Transform Your Backyard into a Cinema Haven This Summer
Say hello to "The Best Summer Ever," your one-stop guide for making this year's sunny season your most unforgettable one yet. Whether your idea of a perfect summer is going on thrilling excursions or just lounging back and relaxing (ideally in a nice, cool area), we've got what it takes to make it happen.
From the good old days of drive-in movie theaters, where you could watch movies in the comfort of your car while under the stars, now you can recreate that same experience but with even more convenience. Create your very own outdoor movie theater in your backyard for an unparalleled cinematic experience. But here's how you can do it.
$3,044.80at AmazonBenQ GV30$499.76at Amazon$599.00Save $99.24
The keys to creating an outdoor movie theater in your backyard
$499.76at Amazon$599.00Save $99.24Optoma GT780 Short Throw Projector for Gaming & Movies$881.25at Amazon
Picking the right projector for a backyard movie theater
If you want to have a traditional movie-watching experience outdoors, bringing your TV out to your garden might seem like a solution — or you could purchase an outdoor-friendly TV like this Samsung Terrace to keep outside. Nevertheless, for a more genuine and immersive movie-watching atmosphere, go for the classic touch of projecting a movie onto a real screen.
$881.25at Amazon
When selecting a projector for showing movies outside, pay attention to these factors:
Anker NEBULA Capsule Max Mini Projector, Pint-Sized Wi-Fi Portable Projector, 200 ANSI Lumen, Native 720p HD, 8W Speaker, Movie Projector, 100 Inch Picture, 4-Hour Video Playtime, Home Entertainment£394.00at Amazon UK
Brightness: Depending on the size of your projected screen, the brighter the projector you need will significantly vary. Additionally, you must consider how much ambient light is present. A projector like this BenQ GV30 might be adequate for a movie night, considering its 1500 ANSI lumens of brightness; it's also a lightweight and portable option.
Resolution: As a movie fanatic who really knows their stuff, you might insist on a full 4K resolution. While it's achievable with pricier options, generally, 1080p is enough for most cases. Similar to projector brightness, the higher the resolution needed will go up depending on the size of the projection.
£394.00at Amazon UK
Space: If your backyard isn't big enough to accommodate a massive screen projection but you still want a large image, look into projectors with short- toss lenses, like this Optoma GT780.
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12$699.99at Amazon$999.99Save $300.00
Cords: You can skip dealing with cumbersome extension cords when using a wireless projector such as this Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser projector.
$699.99at Amazon$999.99Save $300.00
For a comprehensive review of outdoor projectors, our sister site PC Mag has a detailed post on the subject, and they named the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 as the best model — check it out.
Samsung Terrace - $3,044.80 on AmazonBenQ GV30 - $499.76 on AmazonOptoma GT780 Short Throw Projector for Gaming & Movies - $881.25 on AmazonAnker NEBULA Capsule Max Mini Projector, Pint-Sized Wi-Fi Portable Projector, 200 Lumens, Native 720p HD, 8W Speaker, Movie Projector, 100-Inch Picture, 4-Hour Video Playtime, Home Entertainment - £394.00 on Amazon UKEpson EpiqVision Mini EF12 - $699.99 on Amazon
$98.99at Amazon$149.99Save $51.00
Fixing up a screen for outdoor theater projections
You need a proper movie screen for your outdoor movie-watching experience. It might be tempting to just project the film onto the side of your home or garage, yet only if the wall is white and even. Any imperfection could result in unwanted shadows.
$32.99at Amazon
Apart from that, hanging a white sheet could also be an option. If the sheet is wrinkle-free, it will work well as a movie screen. However, the wind could potentially disrupt the movie, making it a puzzling endeavor to keep a sheet right and still.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote$52.99at Best Buy$54.99Save $2.00
Alternatively, think about getting an inflatable movie screen, like this one that is 16 feet diagonally and popular with Amazon users.
$52.99at Best Buy$54.99Save $2.00
16ft Inflatable Movie Screen - $98.99 on Amazon
Creating the perfect outdoor movie theater experience involves more than just setting up a projector. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Sound system: While some projectors come with built-in speakers or Bluetooth connectivity, if you want to take things up a notch, consider investing in a Sonance Patio Series 4.1 Speaker System. This will not only enhance the audio quality but also provide background music all year round.
- Solar-powered Bluetooth speakers: If you prefer a more temporary solution or want something hidden from view, solar-powered Bluetooth speakers that resemble rocks are a great option. They can also add a light show for intermission.
- Extension cords: Before the big night, assess how many cords are needed to connect everything in your backyard. Stocking up on a few long extension cords will ensure everything runs smoothly without any last-minute trips to the store.
- Cord cover mats: Safety first! Cover any wiring in your yard with cord cover mats to prevent accidents.
- Wi-Fi extender: Make sure your Wi-Fi reaches your backyard without any lag or interruptions. If it doesn't, a Wi-Fi extender will help ensure smooth streaming.
- Blankets: As the night wears on, things might get chilly. Keep blankets on hand for your guests to stay warm and cosy.
- Insect control: Don't let bugs ruin your outdoor movie night. Use insect repellents or invest in a mosquito trap to keep the bloodsuckers away.
- Movie selection: The movie you choose sets the tone for your event. While classic, lighthearted movies like Back to the Future, Goonies, or Raiders of the Lost Ark are popular choices for a fun, casual vibe, you can also opt for more sophisticated options like The Big Lebowski for an older crowd. Ultimately, the best movie depends on your guests and their preferences.
- Extras: Make your movie night even more special with themed evenings, trailers, drive-in movie interstitials, or newsreels. You can find various compilations of these on YouTube to create a cinema-like experience.
- Trivia: Incorporate a trivia contest into your movie night. Use Kahoot to create a thematic trivia game for your guests to enjoy before the main feature.
Read also:
Transform your DIY backyard movie theater into a sound haven by investing in a high-quality sound system like the Sonance Patio Series 4.1 Speaker System to enhance the audio experience.
Streaming your favorite movies for your DIY backyard movie theater is now easier than ever with streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player with Remote.
