From classic Hollywood to mod, there are plenty of homes combining an old look with modern technology.
January 15, 2014 by Rachel Cericola
The term “retro” can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. To us, it means some really cool home theater rooms.
Some people like the feel of a ‘50s diner, while others think of retro as the theaters from their childhood—and maybe their parents and grandparents’ childhood. Either way, we know a lot of homeowners that have made it a mission to mesh an old vibe with today’s high-tech equipment.
The retro theme is a very popular one when it comes to the home theater space. Let’s take a peek at 13 home theaters that managed to make everything that’s old look new (and insanely cool) again.
It’s impossible to have a list of theme theaters without including something from Theo Kalomirakis. Frankly, it’s hard to just choose one of his creations. This one is certainly a nice pick, known as the Paramount. That label is listed on the marquee that stands outside of this two-story theater, which has seating for 12, velvet curtains, and intricate details almost everywhere in the room. Outside of the room is just as entertaining, with an ice cream shop, a bookstore-themed library, and a full restaurant with a patio.
Classic & Cushy
Located in Hidden Valley, California, this homeowner wanted to make every movie seem like a big premiere. The 400-square-foot theater has that lush look everywhere, all the way down to the seating, which was designed by First Impressions Theme Theatres. Thousand Oaks installers Wilshire Home Entertainment worked in conjunction with Cinema Design Group International (CDGI), which is out of Boca Raton, Florida. Other features include a Runco VX-22d projector, a Stewart CineCurve screen, a Kaleidescape server, Niles speakers, and URC control.
A Bright Approach
Viva Las Vegas
Back in Time
Hooray for Old Hollywood!
This shout-out to old Hollywood was built in Palm Beach, Florida, and dubbed “Cinema De La Mer.”First Impressions Themed Theatres is behind this beauty, which includes seating for 13, a 14-foot Stewart CineWide screen, and Digital Projection’s TITAN Reference 1080p projector. Also worth noting is the TheaterScope anamorphic optical system, which can deliver 1.78:1 and 2.35:1 content, without distracting the viewer with black bars.
This retro theater conjures up images of PJs and dancing popcorn boxes. Colorado Media Systemsmade this room look like the classic drive-in, with murals depicting drive-in scenes, steel light fixtures on poles, and even those crappy drive-in speakers. However, the real sound comes via an NHT 7.1-channel surround system and a Marantz SR6004 receiver. Other features include a JVC DAL-HD750 projector, a 129-inch Vutec CinemaScope-wide 2.35:1 screen, and automated lighting, all of which is tied into a Control4 interface.
Builder Gary Jantzer knew exactly how to show his love for old Hollywood: by building a 16-seat home theater. Despite all of the modern conveniences, the room has the carpet, curtains and paneling to give off that classic vibe. However, there’s a little room right in front of the theater that also shows off the homeowner’s appreciation for the time period. The “soda fountain” includes classic red vinyl seats, a soda counter and a life-sized statue of a rollerskating waitress.
Mark and Phyllis also wanted something that paid homage to the ‘50s era, but without the diner decor. Instead, they opted for the rich red and gold tones of the old time movie palaces. The room also includes a 110-inch Stewart screen, a Vidikron projector, Vantage lighting, motorized shades, 7.1 surround sound, motorized recliners, ‘50s memorabilia, and an art deco popcorn machine. In case the on-screen image isn’t stunning enough, the room also has 300 American Lighting fiber-optic stars twinkling above.
