Is a home theater even worth it or doable?

If you buy new. The closest boutique with good service , is the best . You may need advices and help for the speaker’s callibration setup, speakers placement and choice , etc .

You may buy used . Moreover if you are looking for a Receiver instead if a Processor. There is so much changes in this sector ……

The sound is very important in a movie . It will change the whole experience.
Not that much if you only watch CNN

I’m a big movie buff along with being an audiophile(Two channel music first with HT being a strong second).

One thing that I think is often missed is that a true HT system isn’t always about the deep rumbling bass or the bullets wizzing to the sides or behind your head(although that is cool).   It’s also about the gripping musical scores that are played in the background of these movies.  If you have a great musical HT system the background music just pulls you emotionally in to the movie even more.

Also, if I’m spending big $$$s for the stereo system I might as well be using that equipment for everything.

How can anyone watch a movie through TV speakers.  80% of a movie experience is surround sound.  
 

I would recommend buying an ARCAM surround receiver.  If you can afford their G amplifier technology I would do that.  First 50 watts is pure Class A.  Then buy some decent speakers.  
 

then watch Saving Private Ryan.  You can hear bullets passing by your ears.

you can also hear 2 channel music through your ARCAM.  Very good sound.

Surround is more enjoyable for surround music such as SACDs (some.)

If you don't have them tracks I don't know if it's worth it to you. I rarely fire mine up for video. YRMV.

I dunno... two channel is sufficient for me, with my Klipsch Heresy IV speakers which project the sound out through the room.  I also had excellent results with an old pair of Pinnacle AC850, and with my trusty Epi 100.  I also think a high quality soundbar would be fine with me.

I used to have surround, but actually got tired of it.  My enjoyment of movies has not diminished since I've gone to two-channel (plus a modest sub) for watching.

I'm at a large expensive house right now, where I'm taking care of it for a business associate and touring northern Nevada while I'm at it.  He has an 85" TV in his big living room, with a Sonos Beam and no sub.  I am impressed; it works very well.  I'm sure the Sonos Arc is even better.  And, one can add wireless Sonos One surrounds if one wishes, and even a wireless sub, to either model.  I think such a system would be a good compromise, as the TV sound source.  Easy partner factor as well: turn on the TV and the sound engages immediately, without fussing with any other components.

That way I save my nice amp, etc., for music, while the partner - who has little interest in ultimate surround sound experience and prefers simplicity - can just turn on the TV and be good to go. I'm more and more leaning towards simplicity as well.