New DVD 9 to 5 program: DVD Shrink 1.02

[mrbass]

thank you MisterX...precisely. I couldn't explain it like you do.

[Allistah]

Hm, I'd like to see ShrinkDVD have the ability to keep all the menus and stuff by default so it will be a 1:1 copy. Then give me the ability to remove what parts I want. That would rule.

What would be cool too is have a visual thing that would map out the whole dvd in a map fashion. Then you could see everything and easily delete what you want. Then the program would also remove anything under that menu as well to free up even more space.

I dunno I may be dreaming, but that would indeed rule.

-Allistah

[tyee]

Just found out that DVD Shrink errors on AOTC for the reauthor mode and gives this error --

"angle branch differ vobu count"

as soon as I select "reauthor" and hit "next" key.

Can someone else try this too please.

tyee

[mrbass]

Level 1 = light compression of B-pictures
Level 2 = heavier compression of B-pictures
Level 3 = Level 2 + compression of P-pictures
Level 4 = Level 3 + compression of I-pictures

I am not satisified with Level 3 quality. It's just not acceptable to my eyes (maybe it is to yours). Level 1 and Level 2 look great however.

Level 1 and Level 2doing B-picutures is fine


B picture (bi-directionally predictive-coded picture)
A B picture consists of motion vectors when previous (just before) I pictures or P pictures and/or future (just after) I pictures or P pictures are used for reference and differential information between a picture comprised of these motion vectors and an original picture. Therefore, to decode B pictures, two pictures used for reference are required, but compression efficiency is even better than P pictures. Since a B picture itself is not used
for reference, errors do not accumulate even if B pictures continues, unlike the case of P pictures. However, if B pictures continue, the distance from a reference picture increases, and as a result, the motion compensation effect may decrease.

Level 3 but touching P-pictures definitely produces inferior images IMHO.

P picture (Predictive-coded picture)
A P picture consists of motion vectors when previous (just before) I pictures or P pictures are used for reference and differential information between a picture comprised of these motion vectors and an original picture. To decode a P picture, pictures used for reference are required, but compression can be more efficient than I pictures. In the case of a sequence where P pictures continue, however, picture quality may deteriorate as the P picture deviates from the reference I picture, since errors accumulate during decoding due to the difference in the IDCT (Inverse Discrete Cosine Transform) calculation method between the encoder and the decoder.


Level 4 ok let's not even try this one here
I picture (Intra-coded picture)
An I picture holds all the picture information on one picture within itself. It is not necessary to refer to another picture to decode an I picture, but compression efficiency is not as good as for other types of pictures. Therefore, when the bitrate is the same, the picture quality of a stream of I pictures is lower than that of other types of streams. To edit encoded streams, however, it is more convenient to use numerous I pictures.


I'd say keep the algorithm as Level 2 but bump up the compression ratio even greater and name that Level 3. In other words don't compress P-pictures nor I-pictures. Actually best to take away all Levels and just do the algorithm for Level 1 and 2 but just let the user decide on the compression ratio.

I'm not gonna post screenshots but dvd2one compared to dvdshrink at Level 3 achieves better quality. Now at the same token I need to compare dvdshrink at level 2 to dvd2one.

let's simplify this B > P > I quality wise

[SniperKilla]

Originally posted by rpboy
I had this same problem on several movies as well. I just re-ripped them in File Mode with SmartRipper using a technique that was posted here (and in other forums) and then both DVD2One and InstantCopy worked fine on them.

It appeared as if a few blocks were still encrypted (or marked as encrypted anyway) which was causing the problem.

can you link me to that method? doom9's search isint working.

[MackemX]

try these

DVDDecrypter (http://www.deano.dsl.pipex.com/backup/dvdd1.htm)

SmartRipper (http://www.deano.dsl.pipex.com/backup/sr1.htm)

[SniperKilla]

i did those already, i even ran the ripped dvd through both programs again, and its still saying i have encrypted data, meanwhile dvd shrink goes throuigh it with no problem

[Antonio S.]

@MisterX:

About DVD Shrink video quality...

Do you had noticed (even using level 2) that there is some micromovement in all parts of the video created with DVD Shrink? Is like if the image is compose of small points and there is some inestability in their color. If you carefully check, the color of the image is changing or shifting very fast, especially with reds. Is the same behavior that use to have analog video cameras that doesn't have "Digital Comb Filter". This error is worst with "level #3". I transcoded same images with DVD95Copy, and I did't notice it, even when the resultant file was smaller...

