The 5 Step Guide to Bringing the Cinematic Experience Home

My family and I recently invested in a state of the art home cinema set up. I have to say it is one of the most incredible things that we have ever done – except for buying the trampoline – as it has allowed us to all get together once a week and sit down to watch a great movie all together. My husband and I are huge cinema buffs and enjoy everything from the classics to the modern stuff, and everything in between. Our teenage son is currently going through a big phase of watching old classic films, and because we love watching them too, it’s been a great way to spend some quality time with him. Our daughter loves anything with a good storyline, and so she’s been getting hooked on things like Casablanca and Gone with the Wind. I was very glad for the fact that we had invested in the most comfortable couch possible when we wall sat down to watch Gone with the Wind. At a butt-numbingly 3 hours and 58 minutes long, it’s certainly one of the biggest epics I’ve ever seen. I want to share with you some of the tips that we followed when we wanted to bring the cinematic experience home, in the hopes that you get the same big-screen feeling from your home cinema.

The Screen Is Everything

Forget everything you’ve read or seen that says the screen isn’t important in a home cinema. It’s a lie. The biggest screen you can afford for the size of your room should be a priority. A great suggestion for anyone who is looking for a great viewing experience on a budget is the projector. While the picture won’t be as crisp and clear as if you were watching on a TV, the size more than makes up for the experience. You’ll be glad you invested in a big screen when you’re watching the latest Star Wars or Jurassic World movie.

The Sound Is Also Everything

While the screen is vital, the sound is just as vital. You need to ensure that you have digital surround sound at a minimum, and that the volume, bass and treble are all aligned to be as awesome as possible. There are few things more disappointing than having to strain to hear the best bits of a quiet Woody Allen film, or struggling to hear Rose as she whispers to Jack at the end of the Titanic. Make sure you’re set up for sound from the get go. I invested in an awesome sound bar as well as surround sound, and I have to say that sound bars certainly are the best way to go with things.

Seating Rules

Get comfy, squishy couches that the whole family can enjoy. Enough seating is critical, and comfort rules over all else here. You need to be able to recline like a king or queen in your chair.

Snacks Too

Plenty of popcorn and sweets should be available for movie nights – I know they are at my house. No movie night is complete without a nice big bag of Maltesers, so keep the cupboard stocked – and preferably somewhere the kids can’t find them!

Movie Build Up

I find that it’s far more exciting to watch the movie that we have planned for a Saturday night if we have a big lead time. Knowing that we’ve got The Big Lebowski to watch and talking about the movie and the cast makes for a great experience. You could have movie trivia as well to get you more excited for the big event!

I hope you get the (home) cinema of your dreams and that your home viewing experiences are just as magical as going to a big multiplex.