Home Theater / Museum / Office - aka the Man-Cave!

[TheRiddler]

I posted this on both the toy and sports forums since I frequent both and want to share with both my groups of friends! With the themes, it certainly belongs in both forums!

Hey all - I've been wanting to share these pics since before the holiday break - but got busy/lazy to put all the pics up. We bought the house back in October, and it took me about a solid month to get the shelves put up and the collection sorted and up on display. While the basement is really big (22 x 15) I went for 'clean and quality pieces' and not 'cluttered and all my pieces'. I am very proud of how it turned out, with the track lighting it looks more like a museum than a collection. I hope you enjoy the pics!

It is a strange combination of things, I know - but anyone who knows me knows this is an extension of my personality. My 2 favorite teams (Sox and Bears), the Matrix (I'm a video game developer whose ultimate dream is to help develop the Matrix (except the machines taking over part :D)), and of course the Riddler. I did my best to keep my themes grouped together, and the way the couch is positioned naturally divides the room into sections. Needless to say, I think it came out really nicely.

Brief descriptions/clarifications will be on some of the pics, but I'll keep the wording short! So without further ado!

Going down the stairs...
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_00.jpg

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_01.jpg

Matrix Reloaded Lenticular Holofoil poster
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_02.jpg

Matrix Revolutions Lenticular Holofoil poster
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_03.jpg

Behold...the Lair!
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_04.jpg

Closeup of the rug - people tend to really like it...;)
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_04b.jpg

A look back up the stairs
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_05.jpg

The wall that the projector hits - 10 feet of HD goodness. Picture 'in action' later on. Projector and surround sound speakers are ceiling mounted.
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_06.jpg

The rear wall. Almost all the figures are customs by me - and the majority are Chicago White Sox and Bears
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_07.jpg

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_07a.jpg

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_07b.jpg

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_07b1.jpg

Some of my customs are unfinished, as you can see!
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_07b2.jpg

The Jordan shelf. I have so much more Jordan stuff, but just didn't have space.
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_07c.jpg

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_07d.jpg

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_07e.jpg

Many matrix figures/statues in the good old Detolf cabinets!
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_08.jpg

Learned this trick from another board member...Raidersfan I think? Anyway - bookshelf turned sideways makes a GREAT long thin table. On top - a few signed baseballs, a signed baseball bat of the entire 2005 White Sox world series team, and our engraved brick from the White Sox monument (one is also installed at the stadium).
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_09.jpg

NFL Legends and Bears 12"
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_09a.jpg

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_09b.jpg

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_09c.jpg

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_09d.jpg

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_09e.jpg

Part of my Riddler collection - the biggest in existence! I literally have almost everything ever produced since the 60's.
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_10.jpg

My 'office'. This is where I live most of the time (except when spending time with my wife of course!!) - I am strategically positioned to see the projector screen and use my computer at the same time! More of my Riddler collection behind me. A lot of it is still in boxes.
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_11.jpg

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_11a.jpg

Some of my favorite loose figures from all sports...mostly a fan of the poses. The Lakers Shaq in the middle is signed - a friend of mine in the video game industry got it when he did the Mo-Cap session with Shaq back for NBA Inside Drive 2004.
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_11b.jpg

My neon Question mark in action. :confused::confused::D:confused::confused:
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_12.jpg

Dual WS 22's...the only way to fly. Oh - and an 'in progress' custom Muggs (going to be the Riddler of course) and 2 other figures (Batwoman and Supernova) which are going to be customs as well.
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_13.jpg

My utility desk - where I customize, and store junk.
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_13a.jpg

My favorite custom...thats me hoopin! :D
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_13b.jpg

The door to the media closet. When you come down here, you have no idea it's a home theater. They ask "where's all the stuff?" and I show them the magic door. ;) (Note the dramatic lighting! LOL)
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_14.jpg

Thanks to my Harmony 890 remote which converts IR to RF, I was able to take what was a waste of space half-closet and put all my components in there. Not only is it useful, it keeps the living space clean. Everything is wired cleanly, most of the wires stay in the closet, but the few that have to come out (projector and surround sound) run up the struts and into the ceiling rafters. Since the rafters and wires are both black, you don't see anything. The fabric helps keep things looking nice and tidy.
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_15.jpg

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_15b.jpg

The opposite side - made some quick and dirty shelves to hold my games, DVDs and such.
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_15c.jpg

Last but not least - the projector in action!
http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_16.jpg

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_17.jpg

[Karnis]

Outstanding man cave, Riddler, congrats! Very well done & a classy setup....nice!