Antonio S.

[kalvnhobbz]

So in re-authoring mode, there's no way of maintaining the menu's whil getting rid of extras?

I'm a little confused, because it seems like you can't - but there's a checkbox to "Include Menus" while the help file says "If you add a menu movie segment to your re-authored DVD, then it will not operate as a menu."

[golfextreme]

It's not a bad little program for med length movies, but I tried to do Star trek DS9 and it was horrible. I'll have to stick to IC for multi-episode discs.

[MackemX]

@ Antonio S. , I never got the chance to use level 2, only level 3 & 4 and even then I was no where near 4.37Gb

the blocking/pulsing/whatever it is, is far worse on my TFT as the TV improves the pic a helluva lot. Some people may not see it but that depends on hardware they view it with, what compression rates they used and the quality of the original video in the 1st place and finally their judgement of what they consider quality :)

You can't knock it tho cos it's free and will appeal to people but I'm quite happing using my InstantCopy/DVD95Copy hybrid method for now cos the end result is unbeatable for the amount of effort/usertime than any other tool can produce

so until someone makes the tool similar to the one I want in the post I just put up, I guess I'll stick with the same method for now :(

@ SniperKilla, you sure it didn't work with check keycode once setting?

@ kalvnhobbz, sure looks that way :(

[kalvnhobbz]

So what is the "Include Menus" checkbox for...?

[MackemX]

when you list the PGC's in the drop down re-author list, it also includes the menu's so you can add them

like I said when you do add them it just creates a new VTS_0x.1.VOB for them :(

[rpboy]

Originally posted by SniperKilla
can you link me to that method? doom9's search isint working.
Here are two links:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=67082

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?threadid=65935

Hope that helps you.

[aaz]

Tried to copy the Last Castel, it rash in 90%.
Did any one has the same problem?

[mrbass]

ok now I'm pulling back...I just compared two movies one at level 2 and one at level 3. Only one frame outta the four dvdshrink was better than dvd2one..(must've been a b-picture who knows). Anyway let's just say that it has a lot of potential and for a first release it's pretty awesome. I'm gonna see now about level 1....cuz I'm pretty picky and won't be using it most likely for anything above level 1. I guess it's like you guys said...if he can improve algorithm and get it to 4.36 then we got a winner.

I was really excited about dvdtoolbox stripping main movie and encoding with IC but filesize still is a humdinger of a dinger. Perhaps the hackers might wanna help out dvdshrink (I know it ain't open-source but it is free) and see if you can't help dvdshrink with his algorithms/ calculations.
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?&threadid=44321

edit: ok these are my current thoughts (http://www.mrbass.org/dvdshrink/) ...I hope to change them soon. Not sure about dvd2one...I think more like if the audio 5.1 and main movie is 5.6 to 5.8GB then it's ok to use dvd2one (my opinion only)...anyway for what it's worth...not much mind you

[paulusz]

I was happy to use SmartRipper or DVDDecrypter with InstantCopy or DVD2ONE until I run into problem with the backup of The Day OF The Jackal (PAL zone 2&4). It just did not worked as some blocks got corrupted and IC refused it and DVD2ONE created 2 coasters (my only ones). At one stage I thought that my original (brand new) DVD had some problem or some new copy-protection was used...than I tried DVDShrink 1.02 for decrypting and it did work!!! After that I could use IC or DVD2ONE or DVDShrink to complete the process. So it is obvious to me that DVDShrink uses new technology for encrypting that is in my case superior to SmartRipper or DVDDecrypter. Just a hint for people who have decrypting issues with some DVDs...try DVDShrink for decrypting and you might succeed.

