Texas Woman Reinvents the Drive-In

A personal tale of the Drive-In Theaters to Outdoor Movies 

One summer night, in San Antonio, Texas, the Ladewig family was having our usual family outing at a Drive-In theater. It was 1978, and I was ten years old. I remember sitting on the roof on my parents’ beige panel station wagon. We were supposed to be watching a Clint Eastwood movie, “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” but when you are on top of a car watching a movie at a drive in, you get to see ALL the other movies showing at the same time.  My twin sister Lisa and I just happened to catch a glimpse of our first rated XXX movie, “Debbie Does Dallas,” on the screen next to ours. “Yikes” is right! My parents were unaware of this exciting new movie experience since they were watching the Clint Eastwood movie from the front seat of the car. If it were not for my little brother telling my parents, I’m not sure how we would have escaped this embarrassing incident! I was glad when my parents moved the car so we were sheltered from this view. Later that evening, I jumped off the car to catch up with my dad and go to the concession stand. I slipped on the wet asphalt and had to have stitches on my knee. I still have a horrible scar… from the fall! Not from the rated XXX movie!

Laura Ladewig family who loved to visit the drive in together, kids sitting on top of the car to view.

Announcement of Drive In Theater on San Pedro Ave in San Antonio 1948

As I grew up, drive-in movies were such a memorable part of our lives. We would sneak into the drive-in by putting people in the trunk (not recommended now!), so we didn’t have to pay for everyone. It was a great hang out for us teens. Even my favorite movie, “Grease,” had scenes from a drive-in movie!

Darrell and Laura Landers. Darrell founded the company in 2008, which is now owned by Laura Landers, President. Darrell is the CTO.

In 2010, I ran into an old coworker who told me about his Outdoor Movie company. He was bringing back the Drive-In and making a mobile experience in family’s backyards. I asked him how I can be a part of that, and the rest is history!  That former co-worker is now my husband, Darrell Landers, and we became the leading Outdoor Movie Company in the country, Ultimate Outdoor Movies®.  In 2013 we added more services such as inflatables, photobooths and LED Screens. We even added locations from California to Texas and Maryland, which allowed our business to blossom into a woman-owned complete entertainment company, Ultimate Outdoor Entertainment®.

Before the world changed over these last few months, and our country just in the last few weeks, we were about to re-release our Drive-In division under our Full Moon Drive-In® brand, with a full slate of drive-in programming for our customers in the Texas area. Now, the COVID-19 crisis has changed all of that.  With public gatherings around the country being limited and indoor gatherings of 10 or more restricted in many places around the country, we are making adjustments just to stay afloat, support our employees, and provide a much-needed service for the community.

My love of the drive-in made me realize that we should take our outdoor movie event services and turn them into mobile drive-in movies and services. Now it’s the perfect solution for getting families out for some safe entertainment while maintaining safe social distances in their own cars. But it is more than that! We realized our Drive-In Movie Systems can help with other community engagement including gathering for worship from the safety of your car, or still getting together for a graduation ceremony to remain connected to your classmates. We’ve started getting requests we could not imagine before, and we are excited to be a useful service during an unknown time. Our customers can call us to setup a drive-in movie or event just about anywhere, from parking lots to neighborhoods to parks in any state.  We already have all the equipment including some of the largest inflatable movie screens anywhere in the country, the brightest HD projection systems, and some of the last remaining FM transmitters for that real drive-in movie experience.

Call uoe.com at 888-669-1298 or email us at events@uoe.com.

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Perfect Movie Night

Ultimate Outdoor Movies can help you create the perfect fun movie night, with any size screen to fit any venue and budget. With 10 years of service in 20 major cities throughout 12 states, we have the experience you deserve. As we have grown, we’ve also added services including LED Dive-ins, Live TV sporting events, nostalgic mobile Drive-in Movies, video gaming events, and much more.

We have inflatable movie screen sizes from 10 feet to 50 feet wide. We can fit any budget with an amazing one-of-a-kind movie night that few get the chance to experience. If you were lucky enough to grow up during the days of movies on the square or drive-ins, you can revisit your youth while providing a new experience for those who missed out. We are here to help with outdoor movie screen rental ideas!

Movie Under the Stars

Plan a party in your backyard for 20 or a community event for 1000, and we’ve got your back. We can set up a movie venue on a lakeshore for a boat-in, a parking lot for a drive-in or poolside for a dive-in. Let us assist your city in a weekly event for the summer. You decide where and we’ll make it happen.

There’s just something about being outside, under the stars, enjoying the moonlight and a movie that is reminiscent of an older time. It’s relaxing to enjoy a night out without having to dress up and make a lot of casual conversation. Just kick back with your favorite people, pets, snacks, and enjoy the show!

