DIYer builds his own drive-in theater, brings back the retro

It's one thing to craft a home theater that keeps guests coming back weekend after weekend, but it's another to create one that keeps them rolling (literally) in by the dozens. Kevin Van fulfilled what we can only imagine was a mid-20s fantasy by building his very own backyard theater, complete with an Epson 77c projector, homemade 6-foot retractable screen and 8 vintage drive-in speakers rigged up to deliver 5.1 surround sound on his deck and 2-channel stereo around the pool. There's also a concession stand, a homegrown outdoor subwoofer being pushed by 1,100 watts and a whole slew of other audio / video components. Those cruising through Fraser, Michigan should seriously look this guy up -- sounds like a great way to spend a few hours.

[Via UberReview]

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 11th 2008 10:16PM]

This is news?

Ive been reading www.backyardtheater.com for a year or two.

People have been doing this forever.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 11th 2008 10:33PM]

Then, the MPAA rains on his parade by sending him a cease and desist order from their lawyers. I'm happy for him. But, organizations like the MPAA and RIAA can't allow mere mortals to have too much fun.

[kcmurphy88 Posted Aug 11th 2008 10:36PM]

I'd think his neighbors would be first in line for the cease and desist.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 11th 2008 10:47PM]

Yep, I'm totally jealous, not gonna lie.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 11th 2008 11:05PM]

6 foot? You sure about that?

[SeanR Posted Aug 12th 2008 12:09AM]

They mean 6 Feet high

[EQC Posted Aug 12th 2008 2:33AM]

If that is a 6-foot screen (diagonal), then that guy is about 2 feet tall.

If that screen is 6-feet from top to bottom, then the guy is about 4.5 feet tall.

If you follow the chain of linked articles, you'll find that the same guy has a 60" TV in the basement, and a 6' retractable screen in his bedroom...that's probably where the quoted dimension came from.

There doesn't appear to be any mention of the dimensions of his outdoor screen...

[Starcade Posted Aug 11th 2008 11:12PM]

"My neighbors love me this much when I play this thing at night"

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 12th 2008 12:32PM]

Okay, I looked over the other site, it appears to be a 16 footer. Which based on a 6 foot guy that looks about right. Nice screen size, I need to do something like this. He says he brings the screen outside when it is movie night. I think something retractable sounds better; however, that brings about its own problems. I definately need to bookmark that site.

EQC: Right on. That is for the inside screen size.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 12th 2008 1:02PM]

Is he wearing denim shorts?