[MackemX]

Originally posted by mrbass
edit: ok these are my current thoughts (http://www.mrbass.org/dvdshrink/) good info for all the movie only fans, but it should read 'I couldn't give a hoot about menus, extras, etc.' cos personally I could give a hoot about menus, extras, etc cos I'm a 1:1 fan :D

ain't it funny how all these progs change your opinion all the time. My head is spinning :confused:

who knows what tomorrows gonna bring :rolleyes:

[int 21h]

Originally posted by paulusz
I was happy to use SmartRipper or DVDDecrypter with InstantCopy or DVD2ONE until I run into problem with the backup of The Day OF The Jackal (PAL zone 2&4). It just did not worked as some blocks got corrupted and IC refused it and DVD2ONE created 2 coasters (my only ones). At one stage I thought that my original (brand new) DVD had some problem or some new copy-protection was used...than I tried DVDShrink 1.02 for decrypting and it did work!!! After that I could use IC or DVD2ONE or DVDShrink to complete the process. So it is obvious to me that DVDShrink uses new technology for encrypting that is in my case superior to SmartRipper or DVDDecrypter. Just a hint for people who have decrypting issues with some DVDs...try DVDShrink for decrypting and you might succeed.

There are only a few ways to decrypt my friend... perhaps your settings were incorrect.

[geffroman]

IF YOU DON'T COMPRESS THE HELL OUT OF STUFF THIS TOOL IS AWESOME...

Even if it wasn't FREE I would take it over the others

Instant Copy is buggy as $#!t - Updates ever hour

DVD2One spends all their engineering time on copy protection - first out last with features

DVD95Copy is better with features but no better quality than DVD2One

DVD Shrink has far more options, It Decrypts from Disc so you can eliminate DVDDECRYPTOR... It allows choice of compression on each VTS... It allows selection of audio and subtitles... It allows Movie ONLY... It outputs files OR ISO... It's fast as the fastest, no bugs to speak of and FREE...!

Do the MATH...! This stuff KICKS...!

[kalvnhobbz]

it doesn't output ISO yet. u also forgot to mention image quality, one place instantcopy is still better than the rest...

but it is pretty awesome anyway. :D

[mrchri5]

I just did a movie only of training day and it gave me 4.11 gigs. i can hardly tell the difference from viewing the original. IC gave me 3.91 gigs and doesn't look nearly as good. this is just the program I was looking for. most extras are junk anyway and you can never be completely original unless dvd-9 writer comes out so why bother with all the extras?

[MackemX]

I've done my math :(

one bug (well niggle) springs to mind is that you cannot get 4.37Gb everytime

your quality comparisions are based on movie only which is debatable and according to mrbass's early opinion only level 1 is acceptable as a compression method for movie only

so that doesn't leave many options apart from most movies only conversions that may get you 4.37GB if your lucky

regarding speed, ripping direct from the drive if you look a little more closely you will see that processing direct from DVD actually takes longer than if you have the ripped files on your HD and processed from there, so the time saving aint that great

don't get me wrong, it's a great program especially for movie only as you can just strip it straight out and crop it and it also has loads of promise and I will donate when the author sets something up to assist with this development, but as of now it's no good as a 1:1 backup tool that the other 3 are now mainly aimed at doing

really there are TWO markets to satisfy, those who want movie only and those who want the movie plus the option to keep some menus/extras and sadly this program will only satisfy most of the movie only market for now till it evolves (poll me thinks :))

All I want is a Title/VOB ID removal tool implemented that actually works and I'm sure there are quite a few more that would like that too

p.s. mrchris5, are you sure about that quality comparision?

[paulusz]

Originally posted by int 21h
There are only a few ways to decrypt my friend... perhaps your settings were incorrect.

Well, You might have a point here since I'm not an expert of decrypting but thanks to the smart softwares I backed up about 20 DVDs using mostly SmartRipper and occasionally DVDDecrypter. The exception is "The Day Of The Jackal" (PAL zone 2&4) that I am still unable to decrypt using the above 2 softwares with many different settings. Lucky for me DVDShrink came to my rescue. I wish I had a better understanding what went wrong with the other 2 softwares...

[Blackout]

Hi,

its pretty obvious to me that the program thats gonna win out of all these (Instant Copy, dvd2one, DVDshrink, etc) is the one that will allow you to use CCE to do the actual encoding...ie, you point the program to the CCE .exe file, and it feeds the parameters to it...and then colleates the rest of the disc.


Who wants to win this DVD-assembly program race then? Who's going to step up to the plate...DVDShrink?

