The purpose of UDITOA shall be to represent Owners, Lessee Operators, General Managers and Managers of permanently constructed commercial "authentic" drive-in motion picture theatres in the United States and Internationally, of which the main purpose of the property, buildings and structures is for the outdoor exhibition of motion pictures for patrons in automotive vehicles, using 35mm film, 70mm film, or DCI compliant equipment. It is not the intention to include facilities with temporary screens unless the screens are used in an emergency situation to replace a steel, wood, concrete or otherwise permanent.

What is an Authentic Drive-In Theater? 

• An Authentic Drive-In Theater is a permanently constructed commercial motion picture drive-in theatre of which the main purpose of the property is the outdoor exhibition of motion pictures for patrons in vehicles using professional DCI compliant Digital projectors or 35mm or 70mm film.
• Authentic Drive-In screens are larger than life, as large as a massive 120 feet wide and are permanent structures constructed with Steel, Wood, or concrete or otherwise permanent structures. Authentic Drive-Ins featuring multiple screens will include at least one permanent screen anchored into the ground which meets the above standards.
• Many Authentic Drive-In Theatres are genuine historical landmarks which have been in operation as early as the 1930’s and have been lovingly preserved. Other Authentic Drive-Ins are new builds which have been zoned and built as permanent attractions.  All Authentic Drive-Ins are dedicated to preserving the tradition of the Authentic Drive-In Theatres for generations to come! 

Authentic Drive-Ins feature the following;

• A permanent large screen (anchored into the ground).
• Authentic Drive-In Theaters are carefully designed to provide a dark movie viewing environment with minimal area lighting.
• A permanent concession stand and rest rooms.
• Many Authentic Drive-Ins may have a large grassy area in front of the screen for outdoor recreational activities, while other may have a play-ground.
• Many Drive-In Theatres feature lot ramps (raised mounds which vehicles pull onto). The ramps raise the front end of the vehicles slightly, allowing our guests a better, unobstructed view of the screen. The curvature and height of the ramps puts the vehicles of the theatre guests into the most desirable position to view the screen.
• Because of carefully planned construction and the acres of space, Authentic Drive-In Theatres have excellent sight-lines of the screen from your vehicle.
• To provide a genuine theatrical experience, Authentic Drive-Ins utilize Studio Mandated DCI compliant powerful state of the art projectors or 35mm or 70mm film which projects the image onto a permanent screen and allow showings of first run movies in addition to classics.
• Authentic Drive-Ins have proper cinema industry sound equipment broadcasting over FM in stereo or classic pole speakers.

• An authentic Drive-In provides a complete evening worth of entertainment usually featuring a double feature of two movies, in addition to coming attractions, vintage concession ads and more!
• In many cases the owner is on-site providing showmanship and ensures the service and experience is second to none!