Outdoor movie rental ideas are picking up across the nation. Let us provide you with a unique entertainment option that everyone will enjoy! Call us today to set up your next event.

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Renting a screen with Ultimate Outdoor Movies is a perfect way to build friendships and connections in your church or religious community. Here are three reasons why:

It’s fun

From grandparents to toddlers, everyone enjoys watching movies. Often an emotional rollercoaster, people bond with one another over the shared laughter and suspense. It’s even better in the outdoors. Kids are free to play or stretch out under the night sky, while church members make new connections with those around them. Watching a film outdoors is all about freedom and friends. Don’t forget the snacks for your outdoor theater—here are some creative ideas!

It’s versatile

Youth group outreach? Church membership class? VBS? Hosting an outdoor movie is a great idea for any of these events. Reach out to the youth in your area by throwing a pizza party with the coolest teen flick on the big screen, or bring the church community closer together by watching a faith-based movie and having a discussion afterward. Another idea: surprise the kids on the last day of VBS (Vacation Bible School) by watching an animated movie outside and playing kid-friendly night games.

It’s easy

Organizing church events is no simple task. Many volunteers are usually needed, and that’s only the beginning of the planning. At Ultimate Outdoor Movies, we make it nearly effortless for you to host your next community-wide event. Our professional technical crew will handle the delivery, set-up and take-down of the screen. And with screen sizes ranging from 12 to 40 feet, you can easily find the perfect size for your needs.

Don’t miss out on the fun—host an outdoor movie and help build community and grow friendships in your church. It will definitely be a night to remember!

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This is a hassle-free fundraiser that is sure to impress. Imagine the oohs and aahs when the kids see their favorite film on the Ultimate Outdoor Movie Screen with big, pro audio sound. No one at your organization needs any technical know-how either since a friendly technician is included with the screen rental who runs the whole night for you. The school can make money in several different ways.

Sell admission tickets.

You can immediately make money for your school by charging a small fee for advance tickets. Send an eye-catching flyer home with details of the event and how to buy tickets. Let people know the date, and to bring blankets, pillows, and bug spray. If room allows, also plan to sell tickets at the door.

Pick up some back to school movie related decorations.

Put the kids to work creating a festive ticket booth for the event out of a large refrigerator box. Pick up authentic-looking popcorn boxes at the dollar store, where you can also find red plastic tablecloths to make a faux red carpet.

Sell popcorn and other treats. 

Call in your bakers and popcorn makers! The treat table is the place your school can really make some cash at this fundraiser. Go for goodies you’d see at the theater to make for a truly authentic experience, and don’t forget to have plenty of water and other drinks available for purchase.

An Outdoor Movie Night is a back-to-school fundraiser your students won’t soon forget. Check here to find out how to get started on this fabulous fundraising idea!

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Church Fundraiser

You can use your church grounds to host an unforgettable evening. It will bring a sense of joy and life to your faith community. As the family-friendly film of your choice creates a welcoming backdrop to this community event, children will enjoy playing in the open air, as grown-ups take advantage of the time to catch up and connect with each other.

Community

Members of your congregation will enjoy being involved in every step of the process. Invest the entire church community in the creation of this event. Introduce the church fundraiser and select a theme which relates to the movie you will be showing. Food, decorations, and flyers advertising the event can all feature this theme. It can relate to a central message that your church would like to give to the community.

Concessions

Volunteers can sell food and drinks, donated by church members or purchased in bulk. Popcorn is always a hit – check out some flavored popcorn ideas to add some pizzazz. Be sure to have plenty of drink buckets and ice so the members of the community can stay hydrated with bottles of water or enjoy cans of soda and other beverages.

Before the show starts, volunteer musicians can serenade the guests with music relating to the movie. Children will enjoy the opportunity to create decorations and/or wear costumes relating to the theme. If you have enough space, you may also wish to raise extra funds. You can do this through game or activity booths, where members of the community can donate their time, skills and talents.

Ultimate Outdoor Movies also offers large indoor screens. If your church wishes to host a movie event inside, explore our variety of options today!

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What is Ultimate Outdoor Movies?

• Ultimate Outdoor Movies is a screen rental company to assist you in making an unforgettable movie night experience.

What are some events my church youth group could host?

• Drive-In Movie Night.

  • Provide the children with a safe and fun place to see a movie they love. You can even have them bring chairs and set up an outdoor summer theater.

• Pool Party.

  • Does your youth group have a pool party every year? Or would you like to start a fun new tradition? You could place a screen near the pool and have an ultimate pool party the kids would never forget.