[MackemX]

If Pinnacle got their ass into gear and IC worked as effeciently as DVD95Copy and DVD2One regarding IFO updating and sizing, it would be 95% of the program that a CCE program would be, shame really

If it did work as efficiently it would probably satisfy 95% of the users

every program does a little of what the perfect program should do, the winner will be the one that implements them all into one tool

developers, forget ripping and burning, there are simple tools for that and if people are too lazy to rip a DVD and burn a DVD then they are really lazy. The whizz's can always build a shell afterwards to fit the rip, process, burn process's together for lazy people who can only be at the PC to press the BIG RED BUTTON :D

concentrate on a tool that basically takes out what you don't want and spits out 4.37Gb but maintains the structure (include a movie only option for the movie only fans). Creating dummy entries is probably the safest way to go to maintain the structure if removing selected extras and will ensure better playback compatability

IC can do the audio/subs streams no problems now and DVD95Copy can do PGC dummy entries no problems so somebody please implement it all together, a bit like my dream tool I posted before

ta :D

[herrde]

Originally posted by MisterX
every program does a little of what the perfect program should do, the winner will be the one that implements them all into one tool

concentrate on a tool that basically takes out what you don't want and spits out 4.37Gb but maintains the structure (include a movie only option for the movie only fans).

This says it all and is exactly what I feel!

Since yesterday (and being a fan of 1:1 copies as well), I have been quite enthusiastic about DVD Shrink. I have only used IC7 before (which I've been quite happy with), and more or less the only thing that annoys me (like a lot of people here...) is that it doesn't hit the 4.37 GB spot exactly enough. I am more than willing to accept that it takes a whole lot longer to process a DVD than DVD Shrink does if this could finally be resolved.

On the other hand, the big (and for me almost the only) con of DVD Shrink is indeed this "level"-based recompression. I too have experienced some DVD's which would come out of the program either too large or way too small, depending on which level you choose. If this wouldn't be the case, then for me, DVD Shrink would win over IC7. I did a rough picture comparison on my equipment and must say that I noticed almost no difference when using compression rates of over 70% of the original (which I always try to aim at).

DVD95COPY in its latest Version (1.4b, I believe) sounds quite promising as well with its new features... maybe the final winner? Will check it out for sure!

All the best,

Gero

[airedale]

compared to doing this with the manual means of CCE, is the quality worse than if you were to do it with CCE? I think it sounds like a great program, but if I can not get the same quality as CCE... it may not be worth it...

[MackemX]

@ herde,
1.4 full is out now, and it wudda been sooner for most, if Digimedic never had a crash

it's much better now, but it's still missing that magic PGC/VOB ID Removal but apart from that it's just about right

if your lucky enough to have IC, you can use that to encode your main movie to roughly the size what you would get using DVD95Copy and copy menu/extras at 100% (removing relevant audio/subs also maintaining mapping) and then run the IC resulting files through DVD95Copy but set the option for the main title to no recompression so you get top quality main movie from IC mated with the excellent compression of DVD95Copy for menu/extras and it all fits into 4.37Gb

I did this manually before with Ifoupdate but now you just do it with a few clicks, ok so it takes an hour extra for movie from IC but if you are fussy bowt movie quality then this is for you

can anything give you better than that for user input at the moment? :D

@ airedale,
all depends what you do really and how high your standard of acceptable quality is

if it's movie only with the smaller movies and you use level 1 it may not be worth the fuss of CCE, but over a certain size then CCE will be the better option for quality, even DVD2One & DVD95Copy also

mrbass is the guy, if you wanna look for pointers on what he does with movie only as he's normally shows his limits for certain tools to use (earlier in this thread somewhere)

movie and menu/extras is basically 1:1 with this tool, take it or leave it :(, unless you strip it 1st before feeding it to DVDShrink

or if you are happy with having each title in a separate titleset you can use the reauthor mode

[mrchri5]

Originally posted by MisterX

p.s. mrchri5, are you sure about that quality comparision?


I used the level 1 and to my eyes it looks nearly as good. would I be able to tell more of a difference if I compared with powerdvd instead of tv?