[bigdaddymcqueen]

dude that's so badarse its not even funny!!!

[Theamaranth]

I like it!

[MarioBro7]

Badass! Love the dramatic door! :D

[JackShephard]

sweet!

[Elijah17]

I am SO jealous....


Ugh.....:mad:

[BoodaLuvr]

That is one sick mancave. My god. Its so beautiful, it brings a tears to my eyes. One day I will have a man cave that clean and sick lookin. I've always been meaning to ask some1 who has a mancave. Does it have to be in the basement? Or can I just turn a room into a cave? But dam, mad props on the cave again.

[Spawnomite]

That is one awesome man cave!!! I need a new house dammit.

[Spliff]

******* that is ****ing awesome.

[Metroid9989]

I really like the matrix themed couch and the puzzle pieces.

[nightmare alien]

****, your Man-cave destroys my entire house! :eek:

[joeg9748]

Hand's down one of the best I've seen! I'm hatin the Sox stuff but lovin everything else!

[thejikas]

love your sportspicks arrangement

and


*faints*

[MangaSpawn64]

When I read home theater from most people I always expect to see a 50 inches plasma :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Now, THAT is a man cave. What kind of proj you got ?

[ffejeromdiks]

DUDE!
That is amazing!
I'm looking to invest in a Projector/surround sound room as well, and that is great determination, amazing room man!

[Kaleb W.]

looks fantastic mr.e! LOL ;)

[burngwngs]

Man, That's a badass set up. You have a cool collection too. I have that very same WB Riddler statue. It's beautiful. I actually thought I'd ever see anyone else with it since it was only sold in the WB store before they went out of business.

[TheRiddler]

dude that's so badarse its not even funny!!!

LOL thanks!!

Badass! Love the dramatic door! :D

:cool:

******* that is ****ing awesome.

****, your Man-cave destroys my entire house! :eek:

ROFL - honestly it didn't cost that much to make it look like this. It just goes to show that a good design will take you far! The couch and the glass shelves were really the only expenses. (We all already have the collections to put on the shelves!) :D

[TheRiddler]

That is one awesome man cave!!! I need a new house dammit.

Now is a good time to buy! (Unless you have to sell the one you're in!)

[TheRiddler]

DUDE!
That is amazing!
I'm looking to invest in a Projector/surround sound room as well, and that is great determination, amazing room man!

When I read home theater from most people I always expect to see a 50 inches plasma :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Now, THAT is a man cave. What kind of proj you got ?

Thanks guys! What most people don't realize is you will not really spend much more to get a kick-ass home theater set up than if you were to buy a big screen TV setup. Sure, it's not an 'everyday' setup where you can leave it on all day in the background...but when you sit down the watch a movie, or play a game, or any show like 24/Lost/Terminator in HD...it's totally worth it.

I have a Mitsubishi HC-1600 HD Projector (720p/1080i) hooked up to comcast HD cable. My audio receiver is a fairly standard RCA 5.1 dolby digital hooked up through optical (toslink). My speakers recently kicked the can and I picked up a new 5.1 set of Sony speakers off of ebay for $40 dlvd. They sound sick! Can't beat the price either.

[Kabong30]

...filled with rage...

[brightside]

nice clean set up...and yeah, that rug is bad ass :)

[F0RSAK3N]

Very cool setup!

[mizeroth]

Spectacular set up! Love the Wall e and Eve!!
Thanks for sharing!!!

