More and more movies are 7.1 now than ever before. Most everything I've purchased recently is 7.1 (Maleficent, Dawn of PotA, Ninja Turtles, etc.). Several even have Atmos tracks. Always putting them to good use in the HT. Even 5.1 and using PL, works well.
S~
I think that is where I differ from many here. I am not going to buy a movie just because it has a 7.1 soundtrack. I tire of 40 minutes of buildings falling down and head toward movies with plots I can relate to.
I would never criticize others for their tastes here. Just mentioning mine. I used to be that guy, but I guess my age is catching up with me. I had a laserdisc player the first morning they went into test marketing in Denver in 1978. Adapted old Sansui and Harmon Kardon QS matrix receivers to provide dolby surround. Built my own speakers, including a joint project for a loaded horn subwoofer. That was a monster. After awhile I noticed I had a lot of laserdiscs that were garbage I never watched, simply because they were the hot pick for sound and/or visual effects. Eventually I decided that stuff just doesn't make for long term enjoyment. I cut back and now concentrate on only buying stuff I am going to enjoy watching regularly.
Back to the subject at hand. My receiver is 7.1 capable and THX certified. I haven't bothered to hook up the last two speakers though. I have an issue with my theater. I chose to curtain off the left side, rather than build a wall. The reason was that I wanted to be able to open it up for parties for the kids. Also works well for things like Super Bowl where folks can wander in and out. However, it doesn't leave me with a place to hang a side surround. I live with 2 back speakers instead and strap the receiver in 5.1 mode. As it is, there is not enough rear action in the majority of movies to justify even 5.1, except for ambience and depth. Many have said that a small theater will not really benefit from the two additional speakers. My theater is 12.5 x 19 with 1 row of 4 recliners and a bar for the second row. I guess I could add side speakers with some carpentry, but I am not convinced it would add greatly to the experience, especially at the $1k it would cost. I've been considering adding a monitor to the bathroom, and those other 2 channels might be put to better use there. Who knows, I could change my mind tomorrow, but for now I am quite happy with the current system. If I do decide to spend a couple of $k, it would probably be for the AT screen and placing the LCR in a better location and with a much better center.