[MackemX]

Originally posted by mrchri5
I used the level 1 and to my eyes it looks nearly as good. would I be able to tell more of a difference if I compared with powerdvd instead of tv? it will all depend on your two setups really and eye for quality

my TFT monitor displays a worse pic than my Sony TV, yet my CRT monitor displays a better image than my LG TV upstairs :confused:

that's probably one of the main reason's that the quality flame wars start as people see different pics, now add to that confusion their individual perception of quality and you get one big argument :D

[devanand50]

Hi MisterX,

Would it be possible for you to write a Guide for DVD Shrink - to get the best results and make it easy for all of those who do not understand DVD jargon. You have a done an Excellant job with your other Guide. How about one for DVD Shrink?( I know you can do it )
Thanks.

[MackemX]

try this for now until someone does one, cos I won't be doing one yet cos I won't be using it

German guide translated to English (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kreativhosting.com%2Fdvdshrink%2F&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools)

I'm sure KreatiV may knock an English version up if one ain't already avaialable

bear this hint in mind HERE (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=50586)

[mrbass]

I'll do a DVDShrink guide(movie only) sometime today but like I said before I only recommended using DVDShrink if you can get it to Level 1 compression or Level 0 (no compression). I'm a picky son of a gun.

@MisterX you're probably right about creating dummy cells, etc. if one is seeking a 1:1.

[devanand50]

T H A N K Y O U Guys. You are the MEN.

Thanks.

[kwag]

I've done a small quality test comparing DVD2ONE against DVD Shrink. It's down this thread: http://www.kvcd.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3535
You decide ;)

-kwag

[MackemX]

will it not depend on the frame type or whatever :confused:, the technical guys will explain it better


I did notice the blocking on DVD Shrink was smaller, it was more rectangular (standing sideways) in my few test runs but that was about it and DVDInstant95Copy hybrid will do 4 me :D

[Codewiz]

Would you guys say that using DVD shrink is bad to use for removing extras, audio, and parts of the movie? I know this can be done with Ifoedit and vobrator but dvd shrink makes it so easy. I like being able to easily remove the credits and audio streams all in the same program.

I know that IC butchers the IFOs but does DVD shrink do a good job of removing entries correctly?

[mrbass]

here's my comparison too.....only one frame did dvdshrink have better quality. Notice there is no level 1 in here which looks great.
http://www.mrbass.org/dvdshrink_dvd2one_pics.zip

@CodeWiz...yes it's GREAT for removing stuff like DVDToolbox...not only can you cut credtis for an additional 120MB or 300MB (rough estimate) but could also see if it'll work directly from the dvd-rom and if so do it from there.

DVDToolbox would take 15 mins to rip with dvddecrypter then about 6-8mins to strip stream it. If you attempt to see the stream sizes directly off the DVD from dvdtoolbox it won't work so don't attempt it as it'll report totally inaccurate sizes.

DVDShrink could probably do the whole stripping within 15mins or less and be done with it (I'll test this out). I have ripped with dvddecrypter all files and then stripped it with dvdshrink and that works perfect.

And two movies would not fit if I were to strip it with DVDToolbox they were like 4.45GB or 4.5GB just barely would make it (Signs was one of them) but cutting out the credits (just left about 30secs to 1min of credits) gave me the additional space needed. Time to strip it was about 7 to 8mins.

[MackemX]

mrbass, that one of scantily clad Sigourney Weaver, is the original mixed up?

[mrbass]

yes it was....hot damn....that was a test...hehe
ok anyway fixed it and reuploaded it...thanks for the alert.

[mrbass]

ok based on a pm Mister X sent me.....I am back and won't be so harsh on dvdshrink.....Level 1 and Level 2 seem to be fine as long as the target size in dvdshrink is say above 4.10GB I'd say go for it. However, I really don't recommended doing Level 3 or Level 4.

BTW I really need to introduce a new acronym which I'm tired of typing out...how about it
MM+A+S = Main Movie + Audio + Subtitles

I'm constantly referring to MM+A+S size when talking about DVDToolbox and DVDShrink. Some think when I say Signs size is 4.45GB is the total movie when in fact it's over 6GB but the MM+A+S stream stripped is 4.45GB and then cutting credits give it's 4.37GB.

or is MMASSS better? (Main Movie+Audio+Subs Stream Stripped)

[geffroman]

I think some folks are missing one thing about DVD Shrink... When I Shrink I don't use the LEVEL compression across the whole DVD... I use it subjectively through out each VTS section to get the desired result... This way I maximize movie quality while stealing a litttle space from extras and menus...

