Dedicated cinema basic lighting advice wanted .

[Timmy C]

I'm just about to put in plans for an extension and if all goes well I will be building a cinema room. The thing is I know nothing about lighting. I'm going to be using a projector and I was under the impression that the best picture would be produced in a totaly blacked out room yet whenever I look at threads on here people talk about spending crazy money on lighting!

Can someone give me some basic advice on this? Are people using these lighting systems while watching films or is it simply to make the room look nice when using it for something other than cinema use.

If I'm going to be building my cinema from scratch I'd like to start thinking about this sort of thing well in advance so any advice would be appreciated.

[Johnny Thunder]

Timmy, do you prefer to watch your movies in the pitch black, or with
some lighting around you?

[Timmy C]

Well, I guess a bit of light would make the room feel warmer but obviously I don't want to spoil the picture!