ovies that were first seen at old-fashioned drive-in theaters often hold warm memories for seasoned science-fiction fans. These outdoor playhouses, popular throughout the 1950s and 1960s, ostensibly combined family fun with low-cost convenience. Using DVD technology, Drive-In Discs, Volume 1 permits SF buffs to--borrowing a phrase from another 1950s icon, The Lone Ranger--relive "those thrilling days of yesteryear" in the comfort of their own living rooms.
The collection mimics a night at the local drive-in, circa 1960. Viewers "purchase" a ticket to the evening's double-feature by clicking on a theater billboard. The entertainment begins with the national anthem, followed by a series of advertisements for such items as PiC (your "personal insect
coil") and various treats available at the refreshment stand. A vintage Betty Boop cartoon precedes the first picture, the schlock classic Attack of the Giant Leeches. This movie--an early effort from producer Roger Corman--breathlessly details the efforts of a backwoods lawman to
eradicate huge bloodsuckers preying on local townspeople.
Additional ads for snacks appear during the intermission, including the famous "Let's All Go To The Lobby" ditty. A short Popeye adventure runs before the second film, The Screaming Skull, which relates the tale of a young bride who's haunted by the spirit of her husband's former wife.
Drive-In Discs accents these visual thrills with the DISTORTO sound system. Designed to emulate the ambiance of a drive-in theater, this option delivers the movie's music and dialogue through only the front left speaker of a Surround Sound stereo TV setup, imitating the tinny, car-window apparatus used at most drive-ins. Other noises, such as people talking and crickets chirping, are heard through the other audio channels.
Revving cars war with B-movie stars
Present-day notions regarding drive-ins often focus on fumbling teen-age attempts at intimacy--an impression bolstered on this collection by a short announcement cautioning young lovers that "public demonstrations of affection will not be tolerated"--yet die-hard movie buffs are more likely to
remember the bygone setting for its garish ads and bargain-basement SF flicks. These devotees will especially relish Drive-In Discs, Volume 1, which combines a unique aural presentation with a full evening's slate of time-honored promotional messages, cartoons and "so bad they're good"
motion pictures.
The DISTORTO audio track truly replicates the drive-in experience. Cars rumble past throughout the introductory messages, and during the movies lascivious whoops emanate from surrounding vehicles when a beautiful woman appears on screen. Sly giggles can also be heard in the middle of the "Chilly Dilly--The Personality Pickle" spot, while a companion who's seemingly in the same vehicle as the viewer absentmindedly whistles along with the music accompanying the "Selected Short Subjects" slide. Although the commotion is at times distracting (fortunately the option is easily disabled), it
really captures the feel of an old-style drive-in.
Sadly, the physical quality of the movies isn't nearly as enchanting. The images on both are faded, and due to a shabby splice, there are a few important seconds missing in The Screaming Skull. While this weathered condition is also typical of drive-in fare, better prints of these
pictures are assuredly available elsewhere.
Nevertheless, Drive-In Discs, Volume 1 retains an innocent appeal that's irresistible. Purists might disagree with the choice of films (the two movies weren't originally released together) and the somewhat haphazard selection of advertisements, but both SF old-timers and young-at-heart
fans should find the DVD downright delectable.
