Calling all movie lovers

Times Contributor

 

Speargrass Golf Course is hosting it’s first annual ‘Movie on the Range’ event on July 20, 2012. The outdoor movie, provided by the Canadian company, ‘Movie in the Park’ is said to carry the ambiance of a retro drive-in movie theatre. The event will be taking place directly on the Speargrass Golf Course driving range, allowing movie goers and families alike to enjoy a blockbuster film in a refreshing change of scenery.

Drive-in movie theatres were all the rage and hit their peak of popularity in the late 1950’s. As societal changes progressed, the existence of drive-ins waned dramatically. VCR’s were the new technology, allowing families to watch movies at home at a reasonable price, and the inflation of real estate at that time was also a dominating factor in the loss of public interest.

Drive-ins were the social hangout, a place to see and be seen.

“I don’t think there’s any period in the history of the drive-in when the movie was that important,” said Film professor Ron Falzone of Columbia College Chicago, in the NBC Chicago article, Whatever Happened to Drive-In Movies?, written by Phil Rogers. 

The rage of drive-in theatres may be something of the past, but outdoor movies are still appreciated and offer a different experience as to what a typical movie theatre can, despite modern 3D capabilities and reclining seats. Similar events like ‘Movie on the Range’ are presented in venues worldwide. Movie in the Park has offered its viewing experience to over 200,000 movie goers throughout Canada since its debut in 2005.

“I think for a lot of kids nowadays, they’re used to going to a movie indoors. This is something that will be a real unique and new experience for those kids,” said the Manager of Speargrass Golf Course, Brady Shave. 

The pre-movie events are to begin at 7:30 p.m., including a hula hooping contest, novelty dance competitions, a bounce house and prize giveaways.

As the night grows darker, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the Disney film, Chimpanzee, will hit the screen. 

“I think it is a good family movie but it’s not just for kids, I think the adults will get something out it as well.”

Guests will be invited to set up their lawn chairs or blankets on the driving range for the duration of the movie. 

“It’s kind of a free for all, everyone sits where they’re most comfortable and where they will get the best view, and looking at the calendar, it doesn’t look like there will be much of a moon that night.”

The ‘Movie in the Park’ has gained a positive reputation for consistently producing a great picture and sound, which Shave experienced first hand in a past venue in Calgary.

“I was very much impressed, it was almost like going to a movie in a movie theatre. The screen is quite large, the picture is quite crisp, the sound is amazing. It really was a good time, and that’s what we’re really going for here, and I think people will be really impressed.”

Guests are more than welcome to bring their own snacks and refreshments. There will also be some sold at the event. Grabbing a bite at the clubhouse is an option and guests are asked to not to bring their own alcoholic beverages.

Shave encourages guests to be wary of the weather forecast and to come prepared. It is recommended that guests bring something comfortable to sit on, and some bug spray. 

The goal number of guests to attend is between 200-300. 

“The whole point is to get out and for the people who live in Speargrass, to get out and see their neighbours and interact socially, and for people who aren’t from Speargrass, maybe just get them out and see what Speargrass is all about and as well, have a good time.”

Shave hopes to expand for future summers, and perhaps offer an event for an older audience.

“Ideally, I would prefer to see this as a series of movies over the course of the summer, and people would come out and plan on a date night every two-three weeks and come watch a movie. If that’s the case, I would like to see sort of a theme run through the summer and say, ‘These are the movies that fit within that theme,’ and show those movies over the course of the summer.”

If planning to attend, Shave asks if guests can register online on the ‘Movie on the Range page on their website, www.speargrass.ca in order for the staff to prepare for how many guests that will be attending to ensure that everyone is properly cared for. 

Source for quote: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Good-Question-Whatever-Happened-to-Drive-In-Movies-54018777.html#ixzz1ztOYddky