I just got a new 7.2 receiver (thanks, Black Friday) and it has a "don't wake the baby" mode of some sort, that I think is pretty much exactly what you're askin

I just got a new 7.2 receiver (thanks, Black Friday) and it has a "don't wake the baby" mode of some sort, that I think is pretty much exactly what you're asking for. Flattens out the dynamics and raises the level of channels that tend to carry dialog. [EDIT] But yes, a better option would be for production companies to deliver that as an option to begin with, complete with professional attention to make sure it's good for its purpose.