Best ripping and editing software choices

August 4, 2008 12:29 AM

I need to copy a series of scenes from several commercial DVD's and then edit snippets into a single video (with narrations videos I make between the scenes). What software is best to get the actual rips and then what editing software can handle this best without requiring me to be a video editing professional? Is AnyDVD + CloneDVD+??? the answer? You are going to say I need to buy a Mac, aren't you?
posted by libraryman to computers & internet (5 comments total)

Downloqd the show or movie or rip it with DVD decrypter. Downloading may be faster. Open in Windows Movie Maker. Cut clips you need. Done.
posted by k8t at 1:36 AM on August 4

To rip, DVDFab.

You can work DVD Shrink to edit scene snippets from the rip into a single DVD file. And then AutoGK to turn the DVD file into an AVI.

Not sure how to add your own narrations in between.
posted by jabberjaw at 2:49 AM on August 4

Windows method: I love DVDFab for converting DVDs to standard (editable) movie files.

If you have a retail (i.e. didn't come free with your computer or CD ROM) CD/DVD burning package, like Sonic or Easy Media Creator, both those come with very handy beginner level editing suites that allow for multiple audio tracks for things like narration. Both can be bought at retail for $50-$100 depending on the sale of the week.

Windows Movie Maker is a PITA. Seriously. I've done a large number of videos and I've never found its interface to be intuitive nor its output methods useful. If you want a video that can only be played on PCs then Windows Movie Maker is it, but if you want something for the web or something to burn to DVDs then just get yourself a nice editing program.

And as a recent Mac convert I must say that the difference between editing on Windows and on Mac is slim as I hate the new iMovie 08. But iMovie 08 IS simple and quick...but lacking in features. So don't go Mac for just this reason.
posted by arniec at 6:13 AM on August 4

Rip: VLC can do it too, and VLC is free. Its not the easiest way to do it in the world, but you should be able to manage.

check the comments, the original website is gone.

http://digg.com/software/How_to_Rip_DVDs_with_VLC
posted by NormandyJack at 8:46 AM on August 4

DVD Shrink worked out nicely. Thank you all so much!
posted by libraryman at 4:30 PM on August 18