• Fundraiser.

  • Does your youth need to fundraise to go camping or on their next mission trip? Rent a screen and fundraise. You could even sell popcorn and other treats. Movies are a great way to interest the community.

• Community outreach.

  • Are there only a few fun things to do in your town? Does your youth want to make a difference in the community? Build a community outreach program in a fun way. Get the word out about your place of worship, while also bringing life to your community by hosting a movie night.

Make memories with your youth that will leave an imprint on them for years to come. Check out our Blockbuster Screen Package and if that doesn’t suit your needs, remember that Ultimate Outdoor Movies has numerous screen sizes to satisfy different occasions.

Find an Ultimate Outdoor Movie location today!

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The Best Back to School Movies

For Young Kids…

There’s a long list of school themed movies to choose from for younger boys and girls such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Coco, Moana, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, or their favorite Disney film. If you watch Akeelah and the Bee, you can pause the movie to host a mini spelling bee to start preparing them for school.

For Tweens…

The tweens will find Avenger’s, Marvel movies, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Back to the Future, engaging, making them look forward to the fun they have once they go back to school. Get them up on their feet for a sing and dance along with the cast of High School Musical – even if they don’t want to admit they know all the words and dance moves!

For a More Mature Crowd…

For the teens and the more mature crowd, Mean Girls, Bring It On, 10 Things I Hate About You, Clueless, Jaws and classic Breakfast Club will make the crowd long to be back to school in the halls with friends.

Outdoor Movies are the Perfect Back to School Event!

It’s easy to create a cozy viewing area by throwing blankets on the ground, covering pool floats or air mattresses with blankets, or simply crashing out on the patio furniture all around the yard. There’s no bad view with a giant inflatable movie screen; everyone can see perfectly!

Butter some popcorn, throw some drinks in a cooler, or even make s’mores as your guests relax to enjoy the last few carefree nights before school starts! Check out the options for a Backyard or Premier Screen on our events page for a big screen film experience made simple by our outstanding customer service and commitment to our customers.

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Outdoor Movies on a Budget

We offer outdoor movies for anyone with any budget and our inflatable movie screen rentals come in a wide array of sizes to suit any of your needs. Whether you are hosting a graduation party, a birthday party, or a pool party, outdoor movies are an inexpensive way to bring the neighborhood, extended family, or kids’ friends together for a night they are sure to remember. Let us help you out with some great outdoor movie rental ideas.

The adults will get caught up in the nostalgia of drive-in movie theaters while the kids will enjoy the new viewing setting and be free to run around if something else catches their eye. The best part is, this can be done anywhere. Throw a rooftop party in your backyard, set a screen up at your local pool, or host a party at your neighborhood park.

Movie Snacks

Since it doesn’t feel right to watch a movie without popcorn, great snack ideas can be found here. To quickly summarize, remember to keep it simple. Nobody wants to eat a heavy meal while watching a movie. Snacks are easier to make, eat, and clean up. If the logistics of party planning aren’t fun to you, we also offer popcorn machine rentals starting at only $79.

Need ideas for seating arrangements and other simple tricks to turn your backyard into the ultimate outdoor movie viewing experience?  Check out this site.

Starting at just $349, Ultimate Outdoor Movies offers inflatable movie screen rentals. At this price, you get a 12’x9′ movie screen that accommodates up to 75 guests. It also comes with world class customer service, concert-grade speakers, Blu-ray or DVD players, and HD projection equipment. Our friendly event technicians will even set up and tear down your event for you. All you have to do is provide the movie, the power, and the audience. So what are you waiting for? Call us today and see how we can help you throw the best neighborhood party of the year.

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Oh wait, now it is.

With the LED Dive In Movie package from Ultimate Outdoor Movies, it’s simple to plan a movie night where people can mingle. Even if your building has tried other social activities without much success, this is better:

Meeting Neighbors is Easy

Do you feel a little guilty when you see flyers for potluck dinners and other events put up by individual residents or the building manager? You’d like to support the cause, but you don’t want to buy an expensive party platter or spend hours preparing a big dish. With our movie nights, all you do is provide the film and an electric outlet.

It’s Scalable

It can be scary to organize an event if you’re worried about how many people will show up. With a movie night you can make a success out of any size group. While the Dive In package is designed to be poolside, you can also show a movie on your rooftop or in your community room.

It Could be a Series

Don’t like the pressure of coming up with new apartment event ideas for getting together? Everyone loves a series, especially when you’re showing popular outdoor movies.

If you want neighbors who will invite you to their parties and watch your cat when you go away for the weekend, start planning your own LED Dive In Movie night. Contact us for more information or ask your building management to do it.

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