7 Reasons to Avoid a NOZZCO Portable Giant Movie Screen Today

Hey there! So you‘re thinking about getting one of those giant inflatable screens to create an outdoor home theater, huh? The NOZZCO inflatable screen sure seems impressive in the pictures…but as your resident tech expert, let me walk you through some serious downsides to consider before you purchase it.

I know, I know…you mainly want that huge, cinema-style experience right in your own backyard. Can’t blame you! But beyond the initial novelty, this particular monster screen would actually bring some big headaches rather than enjoyment. I’ve analyzed the details and data closely, and sadly the NOZZCO has some fatal flaws. Luckily, there are better-quality portable screens out there that I can put you onto instead.

But first, what sparked this sudden interest in al fresco movie watching anyway?

The Growing Allure of Backyard Movie Nights

Outdoor home theaters have blown up recently thanks to ultra-affordable projectors and large format screens. Their popularity surged even more this past year as folks sought safe at-home entertainment with that open-air ambiance. Can’t beat snuggling up to watch a flick as the sun goes down!

These outdoor setups now range from simple white sheets to theatrical-grade projector screens. But the most buzz has centered around these new inflatable screens that literally blow up to the size of a house! The NOZZCO model you asked about is likely the most giant at around 20 feet wide fully inflated. Imagine having a personal IMAX just steps from your kitchen!

On the surface, it‘s an awesome concept…but here‘s the inside scoop on why you may want to avoid buying this particular outdoor screen brand.

1. Good Luck Finding Space for This Behemoth

The inflated dimensions on the NOZZCO are no joke at 20 feet wide by 14 feet tall. Take it from me – that thing would overwhelm most standard backyards! When accounting for the rear blower structure and side buffers, you‘d need at least 25 feet of clear width to set this monster screen up properly.

Your average suburban lawn is typically 15-20 feet wide along the back of the house. Maybe you could cram it crosswise from fence to fence…but cables, pathways, and landscaping would surely be in the way. Don’t even think about shoehorning this beast onto apartment balconies or rooftops!

Bottom line – the NOZZCO screen just takes up a ginormous footprint that few residential homes could accommodate. Those sprawling country estates you see it set up at online? Total outlier properties. For 98% of folks, this inflatable screen is just way TOO bulky.

2. One Gust of Wind and It All Goes Sideways

I hate to break it to you, but your backyard is likely a wind tunnel thanks to open air exposure, lack of tree coverage, and factors like screen orientation. Don’t believe me? Just observe how easily your patio furniture gets rearranged next storm!

Now picture that huge flat NOZZCO screen catching moderate wind gusts. Owners cite issues with the inflatable shaking violently, bending precariously to one side, or even tipping over completely. No one wants their heavy-duty screen flapping around like a downed kite!

And don’t get me started on rain soaking into the blower motor or screen fabric. Exposure to the elements is this setup’s Achilles’ heel…definitely NOT ideal for permanent outdoor placement subject to those conditions.

You’re far better off getting a solid, weatherproof screen built for backyard use rather than this inflatable hassle.

3. Nonstop Roar from That Tiny Blower Motor

Here’s an under-discussed drawback to be aware of…the constant WHIRRRRR of that little blower fan needed to keep the NOZZCO inflated! Mounted on some stand in the back, it has to run the entire time you’re using the screen or else the whole structure could collapse.

Reviewers describe this motor noise as distractingly loud, saying you have to really crank the movie volume to overcome it. And based on the decibel specs, we’re talking the equivalent of a shouting match or lawnmower running the whole time. Picture how much that would undermine hearing quiet dialogue or atmospheric movie sounds.

Having to monitor power and placement for the blower the whole time also puts a big damper on cozy date nights. Definitely more hassle than romance going on there!

4. Don’t Expect This Inflatable Screen to Last

Cheap vinyl and loose stitching make up these inflatable screens, so their durability takes a hit. Multiple NOZZCO reviewers cite loose threads around the screen straps and tears through the fabric after just weeks or months of light use.

And that wimpy blower fan included? Owners say it conks out pretty quickly trying to reinflate such a huge screen day after day. No wonder they sell replacement blowers in the NOZZCO “accessories” section! What kind of accessory should be mandatory for regular operation?!

Between shoddy construction and lack of weatherproofing, expect to make repairs or replace components annually. Other rigid, solid screens built of resilient materials will hold up MUCH better long-term by comparison.

5. Like Watching Movies in a Haunted House!

Here’s my biggest gripe as a discerning techie – NOZZCO‘s screen totally lacks any reflective coating or special surface to give that immersive viewing experience! So instead of heightened color, sharpness and brightness, their basic screen fabric diffuses and dulls the projected image.

Picture that faded, blotchy, grayish picture you see on sheets or blank walls…but now in OVERSIZED disappointing glory! Reviewers pan the NOZZCO‘s dull colors and detail loss compared to mainstream screens. I mean even $20 portable pop-up screens often boast reflective coatings nowadays. Surely we can add a basic projection surface to our $500+ novelty inflatable screen, right?!

Don’t sacrifice image quality just for the sake of larger screen size in my opinion. Go with a smaller yet visually vibrant portable screen instead.

6. Where the Heck Do You Store This Giant?

When movie time is over, the hassle continues trying to wrangle the NOZZCO back into storage. Deflating and handling these ginormous screens is unwieldy, and good luck trying to squeeze it back into the carrying bag as shown.

Folded carefully to avoid fabric damage, we calculate this screen still requires around 9 cubic feet for storage. That’s over half the size of a standard hall closet! And keeping it inflated between viewings risks punctures, especially if kids or pets are roaming the yard. No good options either way.

Compare that storage headache to folding down a compact commercial screen into its carrying case after use. The NOZZCO’s size makes it extremely inconvenient as a permanent backyard installation.

7. Returning This Behemoth? Just Light Your Cash On Fire Instead…

Buyer’s remorse is strong with this one given its laundry list of drawbacks. But trying to repackage and ship back an inflated 20-foot screen after purchase? More painful than a root canal, my friend!

You‘d need an oversized freight truck for pickup at significant cost, assuming their support even approves the return. And good luck getting a full refund after paying hefty shipping fees and restocking losses due to condition deteriorating outdoors.

Basically you’re stuck pursuing partial refunds, selling at a big loss secondhand, or keepsaking this whale of a conversation piece if (ok WHEN) dissatisfied. Pretty risky proposition without a true trial period available.

Better Outdoor Screen Alternatives to Consider

Rather than inflatable screens, go with a solid yet portable screen designed for outdoor use like these well-reviewed models I recommend. They strike a great balance of large viewing size, stellar construction, hassle-free setup/storage, and visual performance. Let me know if you have any other questions!

The Verdict: Think Twice Before Buying This Problematic Giant

I know the siren song of having a MASSIVE cinematic screen looming over your backyard. But clearly the NOZZCO inflatable model comes with an unforgiving list of real-world issues that only power users could tolerate.

Between impractical space demands, flapping fabric vulnerable to weather, bothersome inflation equipment, frequent maintenance, lackluster picture quality, storage headaches, and terrible returns policies – this novelty screen delivers more headaches than Hollywood magic for most homes.

Do yourself a favor and consider more reasonably sized screens built specifically to excel in outdoor home theater settings for the long haul. Your eyes (and ears) will thank you!

Let me know if you need any other buying advice or want me to dig up some product recommendations. Happy screening!