5.1 vs 3 channel???

Hi
I am building a system in my finished basement. Is there a way/equipment to just use just fronts and a center channel for ht and just use the fronts for listening to sacd? Will I miss/lose anything watching dvds? I am confused, when you go to a concert the sound is in front of you, not behind you.

I have not been impressed with the ht systems I have heard. The other day I watched a football game at a friends house and quite frankly, the sound that came out of the rear speakers was annoying?

Thanks
Mark