You could use identical amps off the same remote but there's still the sub. As for the rest, it all depends on how much you want to spend. Personally, I think receivers are all you need for HT. If you are into multichannel SACD or DVD-A, then that's a different story.
What you propose would work but matching the volume levels for the front & rear amps & sub would be a PITA ;) (unless the DVD player has an internal volume control). It would be easier to get a cheap receiver that has preouts (or make lineouts) so you can use the receiver as a source for the...