Photo Courtesy Of John Marini
The screen at Warsaw Park!
ANSONIA — The City of Ansonia, “Sci-Fi at The Strand” and the haunted house freaks from Fright Haven in Stratford are teaming to screen a bunch of drive-in movies at Warsaw Park (125 Pulaski Highway/Route 243).
The screenings are just about sold out, but click here for ticket info.
Here’s the schedule (each event is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.):
GHOSTBUSTERS
(Sold out)
Saturday, Aug. 22
A HARD DAY’S NIGHT
Saturday, Aug. 29
THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON
Saturday, Sept. 5
INDIANA JONES & THE TEMPLE OF DOOM
Saturday, Sept. 12
A few weeks back The Valley Indy did a e-mail Q&A with Ansonia’s John Marini, a movie buff (and Ansonia corporation counsel) who is spear-heading the drive-in screenings. Previously Marini was part of “Sci-Fi at The Strand,” which screened Godzilla flicks at the Seymour movie theater.
However, COVID-19 has curtailed public gatherings inside movie theaters, so Marini opted to put together a different way to watch movies.
The Q & A with Marini is below, but first check out these answers from various Ansonia officials.
They were asked: “what’s your favorite movie?”
(Note: The question was sent to 15 officials, these officials responded.)
Mayor David Cassetti
Love comedies. “Police Academy,” “Airplane 1 & 2.”
Editor’s note: Click here for a listicle on why “Airplane” is the funniest movie of all time.
Josh Shuart, President of the Ansonia Board of Aldermen
I can emphatically answer “Midnight Run.” DeNiro & Charles Grodin are ridiculous, and are aided by what I feel are some of the best ever supporting roles by several actors (Dennis Farina, Yaphet Kotto and John Ashton to name a few).
Editor’s note: Click here for a great “Midnight Run” retrospective.
A close second would be “For A Few Dollars More“ — the middle, but best, of the Dollars Trilogy. I am hopeful for a Spaghetti Western night in the Valley someday!
Sixth Ward Alderman Tony Mammone
“Gone in 60 Seconds.” (I have) been an avid Mustang fan my whole life and what’s not to love about Eleanor and all of the other cars in that movie?
“Gladiator” – the story line, as one falls from the top, to the complete bottom, only to rebuild himself and avenge his family and king. He defied all odds and was a great movie all around.
Fifth Ward Alderman Chicago Rivers
My favorite movie would be “The Matrix,” the first one. I like the special effects. At the time it was groundbreaking.
Economic Development Director Sheila O’Malley
My all-time favorite movie is “A Clockwork Orange” because Kubrick was a genius and because even though the movie was made in 1975, it’s still very relevant today.
Very close second is “Fargo.”
Third Ward Alderman Joseph Cassetti
My favorite movie is “The Terminator.” This movie has all the elements of good vs. evil from start to finish. The Terminator is doomed to lose; Sarah, to find her future in the present, shown with twists and turns that make her the hero of the day.
Q&A: JOHN MARINI ON ANSONIA’S DRIVE-IN MOVIES
Valley Indy: How did this idea come together?
John Marini: We’ve been kicking around the idea of giving Valley residents a classic “drive-in experience” for several years. The concept took on a new relevance during the COVID-19 crisis, as it’s the safest way possible to enjoy a movie with an audience. With so many of our regular City events being cancelled, and so many theaters being unable to open, we decided to move forward.
The City of Ansonia is now the proud owner of a 40×20 foot inflatable screen, which will be debuting in this first series of movie nights with our partner Fright Haven.
VIS: It’s $20 per car, maximum of five people a vehicle. Where does the money go?
Marini: The funds go to covering the costs of the movie night, such as film licensing and the costs of the screen, and to our event partner Fright Haven.
VIS: Who decided on the movies to show during the screenings?
Marini: That was the result of brainstorming between myself, Fright Haven mastermind Charles Rosenay and (Ansonia) events coordinator Rich DiCarlo. We wanted each night to offer something different, while still capturing what you might expect from a “drive-in movie.”
VIS: I believe there is 50 vehicle maximum?
Marini: We determined a maximum of 50 vehicles based on social distancing measures and acceptable view of the screen. Vehicles will be spaced 15-20 feet from each other.
Viewing will be allowed in, on or from a space directly in front of vehicles. The designated parking spaces will be blocked out.
VIS: Will there be refreshments sold, or should people bring their own stuff (including trash bags to carry out what they bring in)?
Marini: At this point, no. Guests should feel free to bring their own stuff!
VIS: Why Lennon?
Marini: Honestly, I’m more an Elvis person. But Charles (of Fright Haven) is a Beatles/Brit Pop fanatic and also organizes Beatles and Monkees conventions in his spare time. You should probably ask him.
VIS: What type of movie screen are we talking here? So you rent a ginormous one? Where does one get a screen large enough for a drive-in?
Marini: It’s a rather massive 40×20 inflatable screen. To give you an idea of just how big it is, we had to give up on a test screening at the Armory because the ceiling was too low! It is now the property of the City of Ansonia, so you can rest assured that this will not be our last series of outdoor movie nights.
VIS: Will FM transmitters be used so people can hear the films?
Marini:Yes, in addition to conventional speakers.
VIS: Who decided on the slate of movies? Temple of Doom was an interesting choice over Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Marini: It was a collaboration, though I believe my influence was strongest on “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “Creature from the Black Lagoon.” “Temple of Doom” just doesn’t get enough exposure. Plus, it’s got a lot of heart.
VIS: What else should we know?
Marini:COVID-19 safety rules and regulations will be posted on the City of Ansonia website and Facebook prior to the shows.
Guests can anticipate hand-picked film trailers in advance of the movies.