[Filthyrich]

Ballin'. Great set up dawg

[7th samurai]

That is a great setup! I definately love the thought out way to display your figs and stuff.
Your Jordan shelf rules! Where in the world did you find your couch modules. I want those badly. I have only seen them in a beige suede, which I might get if I can't find the black ones that you have.

[Spawnomite]

Now is a good time to buy! (Unless you have to sell the one you're in!)I still need to do some more remodeling first before I even think about selling.

[TheRiddler]

...filled with rage...

No need for anger here! You can make it happen for you too!

nice clean set up...and yeah, that rug is bad ass :)

:cool: 2 things - 1) Not sure if you noticed, but there is a mini-version of the rug under my computer chair too! 2) I actually have an extra one (of the large version) that I'm going to throw up ebay soon...

Spectacular set up! Love the Wall e and Eve!!
Thanks for sharing!!!

Yeah! They are out of place, but too cool to not include!!!

[TheRiddler]

That is a great setup! I definately love the thought out way to display your figs and stuff.
Your Jordan shelf rules! Where in the world did you find your couch modules. I want those badly. I have only seen them in a beige suede, which I might get if I can't find the black ones that you have.

Oh man - you have no idea the pain I went through to find these! The stairwell to get down to the basement is really tight, the door frame is only 32" wide. We actually bought a traditional sectional (2 pieces) to go down there. We made sure to measure the size we needed once it was down there...however, like dummies - we didn't even THINK to pay attention to HOW we were going to get down there! So, they came to deliver it, and the guy said from the truck "there is no way this thing is going into ANY basement!" I felt like such an idiot. Luckily we wanted a new couch for the living room as we had just moved into the house - which is where that couch is now! Still, I was mad because I had no sofa for my cave!

I kept searching and searching, I was adamant about getting a black leather sofa. Well after a month, I thought I wasn't going to find one so I started looking at cloth ones. One night we drove past a store we had already looked at a month prior -- Harlem Furniture -- since we hadn't looked for cloth ones there. So we go in - and I tell the guy "look, I'm not trying to be difficult - my stairwell is making me be!" He laughed and said people have this problem all the time, and he has the solution. Thats when he showed the setup to me. I think it was called "create a room" - because you buy each piece (end piece, armless piece, and ottoman) seperately and build it to your needs. It was like a dark brown cloth - which was YUCK - but it was the right size. So I asked, does it come in any color? Then he says...um, I think it comes in black leather. :eek:

SOLD!

The height of the piece without the legs is 32" exactly...which is the size of the door frame. If they had been a half inch bigger they wouldn't have fit! LOL

I tried finding a link on their website for you - but couldn't find it. I know they still have it in store, but apparently don't advertise it. Again, where I got them was Harlem Furniture here in Chicago - but they a 'Room Place' store which probably has a spin off wherever you are. Good luck!!

[actionfiguresrme]

Simply AWESOME!

[TheRiddler]

That is one sick mancave. My god. Its so beautiful, it brings a tears to my eyes. One day I will have a man cave that clean and sick lookin. I've always been meaning to ask some1 who has a mancave. Does it have to be in the basement? Or can I just turn a room into a cave? But dam, mad props on the cave again.

No, it doesn't have to be a basement. Many people use an extra bedroom, or an attic turned room (Loft). When you are displaying your collection, you don't really have to take outside light into account, but if you are doing a home theater - you do. You have to really be mindful of sunlight, which can affect the viewing area for the screen. In my previous apartment I couldn't use the projector until late afternoon - and even then it only looked great at nighttime. Basements have an advantage in that regard - no sunlight can ever hit my man-cave - because even the 'fire escape' hatches are covered by a deck. (there is a trap door on hinges in case of a fire!) But the point is, it can be high noon - and with the lights out it's pitch black down here!

