Maintaining all DVD features, but not burned

[ShakataGaNai]

My girlfriend has a bunch of workout DVD's that she wants my to put on the computer (for easier access, bring on trips, etc). I've ripped DVDs before, but she needs to have all the menu features in tact.

So, is there easy way to capture the entire DVD (preferably encoded/compressed) to a file?

Thanks!

[Inspector.Gadget]

Yes. Use DVD Decrypter in ISO Read Mode (or AnyDVD's "Rip to Image..." feature) to create an .ISO image of the DVD. Then mount the image with Virtual CloneDrive and play it with your favorite DVD player software as if it were a physical disc.

[mrr19121970]

This is not 100% true what you say about AnyDVD rip to ISO feature. This is meant for Blu-Rays, there is a big warning given when you try it on DVDs. You will run into problems with disks with structal protection in DVD Decrytor too.

The correct solution is to use CloneDVD when AnyDVD is running to create your ISO. You use Virtual Clone Drive to mount the ISO and play with PowerDVD or TotalMediaTheatre.

[Ghitulescu]

One can have the whole functionality of a DVD, either as an ISO image or as a full-backup, provided one plays the DVD with a software DVD player, and not with any mediaplayer which loads the .VOB files one by one. It's more or less what Inspector.Gadget said.

It really doesn't matter which ripper did one use, provided the protections have been excised. Any software DVD player would play any correctly ripped DVD, provided it is able to do this from a HDD. If it doesn't, then the only solution is to have an .ISO, and this .ISO must be "virtualised" (to emulate a real drive and a real disc) - some of the players also have a "virtualiser"-detection subroutine, testing is required.

I think that VLC, in its later versions, could load the .IFO and simulate a real DVD player.

PS: I don't understand why people are so keen in having menus, but this is my problem. :)