One of the biggest surprises we found during our research on this project was finding a 70mm-equipped drive-in located in Fountain Valley on Brookhurst Avenue.  Pacific Theatres, a major Southern California chain, opened the Fountain Valley Drive-In during the late-1960s.  The chain apparently spared no expense on this location, as moviegoers drove past a water fountain feature while entering the theatre grounds, which covered 20-acres.  The screen was large and curved [90ft. x 140 ft.], and according to Independent Film Journal (3-30-68), the drive-in was “equipped to show all [film] sizes 35mm to Cinerama.”  [Source:  http://members.tripod.com/socaldriveins/fvalley.htm].  The snack bar covered 20,000 square-feet of space, while the projection booth had Simplex 35/70mm projectors.

However, there is no record, thus far in our research, of any 70mm engagements at this theatre.  The drive-in has been demolished.

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Fountain Valley Drive-In opened on July 12, 1967 [Enlarge]

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Your eyes aren't deceiving you...this is an actual copy of a photo of the drive-in grand opening week

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The curvaceous snack bar

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Efficient service lines and "relish" centers in the back of the picture

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The drive-in could hold 2000 cars

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Nice fountain feature at the entrance