We still have Oscars on the brain. So while we were watching the telecast of this year’s Academy Awards from the Dolby Theatre, it got us thinking about some of the home theaters we’ve profiled that are really more akin to true screening rooms or classic movie palaces of yore (and in some places still today—the Dolby, for instance, holds big premiers).

In fact, that’s a request we’ve heard a bunch from the custom electronics pros and home theater designers that we talked to about these over-the-top projects. “The homeowner used to go to those old-time cinemas when he was a kid and wanted that replicated in his home theater,” is the type of explanation we often hear when we see theaters decked out in rich gold and red colors.

Some of these theaters add to their majesty with second-level balcony viewing. Some have grand chandeliers. Some use the area outside of the actual theater room to recreate an old-time lobby, with a marquee and everything. Some transport back to the art deco movement. Of course, 180+ inch screens add to the grand scale of a theater, too.

Most of all, though, these theaters represent the sky’s-the-limit planning and creativity that can happen when a homeowner truly goes hooray for Hollywood—and has the means to purchase the top-notch projection systems, audio setups and acoustical and other design treatment to bring the whole project together. Underneath all of the pizzazz and performance, there’s also ton of technical calibration and room craftsmanship to not only make these home movie palaces look and sound great, but also ensure that the rest of the residence doesn’t rattle during a Bond or Die Hard showing.

So if you’re looking at giving your own home the glamorous red carpet treatment, take a cue from some of these world-class cinemas. Click here to view them.

Take a peek inside Oscar-winner George Clooney’s own home theater.

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Arlen Schweiger - Editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen writes about home technology installations and product news and reviews for electronichouse.com and Electronic House magazine.