| Frequently Asked Questions | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
| The following are some common questions about drive-ins we have received over the years, if you would like to see something added, please send your question to webmaster@capridrive-in.com. | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Question: Some of the films today are not family friendly. Is there some way you can screen them first to see if they
are appropriate for kids? What about the ratings, sometimes it seems that they change after the movie is announced
on your site, why is that? Why don't you show G and PG films first, so the kids can see those and then the adults
can view the PG13 films after they are kids are asleep?
The Capri strives to show similarly rated films together whenever possible, although we are subject to certain restrictions from the studios as to what films can be shown on a double bill. Additionally, we try to show the G and PG films first, as we did with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Madagascar." The exception to this would be when we have had a feature for many weeks, like "Charlie," and then bring in a newer film like "Dukes of Hazzard." "Dukes" will be shown first in that case as most folks are coming for that film. We do not "force you to stay" for the second feature like some drive-ins do to ensure a larger intermission crowd at the snack bar. Being family-friendly, we understand that you may need to leave after the first feature as some of you have an hour or more drive home. Our patrons over the last 41 years have made it clear they want to see the newer features first, even though it may be more adult-oriented than the second movie. In this particular case, "Charlie" was the first feature for many weeks, so the folks interested in that had ample opportunity to see it at an earlier time with the kids. We would like to add that we share the concerns some of you have had about the films being released from the studios. We understand that some of the content may not be suitable for kids, and we do our best to provide information to you so you can make a sound decision in regard to that. Sometimes when we post our "Coming Attractions," the film in question is either unrated or there is only preliminary info on it available. Unfortunately, ocasionally the MPAA Rating info is changed as the release date draws near. We try our best to stay on top of this, but occasionally the web site may list an incorrect rating for a given film, particularly when it is several weeks from realease. Normally it is not drastic change; perhaps it was listed as PG but is actually PG13. Please be aware that in most modern films, there is not a huge difference in content between those 2 ratings. You may have bad language, violent scenes and some sexual content in PG films, sometimes even in animated features targeted at children. We are not in a position to screen the films first and "reject" them as some have suggested. Once a film is rented and arrives at the theater, we are financially obligated to the distributor. Like all exhibitors, we can only show what the studios put out. Lately they have been choosing to produce more PG13 and R rated films, so we have little choice but to play them and let our patrons decide if they wish to view them. We thank you for your understanding in this matter and hope this clarifies the situation for those of you who have concerns about this. As with any business, we have to do what pleases the majority of our patrons, most of the time. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Question: Why don't drive-in theatres post show times for their features?
Answer: There are a few reasons for this. Mainly, the start time at a drive-in is affected by when the sun goes down, which varies from day to day throughout the season. Other factors are the number of cars waiting to get into the theatre. We will hold off starting the first feature if there is still a large number of patrons in line. The traffic at the snack bar during intermission may affect when the second feature starts as well. As a general rule, the box office will open at 7:00 P.M. in the spring and 8:00 P.M. after the time change occurs on the first Sunday in April. Movies will begin at nightfall, which may be as early as 7:40 P.M. in the spring or 9:30 or later in the summer, with a 15-20 minute intermission between features. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Question: The food prices at most theatres seem to be high, why is that?
Answer: The reason for this is that much of the admission revenue goes to the film distributor and studio for film rental. On certain "blockbuster" films, this rental rate can be quite high, and is based on gross box office receipts, not net profits. That leaves concession revenue to cover a significant portion of the operating cost of the theatre. At the Capri, however, we do strive to keep prices low to provide a family a fun night under the stars that won't dent your wallet as much as the multi-plex theatre. Consider the following example for a family of four:
So, that's almost a $9.00 savings (over 20%), and you are getting 2 movies instead of one! The prices listed for the multiplex are based on an average, southern Michigan theatre chain. Bear in mind that we are also unique in that we publish our admission and food prices on this site so you know what to expect, something you will never find on a larger chains web site! |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Question: Can I bring my own food to the Capri?
Answer: Of course. Unlike most indoor theatres who discourage the practice, bringing your own food is OK here at the Capri. We do ask however, to check out our menu, the variety of which provides something for everyone at a fair price. You may find you are not saving much by bringing in fast food or other carry-out fare. Please also bear in mind that in order for us to continue to provide our unique brand of entertainment into the future, we need to remain financially stable. The revenue generated from refreshment sales plays a key role in the continued success of any theatre, and we are no different in that respect. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Question: When I used to go to the drive-in years ago, the picture was not that sharp and the image was hard to see. The sound wasn't
that good either. Is it better now?
Answer: Yes. The quality of the presentation at a drive-in is affected by technical factors such as the equipment being used, and the distance of the screen from the projector. There are environmental factors also such as light pollution coming from sources external to the theatre. Early drive-ins utilized projectors that would not generate the sufficient luminance necessary to project a bright enough picture. In addition, many had street lights, illuminated signs and cars pouring unwanted light into the theatre, making the image on the screen difficult to see. As for sound, there were external speakers that were sometimes in disrepair, or the radio sound was available on the AM band only, which is somewhat limited in terms of bass response. The Capri uses the latest projection and sound equipment, set up in such a way as to provide an excellent picture with quality sound over your FM radio. In addition, we have been careful to construct the theatre in such a way as to block external light sources, which enhances the overall quality of the presentation. In fact, on a clear night, viewing the night sky from the Capri is quite beautiful, as there is little or no light pollution from the city. Another benefit we have is the size of our screens, which dwarf the screens found in most indoor theatres. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Question: I remember some drive-ins being dirty and run-down, showing bad movies to rowdy audiences. Are they more family friendly now?
Answer: In a word yes. The drive-in business was most successful in the years of the 40's and 50's, where it catered to a family audience, and that is true again today. There was a period where family movies were not being released as much, and some drive-ins were prevented from getting good films by some issues in the exhibition industry that are too complicated to go into here. See the "Drive-In History" page for more detail on that. Also, some owners let there facilities fall into disrepair, and the result was a drop in family business. At the Capri, we normally will have first-run G, PG or PG-13 material available whenever possible, although we will show R rated films if the demand is there. In addition, you will find the Capri to be a safe and clean environment. We have consistently re-invested in the theatre each year to keep it in top condition and we clean it nightly. The result of all of this is a drive-in experience that is akin to the "glory years" of the 1940's and 50's. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Question: What about bugs?
Answer: Insects are a fact of life in any outdoor activity. However, the surrounding area of a drive-in can have a huge impact on how bad the problem is. If it is a swampy, weed-infested field, then the problem is much worse. The Capri is mostly surrounded by farmland and Branch County Airport to the rear. As a result, we think you will find that there are fewer insects. We do sell insect repellant and mosquito killing devices in the snack bar for good measure though. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Question: I am concerned that playing the radio in my vehicle for several hours will run down my battery, is that a problem?
Answer: Most autombiles made in the last twenty years have more than sufficient battey reserves to power your car radio for several hours without harm. Starting the car for a few minutes during intermission will help recharge the battery if you are concerned. To alleviate the issue completely, you can bring a battery-powered portable radio or rent one from us for only $1.00. If the worst case does happen, we do have portable equipment to give you a jump start and get you on your way. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| ©1964-2006 Capri Drive-In. All rights reserved. 517-278-5628 |
60368 Visitors Since Jan 19, 2007 |