Home theater essentials for an at-home cinema experience
As a self-proclaimed movie buff, I frequent the theaters for my favorite upcoming films. But with cinema prices around the 500-peso range, I’ve gotten relatively selective with what I watch. After all, for me, there was no noticeable difference between watching in the cinema and at home—except for the release date. The theater simply became reserved for films I couldn’t wait to see.
That is, until I rewatched “Sinners,” starring Michael B. Jordan and directed by Ryan Coogler, on HBO Max after originally seeing it inside a Dolby theater.
The difference was clear. From the visual fidelity and the rich audio the film relies on to the very atmosphere of a movie theater, what was supposedly an excitement-filled rewatch quickly turned into a snooze fest I couldn’t comprehend. It was, after all, my favorite film of the year so far. It was then that the movie theater truly separated itself from home viewing.
But while the cinema experience remains unparalleled, it can be replicated inside the living room with the help of these home theater essentials.
It’s all in the sound
Don’t underestimate the power of quality audio. And we’re not just talking about immersion. Sound engineers work on all types of films and are regularly honored in various cinematic award ceremonies, such as the Oscars. And a good sound system captures the work these artists put months and years into.
A soundbar is an economical and easy-to-install audio system that offers high-quality sound, surpassing what any standalone TV can provide.
Both the JBL Bar 5.0 Channel Soundbar and Sony’s HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar simulate 3D surround sound and provide additional bass without the need for additional speakers or a separate subwoofer.
Meanwhile, the JBL Bar 1300 and Sony’s HT-S40R Home Theater come with an additional subwoofer and two additional surround speakers for a true and full audio experience.
But if you’re going all out, Bang & Olufsen’s Beolab 18 wireless speaker set adds a timeless aesthetic to your home setup, while the Bravia Theater Quad, with its four wireless speakers, closely simulates the authentic cinema experience.
All the aforementioned sound systems come with both wired and wireless connectivity options, allowing users to connect with multiple devices—from your TV to your smartphone—without covering your home theater in wires.
Screens to put cinemas to shame
The “bigger the screen, the better” may be true to some extent, but you won’t necessarily need a 100-inch TV to match theater standards. OLED smart TVs with 4K output, such as the 55-inch LG OLED AI B5 and the 55-inch Samsung OLED S90D, will be more than enough, while providing crisp, high-fidelity visuals.
Meanwhile, brands such as Xiaomi and TCL offer LCD alternatives at lower prices.
Comfortable chairs and sofas, but don’t fall asleep on them
A home theater is more than its audio-visual components. What adds to and completes the cinema experience more than anything is being able to enjoy your film comfortably.
Philux’s collection of sofas and daybeds adds a natural touch to your home theater while providing comfort for family movie days. But if you’re— the solitary type, binge at ease in Nitori’s line of armchairs. Our pick? Their two-motor electric personal chair, which comes with a built-in leg rest to rival the pricey bed cinemas out there.
