Automotive

Dethleffs' new take on drive-in movies packs a theater into a camper

Dethleffs' new take on drive-in movies packs a theater into a camper
The small camper measures 12.2 feet (3.72 m) in length
The small camper measures 12.2 feet (3.72 m) in length
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A peek in the door of the Mini Movie Campy
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A peek in the door of the Mini Movie Campy
The Mini Movie Campy includes seating for seven
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The Mini Movie Campy includes seating for seven
A curtain system adds theatrics to any screening
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A curtain system adds theatrics to any screening
The camper includes a 3D television, popcorn maker and mini-fridge
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The camper includes a 3D television, popcorn maker and mini-fridge
A set of surround sound speakers line the front, sides and back of the camper
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A set of surround sound speakers line the front, sides and back of the camper
Dethleffs presents the Mini Movie Campy at the 2013 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon
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Dethleffs presents the Mini Movie Campy at the 2013 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon
The Mini Movie Campy provides a unique twist on the camper
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The Mini Movie Campy provides a unique twist on the camper
The small camper measures 12.2 feet (3.72 m) in length
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The small camper measures 12.2 feet (3.72 m) in length
Dethleffs believes that its Mini Movie Campy may just be the smallest mobile theater in the world
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Dethleffs believes that its Mini Movie Campy may just be the smallest mobile theater in the world
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The drive-in movie theater may be a thing of the past, but German camper manufacturer Dethleffs recently made a play to bring it back ... with a twist. You could call it the drive-up movie theater. Dethleffs calls it the Mini Movie Campy, a home theater packed neatly into a small camping trailer.

Clearly designed more for novelty than any real-world need or application, the Mini Movie Campy was one of the more interesting small campers at the recent Dusseldorf Caravan Salon. Dethleffs makes the most of the space inside the 12.2-foot-long (3.72-m) camper, transforming it into a cozy, fully equipped home theater focused around a 3D television with surround sound system.

A curtain system adds theatrics to any screening
A curtain system adds theatrics to any screening

The camper-theater includes seven theater-style seats, black wall paneling, and its own integrated "refreshments stand" with popcorn maker and drinks refrigerator. To keep guests comfortable during hot summer showings, it includes an air conditioning system. As a finishing touch, there's a curtain that opens and closes over top the TV screen.

The Mini Movie Campy clearly isn't a good design for actual camping (unless it's being towed by an RV) but it's certainly an interesting idea for summer movie nights in the great outdoors. Gather your six closest friends, head out to a park, beach or other scenic location, and enjoy a movie screening in the scenic outdoors.

We don't anticipate that Dethleffs will turn the Mini Movie Campy into a production model, but the design could definitely serve as motivation for DIY movie buffs.

View gallery - 9 images
4 comments
4 comments
Windsor Wilder
This IS a good thing for actually camping! Can you imagine what a trip it would be to go from a FX laden Hollywood blockbuster to sleeping under a tarp in the coastal Redwoods of NoCal or the rainforest of the PNW?
Griffin
Cool- but it should be also able to flip over to the outside so you can show a crowd.
Great for promos.
BigGoofyGuy
I think that is really neat.
The Skud
Pretty neat! But like Griffin, it would be fantastic if the TV / speakers were able to be seen from outside as well. Pull up next to a beach, get out a bunch of folding chairs, and enjoy! OR, carry a larger folding screen and make the movie source a projection machine that shows to the outside screen!