Turn your living room into a cinema

Missing the big screen? Bring the experience home, says Nicole Garcia Merida

A high-quality film projector

Entry-level film projectors may require screens and good curtains to keep the sun out; ultra-high definition (4K) models are pricey. The Epson EH-TW9400 bridges that gap, says Will Donovan on GamesRadar. It is as close to 4K as you can get without paying around twice what this machine costs and the picture quality is “astonishing”. It will project onto whatever it’s pointed at and the adjustable lens means it is easier to position than cheaper units. It’s a big lump, weighing in at 11kg, and does run loud, but you’d struggle to get better for the price. £2,549, puretheatre.com

The best TVs for image quality 

To get the best possible image quality on a television, you’ll need an OLED model, says Daniel Varghese in GQ. The LG C9 is the one to go for. It “offers an absolutely stunning, extremely crisp image that’ll wow anyone lucky enough to be invited to a screening at your place”. It’s available in 55 and 65 inches, but for optimal film viewing, the 77-inch screen is the way to go. “One downside of OLED technology is that these TVs don’t get as bright as conventional LED models – plan on drawing the curtains if you’re doing an all-day Scorsese marathon.” From £1,299, currys.co.uk 

Getting that cinema sound 

The Sonos Arc is the most expensive “soundbar” the company has yet produced and it’s an impressive piece of kit, says Jeremy White in Wired. The Arc is a smart speaker with Dolby Atmos, a “pimped up surround sound” system, which can channel Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It has no less than 11 individual speakers along its 1.1-metre length, and it automatically adjusts to provide the best-quality sound based on your home-cinema set-up and what’s playing. Using the associated app, you can play around with such “audio trickery” as enhancing the vocals or dampening the sound of explosions to avoid upsetting the neighbours. £799, sonos.com

Make yourself comfortable

The best thing about a home cinema as opposed to the real thing is that you can give yourself plenty of legroom, says Khemjira Prompan on TimeOut Bangkok. But why not make yourself really comfy by splashing out on a posh chair? The super stylish Grand Relax is designed by Italian architect and furniture designer Antonio Citterio, and is “specially designed to hug the contours of your body”. It can rotate 360 degrees and the backrest can be locked at any angle. You can choose from several combinations of materials, including elegant fabrics and high-quality leather, and it comes with an Ottoman so you can put your feet up and relax with your favourite film. From £4,150, vitra.com

It wouldn’t be the same without popcorn… 

Popcorn is an integral part of cinema culture and this Retro Popcorn Maker by Smart can bring the experience home for you. The machine features a large, stainless-steel kettle with a built-in stirring system and pops up to 16 cups of popcorn per batch. It uses oil – there are machines that use hot air if you want a healthier snack – but there are “few better looking options”, say Tom Capon and Jennifer Barton in The Sun. £88.99, wayfair.co.uk

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