Here's a typically great Leonard Maltin piece on filmmaker Jan Krawitz's 1990 project "Drive-In Blues" which documented the demise of the American Drive-In Theater --particularly along old Route 66 in the southwestern United States.
I love this film. Like one of the other fans below, I emailed Ms. Krawitz to find out if the film was available for purchase on DVD, but she said they still had unsold copies on VHS that they wanted to sell. Problem is, no one has a VCR anymore. Hopefully this film can be digitized, restored if necessary, then perhaps you can buy a download through itunes or some other service.
I too admire the film. Too bad she couldn't market it better. I liked the ending when that guy was putting up new screens. I've had a hobby of documenting drive ins with my on hiatus or cancelled public access show OUTDOOR MOOVIES but I must admit, compared to DRIVE IN BLUES it was always kind of haphazard. Trailers. Intermission clips. Road trips. But I did have fun in Illinois Ohio indiana and Michigan. I enjoy seeing other creative persons efforts and DRIVE IN BLUES is a must see!
I also highly recommend 'Drive-In Blues'. Just like "crazybobdj", I taped it in October of 1987, when it was shown on PBS. Many years ago, I e-mailed Ms. Krawitz about a possible DVD release, but she said that it wasn't financially feasible at that time. It's a little 30-minute treasure of memories that's sure to bring a comforting warmth to your heart, and the last sequence of the documentary will bring a little lump in your throat.
I taped this great documentary back in Oct., 1987. I had recently ran the last show at the Delsea drive-in, Vineland, NJ, where I worked as a manager/projectionist. (By day I was a rural letter carrier).
I'm happy to say that the Delsea was reopened in 2004, & I got to show the first movie there! ...Very emotional.
If you grew up with drive-ins then "Drive-In Blues" is a must see film. Really well done. Every time I watch it, I wonder what might have happened to the folks who were interviewed and if any of those drive-ins are still open.
I love this film. Like one of the other fans below, I emailed Ms. Krawitz to find out if the film was available for purchase on DVD, but she said they still had unsold copies on VHS that they wanted to sell. Problem is, no one has a VCR anymore. Hopefully this film can be digitized, restored if necessary, then perhaps you can buy a download through itunes or some other service.
brettkramer 1 year ago
It's a brilliant film, Im gonna get a print of it together and post it to YouTube soon.
cinemavirtualis 1 year ago
I too admire the film. Too bad she couldn't market it better. I liked the ending when that guy was putting up new screens. I've had a hobby of documenting drive ins with my on hiatus or cancelled public access show OUTDOOR MOOVIES but I must admit, compared to DRIVE IN BLUES it was always kind of haphazard. Trailers. Intermission clips. Road trips. But I did have fun in Illinois Ohio indiana and Michigan. I enjoy seeing other creative persons efforts and DRIVE IN BLUES is a must see!
driveinnut61 2 years ago
I also highly recommend 'Drive-In Blues'. Just like "crazybobdj", I taped it in October of 1987, when it was shown on PBS. Many years ago, I e-mailed Ms. Krawitz about a possible DVD release, but she said that it wasn't financially feasible at that time. It's a little 30-minute treasure of memories that's sure to bring a comforting warmth to your heart, and the last sequence of the documentary will bring a little lump in your throat.
barnstormer4 3 years ago
I taped this great documentary back in Oct., 1987. I had recently ran the last show at the Delsea drive-in, Vineland, NJ, where I worked as a manager/projectionist. (By day I was a rural letter carrier).
I'm happy to say that the Delsea was reopened in 2004, & I got to show the first movie there! ...Very emotional.
crazybobdj 3 years ago
If you grew up with drive-ins then "Drive-In Blues" is a must see film. Really well done. Every time I watch it, I wonder what might have happened to the folks who were interviewed and if any of those drive-ins are still open.
HeyMrKong33 3 years ago