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Relive the ’50s with a movie and meal
The ’50s have returned to Richmond, with classic outdoor movie nights making a comeback at Lansdowne Centre.
The ’50s have returned to
Richmond, with classic outdoor movie nights making a comeback at Lansdowne
Centre.
The popularity of drive-in movies
peaked in the 1950s as parents saw it as good family-friendly entertainment,
and youth as an ideal date. The flexibility and attractions of drive-ins
created more buzz than indoor theatres as well, since locations included picnic
tables, the ability to freely take care of children, and to smoke.
However, outdoor movies began to
fade by the 1970s as coloured tv, video rentals and the introduction of the VCR
began to take charge. Today, there remains only about 300 such drive-in
theatres in North America.
Fortunately, in recent years, a
thirst for nostalgia and old-school entertainment has emerged. With that,
drive-in outdoor movies, such as at Lansdowne Centre, are making a comeback.
This is the fifth year Lansdowne
Centre has hosted its summer movie series; a free community event that provides
parking for drive-in vehicles, as well as space for those attending on foot.
“What sets Lansdowne outdoor
movies apart from other outdoor movie locations is that it is totally free, and
it is a drive-in” says Bronwyn Bailey, the marketing director at Landsdowne
Centre.
She also states that “the only
other drive-in besides Lansdowne is in Abbotsford’s Twilight Drive-In Theatre.”
To fulfill your night-time
experience, order dinner from a large selection of food from the likes of Thai
Express, U-Grill, and more; vendors that can all be found in the Lansdowne food
court. Note that Freshslice Pizza can also deliver pizza to the parking lot at
the movie.
Movies are shown every Wednesday
in July and August, all pre-determined by public vote. Categories vary widely;
everything suitable from a fun girls night out to romantic date night to family
time.
While popular movies from the ’50s
include "Singin’ in the Rain", "Cinderella" and "Sunset Boulevard", some movie titles
playing this summer at Lansdowne are "Aquaman", "Shazam" and "Detective Pikachu";
modern day movie titles definitely sound more adventurous than those ’50s
black-and-white film.
Bailey says if you’re attending
any of the Lansdowne movie nights, be sure to claim your parking or lawn chair
spot by 6 p.m. She adds that it is first come, first serve.
The weekly movies start during
sunset, around 9 p.m.