How can you not have multichannel system

How much music is recorded in multi-channel format? I presume the original "Live At The Fillmore East" recording was not multi-channel. Was it reprocessed? Digitally enhanced? Or were the multi-channel tracks just rearranged to fit the SACD format?
Also, how many recordings are available in multi-channel formats, either remastered to fit or originally recorded multi-channel? Do I need to rebuy all my music?

Your video analogy is absurd unless you have eyes in the back of your head.
I can understand the live event being issued in multi-channel as the effect of crowd noise surrounding the listener is true to the event. Remixing "Blood On The Tracks" is another matter. If you prefer the mix that's fine but the original intent of the engineers who mastered the tapes is absent. The event is reinterpreted by a new mix master. If that's your preference, fine.
I have never heard this interpretation so I can't judge. Does this mix put you in Bob Dylan's chair, surrounded by the accompanying musicians? Or what exactly is the listener's perspective in the mix?

Sorry Mrtennis, but you lose 40 love

Mig007, your knowledge of tennis is suspect. At 40 love the game is not finished.

The question I asked remains unanswered; what listening perspective do you get with multi-channel playback? As stated before, it makes perfect sense for recordings made at a live concert where listeners are surrounded by crowd noise. But what is gained by using rear speakers for a studio recording? Is the listener sitting in the middle of the players? Mig007, you mentioned "Blood On The Tracks," and I am seriously curious as to what is presented in the rear channels.
I understand the analogy of getting higher resolution with SACD but disagree that that would be enhanced with more speakers. In fact I think it would be more difficult to discern different instruments unless they are specifically mixed to emanate from one speaker. That would sound strange.
My system for "serious" listening is in a small room which is not conducive to having rear speakers so stereo is where I'll stay but I'm curious as to what perspective the listener is in.
Understandable for video, which I have zero interest in, but I don't see it for audio. I don't doubt that good multi-channel system with a well engineered recording can sound wonderful but I know a good resolving stereo system, setup in a properly treated room, can present sonic nirvana.

2chnlben, exactly what I would like to get from this thread. Eldartford has given the best explanation so far while some of the links provided by the op have also been useful. I searched 5.1 audio for some info also and found lots of reviews of SACDs, some multi-channel.
A lot of what the op is referring to in his explanations are the benefits of hi-res formats vs multi-channel IMO. That's what I get from his explanations anyway. The link concerning the Chinese review is primarily a review of Bob Dylan SACD releases and makes slight mention of 5.1 information.
I agree with Tvad that recorded music is normally presented as if the performers are in front of the listener. A good resolving stereo system in an adequately treated room can present plenty of ambience to create this illusion. Can a well mixed multi-channel recording played back on a comparable system sound better? If the mixing was not done properly it would just sound like sound effects intent on making an impression.
Does it sound better? That's one question pertinent to this thread. Others are:
With the decline of SACD and DVD-audio, is there a an adequate selection of multi-channel music being released today?
Is the additional equipment needed to play multi-channel music worth the investment, especially if the sole purpose of the equipment is music and not video?
Can a multi-channel be properly installed in a small room, say 12X13 (my rooms dimensions)?
One more thing, before the op decides I'm one of the idiots who can't understand how music is mixed he should know I have extensive experience in the technical aspects of this field. In fact, I'd venture the majority of the Audiogon members posting on this thread have more than just a passing knowledge in this area. It is an audio forum after all.

Mig007, after the thorough discussion, how can you not believe it? The reasons for and against have been well argued. Some will choose 2 channel while others will go for the multichannel.
Let it go brother.
BTW, who is this Kal character?

Mig007, you're funny.