Local drive-ins looking ahead to technology change

Since 1947, the Motor-Vu drive-in has shown countless films, and as things get better with age- so does technology, which creates a small problem.

“These theaters are set up for reel to reel movies and everybody’s gone digital,” said Jason Orme, a drive-in theater worker.

The move to a digital projector is a costly one, upwards of $200,000-300,000.

The Motor-Vu isn’t the only drive-in they’re looking to update either, there’s also the Sky-Vu on the south part of town.

“It would give a lot more movies for many years to come and just keep what I consider to be an iconic part of Idaho Falls,”said Orme.

There’s another roadblock when it comes to getting the money for it.

“We have to try to make our money during the summer months and other theaters they get to show year round they have matinees and we get to show when it’s dark,” said Orme.

When asked if they would consider raising ticket prices.

“It’s hard for people around here I think to spend tons of money to see a movie, this way we get to show the movies to more people,” said Orme.

While raising the costs may not be on the radar for right now-they’re still committed to creating that family-friendly experience to everyone who walks, or rather drives through their gates.

If you’d like more information on how the drive-ins are looking to move to the new technology, you can visit their website here.