Bijou, Paramount, Loew's, Fox -- the names themselves conjure up rich carpeting, heavily curtained prosceniums, and gilded carvings. Though the glittering movie palaces of the past have for the most part vanished, their appeal endures, and today they are being built anew on a more intimate scale. This illustrated book affords an unprecedented look at the magnificent private theaters created throughout the United States by New York-based designer Theo Kalomirakis.Twelve years after the Greek-born, movie-mad Kalomirakis came to New York in 1974, he built a small but fully realized movie theater -- "the Roxy" -- in the basement of his Brooklyn brownstone. Today he custom-designs sumptuous private cinemas complete with neon marquees, ticket booths, and foyers for an exclusive clientele, blending exciting architecture and interior design with state-of-the-art technology.Kalomirakis combines his clients' tastes, memories, and fantasies with the splendor and spirit of the past. Showcased here are a businessman's sentimental gift to his wife and a famous actor's retreat from the limelight, along with other stunningly original creations. Kalomirakis' theaters provide a feast for the senses, and the stories behind them offer a peek at the most privileged lifestyles.

In the 21st century, more and more people go out'' to the movies at home. Theo Kalomirakis reigns supreme the world over as the leading creator of custom-designed theaters and one-of-a-kind entertainment environments. In this book are preserved fifteen of these incredible spaces with superb colour photographs and descriptions of the technology that make this revolution in entertainment and design possible. While Kalomirakis' extravagant creations are for wealthy clients, they also serve as inspiration for home owners who want to integrate cinema quality with home comfort on a more modest budget.