Well, that wasn’t the start to 2021 we were all looking for!  Just like the Godfather Trilogy, this 3rd Lockdown is maybe an instalment too far?  Ooooo, contentious…. You say you love GFIII, you’re not alone! Regardless of your view on III, we’re definitely at the end of our tether with the restrictions and awful news cycles, so let’s talk about some positives that have come out of the past year.   

We’ve seen huge changes in the home cinema industry as the Covid impact has run its course.  Not least because home cinemas were the ONLY cinemas open for most of 2020 and so far in 21, but also due to the trend of major film studios releasing blockbuster movies via an ever-growing raft of streaming channels, such as Disney, Amazon and Netflix.  Our prediction is this won’t change anytime soon, Disney are doubling down on their streaming catalogue, MGM are looking to move away from blockbuster movies and Netflix have been releasing homegrown blockbusters all of their own.  It feels like we’re at the beginning of something rather momentous and exciting.  What all of this does, is reinforce the need for your very own cinema at home, whether that’s a multi-use area such as a family room or lounge, or a purpose built room with a projector and fabric walls.  The events of the past year have also changed things for our developer clients, where we’ve seen the cinema room go from a ‘nice to have’, to an absolute necessity, helping to sell homes faster than ever before. Without sounding too '“salesy”, this is where our expert designers add the most value to you, helping to maximise your specific space for the very best performance and enjoyment. If you haven’t watched your favourite film on a 4K big screen and Dolby Atmos sound, you’re missing out!

For a bit of fun (remember that?) we’ve put our top 20 home cinema movies/shows to watch now (in no particular order).  These are movies or shows that we have used on a regular basis in our showrooms across the UK, once a client hears A Star Is Born or Bohemian Rhapsody in Dolby Atmos, or lays eyes on Apocalypse Now in 4K, any doubt as to whether a home cinema can better the multiplex experience simply melts away.  

1. Pulp Fiction:  In our opinion Tarantino's finest work, you likely have, but if you haven't do it today, you own't regret it (even if you have, do it again, why not?)

2. Interstellar 4K: An amazing soundtrack and mind bending plot, an epic.

3. Bohemian Rhapsody:  The story of Freddie and Queen, the ultimate film soundtrack?

4. A Star Is Born:  The latest incarnation of the story is bang up to date and beautifully acted.

5. Blade Runner 2049:  What a soundtrack!

6. Rogue One - A Star Wars Story:  Tough decision this, but Rogue was the down and dirty Star Wars we were hoping Disney would deliver...

7. Apocalypse Now 4K:  What an amazing remastering in 4K!

8. James Bond: Skyfall:  The moodiest of Bond movies, perfected with a Scottish backdrop.

9. Tenet:  Another film from Nolan in our list? You bet.  One of the only cinema releases of 2020, and another mind bending journey with an awesome soundtrack.

10. John Wick:  Without doubt one of the best violent movies ever!  Who wouldn't chase down 150 Russian mafia chaps for killing their puppy?

11. Monsters Inc. and Monsters University:  To us, the Pixar animation of Sully is pure perfection, add in the amazing comedy writing and you have a winner.

12. BBC’s ‘Dynasties’:  Shot in 4K, this is a new take on the wildlife documentary.  Each of the 5 episodes follows a single animal with an in-depth and moving look into their world.  The Chimpanzee and Painted Wolves are truly epic stories.

13. Avengers Infinity War and Endgame:  Whatever you think about Marvel and their monopoly on blockbuster movies over the past few years, these Avenger movies are a masterclass in the genre.

14. Godfather I & II (Not III!).  Francis Ford-Coppola at his best, I is amazing for it’s authentic sets and Michael’s rise to power, II goes into the families journey from Sicily, with all it’s beautiful backdrops and deep routed vendettas.  

15. 1917.  We’re a massive fan of Sam Mendes here, this film and it’s “single shot” style looks and sounds amazing on our 4K Atmos cinemas, just wow! 

16. Joker: Joaquin Phoenix has received many plaudits for his amazing, dark and emotional portrayal of the Joker character (previously we couldn’t imagine anyone bettering Heath Ledgers Joker, but hey, never say never!).  There’s a lot to love about the 4K Blu-Ray as well.

17.  Queens Gambit: A beautifully shot mini-series that takes chess and makes it fun and sexy.  Magic pills anyone? 

18.  Free Solo:  Nat Geo’s 4K documentary on Alex Honnold’s attempt to climb the formidable El Capitan (3000ft, Yosemite, CA) without any safety ropes…. Scary and inspiring, but also beautifully shot. 

19. Old Guard:  A Netflix original and to us their best effort at a Blockbuster so far.  Zombie Special Forces?  We’re in!  

20. Jaws:  A classic and now remastered in 4K.  The music in this movie is a masterclass in creating tension.  For added fun, try watching with the sound off, it’s just not that scary!  

21.  PS5, Call Of Duty:  Okay, so not strictly a movie or show (also this is 21, not 20…). But it’s worth mentioning that the latest Playstation from Sony produces superb visuals, COD is a great example of what we can expect over the coming years.  The sound isn’t too shabby either.  Playing this in our showroom is truly extraordinary.

So there it is, our top 20 (21..?) movie/shows to watch on your home cinema.  If you would like to experience real home cinema for yourself or enquire about our 3D design service, feel free to drop us a line.