For example, some pricing:
Projector: ARTlii HD Projector 1080P - $120 AVR: Denon AVR-S960H - $700 (probably can find a cheaper one) Front Speakers: Polk S15 front speakers - $230 Subwoofer: Polk HTS 10 - $350 Total: $1400
Average family movie theater trip cost: ~$152, including tickets/snacks/drinks. That's 9 visits before you saved enough money to justify a basic home theater.
I pretty much agree with you, and that $152 doesn't represent myself at all because I'm too frugal. But, I'm curious how this breaks down.
Family of 4 goes to Raya and the Last Dragon for a evening viewing tonight - assuming 2 teenagers. That's $12/ticket at a nearly AMC classic, with another $13 in taxes/fees, bringing it to $60. Assume we get 2 large popcorns and 4 drinks - that's $46 + $5 in taxes/fees, bringing it to $110 or so.
Let's assume this is a really stupid family, and the teens each get a candy snack - that brings it to $120 total. Which is insane. No wonder movie theaters are dieing.