M.E.L.S. at the Starlite Drive-In Theatre

Related:	blue grass drive in
Address:	8721 IN-39, Thorntown, IN 46071, USA
Phone:	+1 765-325-2230
Site:	melsdrive-intheatre.com
Rating:	4.4

Location

Photos 43

Reviews 8

Adam Jones

Drive-in theaters are getting harder and harder to find. The switch to digital distribution means the quality of the film is vastly improved, but it also means that theaters need to upgrade their equipment. That put a lot of drive-ins and small theaters out of business, but lucky for us, MELS fundraiser worked and they were able to make the switch. Watching movies here is a treat. The price is currently $22 / car load and it gets you a double feature (and sometimes a triple feature). Be sure to bring a few things with you: bug spray, a good radio, lawn chairs and / or blankets, and something to pass the time until the movie starts. The first movie starts at dusk, which on our long nights can be close to 10pm. Youll want to arrive at open, though, to get a spot up front, and that means getting there at 7:30pm. So bring some cards or a frisbee to toss around to fill the time. The concession stand is surprisingly full featured with a broad variety of snacks. Theres also light up toys to keep kiddos entertained throughout the night. If you get a popcorn bucket you can get cheap refills not just that night but any night you return throughout the summer. A few recommendations to make sure you have a great time and are courteous to others. If you are using your car radio, be sure to turn your lights completely off. Most cars automatically turn on their lights when the ignition is on, and that can be jarring. Switch them completely off. If you are running the radio in accessory mode and need to start the engine, go right ahead, thats fine, but shining your lights on the screen is going to get you some dirty looks. Bring warm clothes to put on in the evening. Summers are warm, but when the sun goes down it gets cold fast and water condenses on everything. Its been really humid lately, and we left our windows open the last time we went. At the time to leave we needed a rag to mop out the windows from the interior. If you happen to kill your cars battery the concession stand has a spare set of jumper cables. There is an intermission between films and there is no pressure to stay for both. Many folks leave after the first film to get young kids home, as the second show will probably run until close to 2am. I really enjoy this drive-in. So why 4 stars instead of 5? There are some areas I think could be improved. First, the sound. MELS broadcasts over an FM station. Unfortunately, the broadcast is fairly weak, which means unless you have a really good antenna or are parked near their broadcast, you can get static hiss, or worse, other sounds bleeding in. The last time we attended there was muffled music playing under the sound of the film. Im not sure if this was someone in the booth who had messed up, or how it happened, but it detracted from the experience. The drive-in has a miniature golf course and volleyball pit, but these are in a serious state of disrepair. This isnt why I go there, but it detracts from the appearance of the facility. Id still readily recommend that anyone head out to MELS to enjoy a film, but addressing those little details would earn the last star from me.

Faith Vore

The experience sucked. Our car died and went to go get our other car we left out side of the place and they said theyd charge us $2, which we comfired three times, to bring it in and back out so we could charge the car. When we got back with the other car they used our card and charged us $22. We asked for a refund and they said they couldnt give it to us unless we brought a car out. Well we took one out and got back and they said theyd give us a refund later. When we went to get it ltr he kept saying he didnt need a card to give us a refund which in fact you do. And in the mean time was getting an attitude and degrading one of us. After a while of arguing one of us said fuck and he called the cops about it because he said we cannot say fuck on his property after he had just said it himself. Two cars came out and the one who said fuck was kick out for life. For saying on curse word because they kept fiddling around and not giving us a refund. This place is the most unprofessial movie place Ive ever been and Ill never go back and give them any money. They were disrespectful, degrading, bullies, and thought they were the shit.

null null

It is a great price for two movies. But know that this place is ran by liars. There a huge misunderstanding and yes the problem was taken care of but never once did the owner apologize for the fact that HIS employer lied twice to me causing a huge problem for my family. It turns out this man didnt want to refund my money my car went died and I asked if I could bring a different car in to jump my car I was told yes but then my son talked to this kid and he said it was going to cost 2 dollars to bring other car in I said fine then he charged me 22 dollars instead this up seted me so then my son and i went to talk to owner to get me money back and as I said before all I wanted was an I am sorry for the misunderstanding. And hear is your money but nothing like that happen he was rude and disrespectful to me and my son he be little him cause my son only want to make sure my money was refunded

Andrew Koester

$22 per vehicle gets you a double feature in a family friendly almost tailgate like atmosphere. Its rural location means lots of stars, even while the movie is running. And you are encouraged to bring as much of your own food and drinks as you can eat, as long as you clean up after yourself. The only negatives are the restrooms are little better than port-a-potties with running water, and the concessions are typically priced for a movie theater.

Nick Macy

We were asked to move our SUV, so we gladly did. After we moved, another SUV pulled in and blocked the screen with their rear hatch open. We politely asked an employee to do something about it and they did nothing. Bottom line is this is the worst drive-in in the state, from the nasty bathrooms to the well water sodas. I highly recommend the Tibbs drive-in in Indy or the Lake Shore in Monticello, or even the Huntington drive-in.

Susan Mulanax

Great time. Great value $22/ carful. Good company. They seem to alternate an 18+ weekend w a family weekend. People seem to gather early to picnic an play games on the lawn in front of the screen. Our kids ask what the movies are each good weather weekend all summer. Dont forget the bug spray.

Trena Fisher Brockway

I absolutely love this place very clean they only charge one price per car load and they have places for kids to play and their food aint too bad if you havent experienced the drive-in movie you should go see a movie at Mels

Bella Lecklitner

I love workers so kind... And the food is so good. It is a good experience with kids and adults to go and watch their fav movies i have gone there since i was like less that 5. It is and awesome place. I recomend it❤❤