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Remember the drive-in?

It was about the only place you could play tag, eat popcorn and watch a movie at the same time. The drive-in from my youth was turned into a full time swap meet, and later on, a Wal-Mart. Luckily, both places I have moved since have drive-ins, and the good memories have continued well into parenthood. I now enjoy watching my own kids run around and play while taking in the new animated feature.

Much of the country is sadly lacking a drive-in now, as megaplexes with $9 tickets and $8 popcorn dominate the movie-going landscape. Most of today’s kids grow up without this wonderful tradition, but thanks to MobMov, they no longer need be deprived.

MobMov (short for Mobile Movie) is an online community of do-it-yourself drive-in fans. By joining the community, you get invites to chapters in your area and information on how to start your own, including details on how to set up your own vehicle with a projector and suggestions for where to host your theater. There’s also information about what movies you can watch and any copyright legalities you may need to know about.

This seems to be an idea with some legs, as people are continually seeking affordable social fare, especially when it comes to a night out with the kids. As exciting as watching a movie from your car is, I don’t see why the idea can’t be taken a step further. Car’s are mostly symbolic and nostalgic in this model. If you can find an audio source and weather is warm in your area of the world, a white screen, lawn chairs, an ice chest and a barbecue would be more than sufficient in setting up your own theater in your backyard and enjoying your feature under the stars.

Either way, hosting your own theater is a great way to socialize with friends, family and neighbors. The MobMov Manifesto has some projector and transmitter suggestions, as well as how to legally set it all up. The biggest drawbacks from most people will be the cost of a good projector (though I ‘m sure you basically make up for it after just a few showings) and the lack of movies that are apparently available legally at this juncture. Barriers ordinarily can’t keep good ideas contained, and so I think in time, the movie companies will find a way to benefit from relaxing their rules, and we can all benefit from bringing the drive-in home.

A simple solution for a dying institution. For reincarnating an old favorite and making it available to the masses, this idea gets two green envy buttons.

MobMov, drive-in, home theater, home video