of the film, kids in the back seat under a picnic rug peering over their parent's shoulders – 'Grease' re-enactments in front of the screen, 'Grease' on the screen... But it never really took off here in the UK – could it be the rain or the chill? And the closest thing we got to the drive-in was Dad arranging the TV in front of the window and driving the car up to it while he and Mum watched from inside - after disabling the horn.
But the good news is that this winter the real drive-in experience comes to the UK:
Pinewood Studios - yes, the place where some of your favourite films: from classics like
'The Red Shoes',
'The Shining', and
'Superman', to modern faves like
'The Dark Knight' and
'Quantum of Solace' - in fact most of the Bond films were shot here - has opened up its gates to your carload, rolled out the world's largest cinema screen and is playing drive-in.
Pinewood's gates are just what you'd expect to welcome you into a film studio, and are pretty impressive to arrive at, via a country lane queue of film-buff brimming cars. And the film related buzz starts long before the film does, as you drive your car at snails pace though the lots, past the famous sound stages decorated with badges commemorating all the Big Stars who've made pictures here.
The screen, did I mention that it's the WORLD'S LARGEST (73.1m x 18.3m), is set up in front of the Paddock Lot where they normally shoot the outdoor water scenes in a huge tank. Once you've parked your car and tuned in your radio taking a peek to the right and you're looking at the building that houses the Underwater Stage.
All of the films showing in the drive-in season were shot here, or at Pinewood's sister studio,
Shepperton, and knowing that you're watching something that was filmed only meters from where your car is now parked is pretty cool – your local Odeon probably can't offer you that! Some of my picks for the rest of the season are '2001:
'Full Metal Jacket',
'Gladiator' and
'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', but they've programmed it to include something for all tastes – now to find that ride...
Tickets cost £35 a car, but you're allowed to bring three of your friends. They say no alcohol, but they promise old skool drive in refreshment stands and waitress-to-car service, so you shouldn't go hungry – but BRING CASH to pay for your nosh – no cards accepted. Seeing a film in your car is less formal than sitting in a movie theatre, and you might want to make sure you bring a decent radio if your car stereo leaves something to be desired... Check out the full listings and book your carload via
seetickets