[BoodaLuvr]

No, it doesn't have to be a basement. Many people use an extra bedroom, or an attic turned room (Loft). When you are displaying your collection, you don't really have to take outside light into account, but if you are doing a home theater - you do. You have to really be mindful of sunlight, which can affect the viewing area for the screen. In my previous apartment I couldn't use the projector until late afternoon - and even then it only looked great at nighttime. Basements have an advantage in that regard - no sunlight can ever hit my man-cave - because even the 'fire escape' hatches are covered by a deck. (there is a trap door on hinges in case of a fire!) But the point is, it can be high noon - and with the lights out it's pitch black down here!

Thanks for the tip. I will consider looking for a place w/ a basement then. Im guessing much easier for a movie theater experience. That and you can be loud ass hell and wont bother people that much. Thanks again.

[ralph427]

Most impressive, it looks great!

[Lord Magneto]

hot damn that looks amazing... i seriously need to own a house already

[SpawnFan1]

Yep that is a pretty much perfect set-up! :D

Except for all the Sports figures. ;)

[AsterisX18]

Just *****in AWSOME :eek:

[tatoman2525]

Very nicely done, bro. Your setup looks fantastic. You are right about that rug, too. It really ties the room together;):p


Awesome:)

[WhO Iz THiZ Iz]

good stuff!

[TheRiddler]

bump for the monday morning folks! Thanks for the comments so far!

[TheRiddler]

Very nicely done, bro. Your setup looks fantastic. You are right about that rug, too. It really ties the room together;):p

:cool:

[RaiderInNY]

Why leave the room?

[Mandarin_Spawn]

Yep that is a pretty much perfect set-up! :D

Except for all the Sports figures. ;)
w0rd! :D

Love all the Matrix stuff. :)

[Joerhyno]

http://rdb4133.fu8.com/matrixco/customs/basement/Basement_07.jpg

I love the "hidden door" on the right behind the matrix poster, what's behind... bathroom? Panic Room filled with canned smeat, bottled water and stacks of porn?

[TheWho]

Whoa, that's amazing! Great setup and collection. Congrats and thanks for sharing.

[TheRiddler]

Why leave the room?

No bathroom!

No food either - but that will soon change. Behind the wall where the projector hits is another room - where the washer/dryer/water heater/etc are - and I will soon have an extra fridge down there.

I love the "hidden door" on the right behind the matrix poster, what's behind... bathroom? Panic Room filled with canned smeat, bottled water and stacks of porn?

Very observant!! I'd tell you what is in there - but I'd have to kill you. (It's where I keep my Riddler costume and escape pod in case the Bat finds me - no not really.)

[Kskull2511]

Gotta go clean my pants! :)

Are you from Chicago?

[d8NopeD8b]

Wicked! So clean and well designed! Inspiring! I love the black ceiling!

[Wrestling Fan]

Great collection Riddler!

[detroitfan]

That's awesome!!!

[sabresrule07]

if you die, can i have your house?

[Graveyard Disciple]

Your man cave is the naice!

[TheRiddler]

if you die, can i have your house?

I'm immortal - but thanks for asking. ;)

Gotta go clean my pants! :)

Are you from Chicago?

LOL - yeah, could you tell?

[Mr.Sci-Fi]

Nice mixing of the Matrix green/black with the riddler green/black.

[MASTTER]

Nice man cave, congrats !, I like the matrix stuff !

[ilovefreestufftoo]

What projector are you using?

[kuwabara_kuwabara]

Surprised noone's asked if they can move in yet. :p
Lovin' what you've done with the place.

[TheRiddler]

Surprised noone's asked if they can move in yet. :p
Lovin' what you've done with the place.

haha, no but i got a few "if you die can I have it" replies!

What projector are you using?

mentioned it above (may have been on the thread on the sports forum though...they got pretty big and i cant keep them straight!) - but its a Mitsubishi HC-1600, HD LCD (720p/1080i)

[djdspartan]

.......wow...thats AWESOME :)

[Kskull2511]

LOL - yeah, could you tell?

I'll be right over to ummm...."borrow" some of it! :p

[spawnonfire]

I wish that were my house. Great setup.

