Close up of a family watching and cheering for their team

Here’s what you need to make the best stay-at-home theater

Now that the world outside is changing, we've been spending a lot of time at home. But one thing that hasn't changed is our love of a good movie.

by Justin Joseph | May 26, 2020

Now that the world outside is changing, we’ve been spending a lot of time at home. But one thing that hasn’t changed is our love of a good movie. The Broad Theater even has a stream playing movies!

So let’s say you grab a virtual screening from The Broad Theater, now you need to recreate that theater feel. Here’s some ways we can at home.

Let’s start with the basics

Go big AND go home

Product info: First thing’s first: you need a projector. This one is less than $100, is portable and works with multiple devices, like your FireStick, laptop, tablet or even a DVD player (old school, we know).

Review: “The picture seems to project in true high def, and it has reasonable sound for being such a small unit. One thing I didn’t cover in the video was the ability to plug in an SD card or other memory device, which makes it awesome for a slideshow display at weddings or other events!”

Buy it on Amazon

The Big Screen

Product info:Elite Screens Manual B series is a great choice as an entry level projection screen at a budget-friendly price.This series features Elite Screens’ 1.0 gain, MaxWhite B front projection screen material. This 4K Ultra HD ready material not only provides a 180° viewing angle with perfect diffusion uniformity but also retains precise definition, image color reproduction and black/white contrast for a beautifully crisp picture.

Review: Used this screen for a backyard theater and even though I use a Cheap LED low lumen projector, the screen still catches every bit of it’s light. Very easy to set up and take down, I just hang it off my deck, and the soft close feature is very nice.

Buy it here

Okay, time for the snacks…

Product info: A popcorn maker and bowl in one unit. Simply add your oil and kernels to the cooking plate, then watch the popcorn quickly fill the 6 quart bowl. For extra-buttery popcorn, place butter in the butter melter on top of the bowl. The motorized stirring rod evenly distributes the kernels and reverses for better popping performance, while the quick-heat halogen technology requires no preheating and allows popcorn to pop in just 3 short minutes. When done popping, flip over the non-stick cooking plate and bowl for easy serving.

Review: “This popper gets the job done! All kernels end up popped, nothing gets burnt, and it’s pretty easy to clean and use.”

Buy it here

Don’t want to eat out of the same bowl?

Product info: These old-fashioned popcorn boxes will bring so much fun to your families and friends. They are also great for all kinds of parties, picnics and even a sleep-over.

Review: “Value for money.”

Buy it here

Now, for the sound

Product info: You can mount this sound bar to the wall or cabinet and connect it via AUX cord or Bluetooth.

Review: “For the money, this is one of the most impressive buys I have ever made. It’s great for watching movies, shows, etc but also awesome for listening to music … really great for gaming also.”

Buy it here

Pass the Snuggie

So you want to be comfy, but you need your arms free to reach for your Coke or candy. This blanket with sleeves helps you stay warm AND it comes with a pocket to keep the remote close.

Buy it here

Saints Coasters

Product info: These laser cut coasters are made of stainless steel and cork backed, so in case there’s a spill, all you have to do is wipe it clean.

Review: “They look really nice. Nicely made and the steel is a great look.”

Buy it here

Stream original series on the Very Local app

What is Very Local?

Very Local is your best source for shows about local communities, bringing you 24/7 access to news from your trusted local news source, weather updates, and more. The Very Local app also brings you fresh, untold stories from your city and communities like yours, with exclusive original shows and local stories specific to where you live. Get the channel to stream Very Local free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV.

Follow Very Local on Facebook and @VeryLocal on Instagram for more

Justin Joseph

Justin Joseph

Download the Very Local app to stream all of the Very Local original series for FREE!

Download the Very Local app to stream all of the Very Local original series for FREE!