Silver screen meets sand

On any summertime Friday or Saturday night at the Newport Dunes Resort, the scene is nostalgic. Families sit huddled together on blankets and lawn chairs in front of a giant movie screen playing a favorite flick. The smell of a campfire fills the summer air and the moon shines on the calm Back Bay waters.

“Having this concept on the beach, it’s just a great family tradition to be able to view movies in a very comfortable and relaxing way,” Dunes general manager Andrew Theodorou said.

A $10 parking fee buys a movie experience for the whole family. It’s bring-your-own-seat ? blanket, towel or chair ? so movie-goers are advised to get there early. The movies start at dusk, and the sand fills up quickly, activities director Troy Lindquist said.

If you forget your movie snacks from home, there are plenty of options on site. Pizza and candy are available for purchase steps away from the movie-viewing area.

Even better is the campfire nearby, where kids can toast marshmallows and make s’mores.

The event is geared toward families, and each movie is previewed beforehand to make sure the content is appropriate, Lindquist said. With the exception of a “Star Wars” film, the movies are G or PG-rated, Lindquist said.

Upcoming screenings include “Toy Story 2” and “The Endless Summer.”

The movies on the beach aren’t a new thing, but this year is better than ever, thanks to a brand-new big screen, Theodorou said. The inflatable 18-by-20 foot screen and improved sound system improve the experience, Theodorou said.

The screen takes about 90 minutes to set up and can be moved around, depending on the wind direction.

The giant movie screen is also available for rent at private functions, such as wedding parties, Theodorou said.

Depending on which movie is playing, the event attracts mainly families, most of whom aren’t staying at the Dunes resort, Lindquist said.

In addition to the movies on the beach, the Dunes also runs harbor cruises, arts and crafts and ping-pong tournaments.

For a listing of movies and dates, visit the Dunes website, www.newportdunes.com.dpt.30-water-CPhotoInfoNG1SFUCA20060630j1n6k1ncMARK DUSTIN / DAILY PILOT(LA) ‘The Sword in the Stone’ at the Newport Dunes on June 23. The resort shows a family-friendly movie on the sand twice a week.