[MangaSpawn64]

Thanks guys! What most people don't realize is you will not really spend much more to get a kick-ass home theater set up than if you were to buy a big screen TV setup. Sure, it's not an 'everyday' setup where you can leave it on all day in the background...but when you sit down the watch a movie, or play a game, or any show like 24/Lost/Terminator in HD...it's totally worth it.

I have a Mitsubishi HC-1600 HD Projector (720p/1080i) hooked up to comcast HD cable. My audio receiver is a fairly standard RCA 5.1 dolby digital hooked up through optical (toslink). My speakers recently kicked the can and I picked up a new 5.1 set of Sony speakers off of ebay for $40 dlvd. They sound sick! Can't beat the price either.

I know man !!! I have a Sanyo Z5 myself... Can't wait to upgrade to 1080p : droolemoticoncauseIwantsitnow : :D

I really need to get myself a cheap receiver to tide me over... Knowing me, I'll just buy big now :o I need self control !!!

[TheRiddler]

I know man !!! I have a Sanyo Z5 myself... Can't wait to upgrade to 1080p : droolemoticoncauseIwantsitnow : :D

I really need to get myself a cheap receiver to tide me over... Knowing me, I'll just buy big now :o I need self control !!!

Unless you have money to throw away...it's really not worth it. Shop smart and you can get some steals out there! My receiver is headed south really soon...so I'll be in the same boat. I've already got my eyes on a few receivers....:cool:

[Darkpoupon13]

Yep that is a pretty much perfect set-up! :D

Except for all the Sports figures. ;)

SO True:cool:

[worldsfinest]

Its not a Man Cave until you put a Stripper Pole in the room.

[twiztedart]

freaking awesome set up.

[TheRiddler]

Its not a Man Cave until you put a Stripper Pole in the room.

How do you know thats not what's behind the hidden trap door? :cool:

[Bigsauce]

Amazing. I like how yer overall room is "darker". I really dislike the color of my room. I think I might paint it now to see if I can't darken up the room. And the rug, my god, yer right. It brings together the room. I think I might get one as well. Maybe right in front of the two back chairs? What do you think? Any other improvements you can think of? I'm thinking of changing the drop ceiling tiles as well. Make them more "theater" looking or something. LMK

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/5803/chairslx6.jpg
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/2288/reartheatervt3.jpg

[MangaSpawn64]

Unless you have money to throw away...it's really not worth it. Shop smart and you can get some steals out there! My receiver is headed south really soon...so I'll be in the same boat. I've already got my eyes on a few receivers....:cool:

I'd have zero problem / remorse in investing 2500-ish bucks in an Epson 1080UB :)

Although I have to change my screen first...

Amazing. I like how yer overall room is "darker". I really dislike the color of my room. I think I might paint it now to see if I can't darken up the room. And the rug, my god, yer right. It brings together the room. I think I might get one as well. Maybe right in front of the two back chairs? What do you think? Any other improvements you can think of? I'm thinking of changing the drop ceiling tiles as well. Make them more "theater" looking or something. LMK


Bigsauce, I'd paint the tiles black while leaving the trim white.

Paint the walls dark (I'd have said blue, but your lazyboys are already blue so I don't know... Dark red maybe ? Probably wouldn't look as good with black ceiling though). You could always paint the trim the same color as the walls, would be trippy :)
If you want to paint your walls, try to find matte paints (Glossy is not good because it reflects light). Not sure how tech-savvy you are so take my advice with a grain of salt if you knew all this already :)

Buy some wire-hiding molding as well for your receiver and speakers... it's cheap and looks great / more professionnal.

[I Ace I]

:eek:

[herzograven]

classy setup
love the matrix figs
LOTS of green

[Jim.]

Sweet. Well I'll be over on Sunday for "the big game" just keep a seat open for me.

[TheRiddler]

Sweet. Well I'll be over on Sunday for "the big game" just keep a seat open for me.

LOL :cool: