Hmm, sorry to hear it didn't add anything for you. I'll agree that it's infrequent that real directional sound effects are heard, but it's really great for music and general noise (like the crowd during sporting events).

My rear speakers are bookshelf speakers. One sits atop a 6' tall DVD case, and the other on a 2.5' cabinet. This could create some problems, particularly with the shorter one being heard more, but it actually works very well.

Maybe you need to turn up the volume on yours? Try a different surround mode?