Make a Memorable Backyard Movie Night
by Laura Gaskill · 10 photos · 3 comments
See the possibilities. Positioned over the carport, this built-in movie screen re-creates the feel of a classic drive-in movie theater, reinforcing the sleek 1950's lines of the modern home but with a digital age update.
by Belzberg Architects
These lucky homeowners can also view films from the upper level terrace off the main house.
by Belzberg Architects
Assess your yard. The first step is to take a look around the exterior of your home. Do you have a blank wall available? That could be the perfect spot for the silver screen (or a white sheet). You will also need a small table or a stool to position the projector and a seating area — though a patch of lawn works just as well as a full outdoor living room.
by Campion Platt Interiors
ViewSonic Projector - $538.00 [ Link ]
Gear up. Digital projectors are small and lightweight, and work simply by hooking up to your laptop. Prices have been coming down in recent years — this model supports HD video signals and is on sale for $328.89 on Amazon as I write this.
by Amazon
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5010 3-D HD Projector - $2,799.99 [ Link ]
Take it to the next level. This amazing high-def projector from Epson can show movies in 3-D, so slip on your 3-D glasses and kick back. Your house just became the most popular one in the neighborhood.
by Crutchfield
TIC Pro Series TF-S15CN Outdoor Speaker - $327.49 [ Link ]
Bring the sound. If you are in need of a new outdoor sound system, why not get speakers that blend in? This rocklike set from Overstock is cute, and it's so much easier to leave a set in place than to cart out speakers every time you want to watch a movie.
by Overstock
Screen Paint - $189.00 [ Link ]
Make a DIY silver screen. If you want an upgrade from the white sheet (and you have the space on an exterior wall) consider using screen paint. This product can transform any wall into an HD-projector-quality screen — use the outdoor version of this paint for your backyard theater, and it will stand up to the elements and greatly enhance picture quality.
by screenpainthd.com
Outfit your seating area. A crackling fire can warm toes on chilly spring nights, and the innovative Chester Lit Sofa from Design Within Reach adds a soft glow from its cleverly hidden interior lights.
by Design Within Reach 
Camp Chef Outdoor Movie Screen - $199.99 [ Link ]
Don't let lack of a wall stop you. If you don't have a usable exterior wall, you may want to invest in an outdoor movie screen, like this one from Camp Chef. You can place it anywhere and even take it along to your vacation house.
by Cabela's
Don't forget fun details. A backyard film-screening party can be a whole-neighborhood event or a romantic evening for two. Either way, the small touches really make it a night to remember.
Here are a few things to consider for your next backyard movie night:
by escale design
Here are a few things to consider for your next backyard movie night:
- Line the walkway with lanterns — they add to the ambience and help people see their way back to the house.
- Make freshly popped popcorn (not microwaved!) with interesting additions like Parmesan cheese and herbs.
- Provide throw pillows and blankets so everyone can get comfy.
- Have citronella candles or other bug-repelling measures on hand, just in case.
- Let kids curl up in sleeping bags during the movie, and roast s'mores together over a fire pit or barbeque after the show.
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I miss those simpler days.
I do know neighbors hated those drive-in's because of the loud speakers, I would be concerned about this same thing. I wouldn't want to be next door to the guy that owned this system!