WASHINGTON -- With modern-day technology, such as iPods, BlackBerries and the Internet, many baby boomers were left wondering whatever happened to the simple drive-in movie?

According to News4 entertainment reporter Arch Campbell, the short answer is real estate values and air conditioning.

Invented in the 1940s, outdoor movies mushroomed in the '50s and hit their stride in the '60s when baby boomers started driving and going on dates.

Most boomers said they have fond memories of the outdoor theater, so fond that the business is making a comeback as a form of G-rated entertainment:

Baby boomers said they love to bring their classic cars to the drive-in. Patrons come early, watch their kids play, and set up lawn chairs.

"We need to have more (drive-ins). I don't mind the movie theater, but I just like the throw back, that's what we did when I was a kid," said Jeffrey Shanks.

Twenty new drive-ins opened across the country the past year. The new Galaxie-4 outside Dallas, Texas, does the biggest drive-in business in America, News4 reported Monday.

Jim Koop recently reopened the Raleigh Road drive-in theater in North Carolina. He bought the business on Ebay.

"Once you see a movie on the big screen underneath the stars with your family and your friends, you will never want to see a movie any other way," said Koop.

Virginia has eight operating drive-ins. Maryland has two -- one in Baltimore and one in Hagerstown.

Monday night, the Screen on the Green program shows movies outdoors by the Washington monument. The Comcast film festival also begins Monday at Strathmore Hall.

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