It is no surprise that people seek comfort and escape through avenues of fiction like books and movies. However, the pandemic has severely affected and even crippled the entertainment industry for the foreseeable future. In the United States alone, a single chain of movie theaters has closed permanently, depriving people of more than 530 locations where you can enjoy new releases and seeing your favorite stars.
Although the silver screen may no longer be an option for entertainment right now, you can still watch new movies from streaming services and from the safety of your own home. Here’s how you can enjoy watching your favorite movies ‘as if’ you’re in a movie theater, minus the risk.
The Equipment
Watching movies on a laptop or even a widescreen television just isn’t the same as watching the drama unfold on a massive screen. You can replicate the experience with judicious use of your own or rented audio video equipment. You can recreate the movie theater experience in your own home:
Once you’ve assembled the equipment you need to project your movie, you can go about setting up the venue.
The Indoor Venue
Watching a movie in a darkened room, curled up under blankets is delightful just doesn’t have the same feel as watching a new movie in a real theater for the first time. You can recreate this feeling with a few tools and sheets.
First, find a room large enough to set up your screen or hang up the sheet you’ll be projecting the movie in. Ideally, this room has few or no windows. This will reduce the amount of light and sound that could filter inside the room and ruin your movie experience.
If your venue has large windows, hang up thick drapes or heavy sheets in front of them to block out lights and sound.
Next, set up a small table or a low stool where you can place your laptop and projector. Place them carefully, so they aren’t in any danger of getting knocked over and that the image won’t be distorted.
Finally, bring in your comfiest chairs. An easy chair or reclining chair would be the best fit, but a sofa or other soft seat will do just as well in a pinch.
Now you have a comfortable venue fit for a premier! All you need now is the food.
The Food
Everyone knows you can’t have a movie night without movie theater popcorn. Although you can pop in some convenient store popcorn, it’s not just same in taste and quality. If you really want to feel like you’re inside a cinema, here’s an easy recipe for some movie-style popcorn.
Get a cup of popping kernels of your choice. In a small bowl, pour a couple of tablespoons of virgin coconut oil. This oil is the best for popping popcorn because it doesn’t burn easy and imbues some flavor to the kernels. In a cast iron skillet or a large pot, melt the coconut and put in the kernels. Close the lid and shake periodically while they pop.
In a spouted glass container, melt a stick of salted butter in a microwave. Cool the butter for a few minutes and skim off the foam that rises to the top. Separate the clear fluid from the solids and pour in on top of your popcorn. Flavor with a sprinkle of sea salt or cheese powder and enjoy.
Movie may not seem vital during the pandemic, but they let you enjoy something in peace and get away from the troubles of the world. So indulge yourself with a movie night without putting yourself at risk tonight.