These questions have been asked through our web site. If you have a question that you'd like to ask, please click on the link below. If it's of general interest, we'll post it here. We will also attempt to answer it directly to you via e-mail, mail or telephone, if you provide this information to us.
Why can't you tell me this week what is going to be playing next week?
Film bookings are normally not finalized until Monday of the week that they are going to start playing. Remember, new features generally start on a Friday. The bookings are handled by an agent. Many times, first run movies must be shown for a certain number of weeks. We have set up a page containing the Coming Attractions. We can't promise dates, but we are relatively sure you will see these movies this summer. Click here to visit the Coming Attractions page.
Why does the playground close when the movies start?
We close the playground as soon as Screen 2 starts. There are several reasons for this.
We feel that the parents should supervise their children while using the playground. Obviously they can't do this and watch the movie too.
The noise from the playground interferes with those patrons watching Screen 2.
The playground is not adequately lighted for after dark use.
Why can't patrons switch sides after buying a ticket?
When the booking agent and the owners choose the films to be shown each week, they enter into a contract with the film distributors that determines the minimum number of days the film must be run, what it plays with and what percentage of the ticket price the theater must pay to the film distributor. The film distributors frequently audit the theater to assure that they aren't being short changed. Tickets, passes and the number of cars must be in agreement.
As an example; When you pay to watch a United Artists movie and then switch screens to watch a Disney movie, you are essentially stealing from Disney, because you didn't pay for a ticket to see the Disney movie. The movie company only gets paid when you buy a ticket for that screen. Since they spend millions of dollars producing the film, they deserve to get paid for it. Technically, you could be arrested for switching screens and charged with Theft of Services. When you think about it, you can't do it at the indoor theaters either.
We frequently see people changing sides, and unfortunately, we must then interrupt their viewing to check their ticket. If we find out they did switch sides, we have to ask them to pay for another ticket, return to the other screen or leave the Drive-In.
We try to pair movies that complement each other, but not everyone likes every movie. From the money standpoint, unless you are the only person in the vehicle, one movie for two or more people is a bargain and two movies for two or more people is something you won't find at the indoor's for the price we charge.
Why don't you offer a specially priced ticket for cars with one occupant?
The film distributors insist that we must have uniform ticket policy. We must either sell tickets by the person or by the car, but not both methods. Since the film distributors are paid a percentage of the ticket price, they need to have a method of auditing us to make sure that they get their fair share. Since we do sell our tickets based on $20.00/car, when they audit us, they simply have a person enter the establishment (typically posing as a customer) and count the cars. Then, at a later date, The film distributors look at our box office report and sometimes even count the stubs of the tickets (we always tear your ticket in half). We are required to retain the stubs for a certain period for audit purposes.
It would be a difficult argument during an audit to say that this car only had one person so we charged half price. They would probably call that practice skimming.
As we mentioned in the answer for the previous question, the film distributors get a very major portion of the ticket price, so they are very particular about charging practices.
Can I bring my dog to see the movie?
Although we don't have an official policy regarding this, as long as they are not vicious, they are quiet, and on a leash, we don't mind. We assume you will take care of your dogs needs by walking your dogs along the tree lines on either side of the parking area. Be courteous and responsible by cleaning up after your pet. Please do not bring your pets into the Playground or the Concession Stand.
If you do plan to bring your dog, please remember to bring a bowl for water and some food for them. With the new food preparation regulations, we can't sell you a raw hamburger for them.
What is the Theaters Policy regarding rain?
Normally we do not close the Drive-In for rain.
As a general rule, we will never be closed on weekends. During the week, if we are receiving an extended spell of heavy rain, then it is possible that we would close. We will not run the show unless we have a minimum of 10 cars. You can call the drive-in after 6:30 PM and either someone will answer or it will be on the tape if we close (673-4090). If we start the show, we don't stop it unless we lose power or we can't see the screen from the projection booth.
Last year, we only closed once. We recommend on nights that you may encounter drizzle or an occasional shower, that you use Rain-X on your windshield. If you applied it correctly, you probably won't have to run your wipers. Rain-X does have to be applied to a dry windshield and lasts more than a month per application.
Why can't you supply us with empty cups or cups with ice only?
The Drive-In pays NH Meals Tax based on an Inventory Count of items sold rather than charging you tax on the total of your sale at the cash register. We do not want to be handling pennies at the Cash Register, since it slows the concession line operation down.
When we buy cups, the box is labeled "1000 Count" meaning there are 1000 cups in the box. Each week, a detailed inventory is taken and tax owed to the State of NH is calculated based on the number of cups sold times the price of beverage in the cup. This is a state approved method employed by most concession stand operators.
It is also appropriate to mention that we do not prohibit you from bringing your own food and beverages to the Drive-In. This being the case, we are sure that you realize that condiments, cups, ice, napkins, etc., provided by the Drive-In, have a cost attributed to them.
Will my car battery go dead if I watch the movie with my radio on?
Normally no, if you turn your key to the Accessory Position, not ON. In most cars, to place the ignition key in the Accessory Position:
Turn the key to off.
Press in and turn the key counter-clockwise one more click from off.
Most Transistor radios draw very little power from the battery. If you are powering large subwoofers or other exotic equipment, there will be a more significant load on your battery.
If the car ignition is left in the ON position, not Accessory, the ignition circuit and in some case the heater fan and A/C clutch are activated, which will drain your battery much more rapidly. In this case, you will probably have a starting problem at the end of the evening.
When in doubt, bring a portable FM radio, preferably Stereo. We want you to have a memorable experience at the Drive-In.
We have loaner battery packs to jump start your car, if there is a problem at the end of the show.
