The Dixie Drive-In did it! They purchased not one, but two brand new, state-of-the-art digital movie projectors for their North Dayton drive-in. The overall cost to upgrade from a 35mm film format to a digital format was nearly $200,000. For a seasonal business, it will take years to recoup these costs but the Dixie Twin believes this investment in the community goes far beyond monetary returns. It’s a matter of keeping the American tradition of drive-ins alive.
For Daytonians, there is a strong tradition of going to drive-ins… especially the Dixie. Originally, it was the hot spot for being the first theater in the area to have one of the largest outdoor viewing screens at 120 feet long and 55 feet high. Later, the Dixie became famous for offering 2 outdoor movie 
screens. With the addition of
a second screen they started treating audiences to 4, first run movie features each evening. Now, with digital conversion, the Dixie Twin has become even more of an industry leader. They are the first and only drive-in theatre in the Dayton area to feature digital 2K Projection. This makes for the ultimate outdoor movie experience.
Why the decision to make such a huge investment? The Dixie Twin received tremendous community support in last year’s “Project Drive-In” promotion sponsored by Honda. This major car company wanted to bring attention to the fact that only about 400 drive-in theaters remain across the entire country. The Dixie is fortunate to be among those few. During Honda’s nationwide promotion to help save drive-ins, the Dixie received tens of thousands of emails, comments, calls and posts in an unprecedented show of support. People shared their fondest childhood memories of fun filled family summer nights spent under the stars at the Dixie. They voiced their nostalgic opinions of wanting their children, and grandchildren, to have the same opportunity they enjoyed. This feedback was a welcomed reminder that the Dixie theater has great value and is one of the few forms of entertainment that entire families of all ages can still enjoy… and enjoy together.
That same element of family tradition is also echoed by the owners of the Dixie. The Levin family has owned many theaters over the years, including the Dixie Twin. Located on North Dixie Drive and just north of the Needmore Road intersection, it was built in 1957 and has served generations for nearly 60-years. The Levin’s believe this theatre is important for the local community and that area neighborhoods continue to have access to quality family entertainment at affordable prices. For the Levin’s, it’s a long-term investment and a true labor of love. As long as they own the Dixie they will be committed to providing needed entertainment and value for anyone within driving distance.
Wanting to provide Daytonians with a movie legacy may be a Levin family tradition – but there’s more to the story than nostalgia. Movie studios have advised drive-in owners like the Levin’s that in the very near future, studios are going totally digital. That means Hollywood will stop sending out any movies on 35mm film reels. To stay in business, theaters must adapt to a modern digital format in order to show movies to their audiences. Conversion is inevitable and the Levin’s decided to be pro-active. By upgrading to digital projection now, the Dixie is guaranteed to provide entertainment for generations to come. Thousands of people can continue their plans of making the Dixie Twin their family-fun destination… all “Drive-In season” long.
Even though times have changed… the tradition of Drive-Ins remains alive and well at the Dixie. The Dixie Twin is Dayton’s very own new, classic “Digital” Drive-In Theatre!
Visit www.dixietwin.com or call (937) 890-5513 for more information and a listing of the latest movies, dates, and times.
MostMetro.com has your ticket hook up the Dixie Twin.
Like and share this article and then leave a comment about why you’d like to win a Car Load Pass to the Dixie Drive-In. We’ll give four away and winner will be announced this Thursday evening.
The contest is closed and the winners are: Steve Whisenhunt, Scott Uzzel, Rebecca Monce, and Heather Castillo! Watch your mailboxes for your tickets and thanks for all who played!
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