Let's face it though... If you want perfection there are some movies just too large to include ANY extras or menus... That's when I break out a flipper disk and split across two sides... I put all extras and menus and first part of the movie on side one... Second jhalf of movie on side two setting it to start where it left off... now I have everything and perfect video...

But if it is doable to keep everything AND slip in all the extra stuff on 4.37GB DVD Shrink at this point has the most flexibility and reliability... and the GUI seems to be the most stable and professional of them all... GO FIGURE... It's FREE...

It would mean nothing to me that it's FREE if it was junk... It just suprises me that the one that looks expensive compared to the others is the FREE one...

[mrbass]

Originally posted by geffroman
I think some folks are missing one thing about DVD Shrink... When I Shrink I don't use the LEVEL compression across the whole DVD... I use it subjectively through out each VTS section to get the desired result... This way I maximize movie quality while stealing a litttle space from extras and menus...


I wasn't aware you could do that....then again I haven't even tried 1:1 with it. I did try main movie only (set to level 2) and then was going to add just one extra feature (about 24min video) but it would be Level 3 so I decided against it. In other words I knew you can define custom levels of compression for each PGC you add but wasn't aware you could customize the 1:1...good to know.

[mpucoder]

Originally posted by Blackout
Hi,

its pretty obvious to me that the program thats gonna win out of all these (Instant Copy, dvd2one, DVDshrink, etc) is the one that will allow you to use CCE to do the actual encoding

Skimming throught this I'm not sure if somebody answered this, so I will. Any program that uses CCE would not fit into this class of program, ie self-contained transcoders. If you want to use CCE in an automated fashion try DoCCE4U. There is an entire forum dedicated to this http://forum.doom9.org/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=66

[MackemX]

Originally posted by mrbass
or is MMASSS better? (Main Movie+Audio+Subs Stream Stripped)
I've got movie retained b??????? audio subs stripped

missing the b

@ geffroman
I used the customize streams options everytime I've used it but what levels are you setting them at, cos I either had to use level 4 throughout still to get 4Gb or Level 3 for main movie making around 4.44Gb and that was keeping menu/extras all at level 4. I could never find the balance to get 4.37Gb for 3 DVD's I tried. I just click the options, Show Audio and tick em, Show Subs and tick em and then finally Show Video and set levels but always had to set Level 4 for main title due to 0.6Gb difference between Level 3 & 4 for that title :(. Guess I keep to much but I'm used to doing that being spoilt by IC

and cos there is no title removal feature I would just have to either strip stuff manually or run it through again to fine tune size and then that would may have an0 effect on the frames

I'd rather just put the original in if I wanna watch extras at high quality cos most of the decent stuff from extras you wanna keep from DVD's can be compressed highly with DVD95Copy but still be acceptable to watch while still having a very high standard for the main movie even with my fussy levels but that's probably down to my methods. Again on special occasions and with white rubber gloves on and everything disinfected, I will get the originals outta their vacuum sealed chamber :)

this will get better, but until then I'll hold off

p.s. has the author setup a donation option yet?

[2COOL]

Originally posted by MisterX
I've got movie retained b??????? audio subs stripped

missing the b

How about this?
menu ridden better audio subTitles stripped
Oo..<*)D))>{

[MackemX]

movie-only ripped best audio subs selected

[2COOL]

Piggy-backing on your acronym...
movie-only ripped best and streams selected

or

movie-only ripping best and selecting streams

[debug77]

Hi all

Been reading these forums for ages now but finally decided to post. Well, decided a while ago, but there's that cool-off period thing there ;)

Anyway. Just thought I'd post my experiences with DVD Shrink so far...

1st attempt: X-Men / Region 1 / Straight off the DVD.
Just just over 1hr to rip and encode the entire movie. The only way it would fit on a DVDR was at Level 4. The other levels were way over. After it had finished, I noticed it hadn't removed any region protection - even though I had ticked all the region boxes. Fixed that with IFOEdit, and tried it in PowerDVD. Quality on the menus seemed average at best. The movie itself seemed somewhat better but I wasn't really happy with it. Anyway... that didn't deter me.

2nd attempt: 8 Mile / Region 1 / Ripped with DVD Decrypter first.
Took about 25 minutes in DVDShrink. However this time I decided to get a littly wacky with the options. The original VIDEO_TS folder on 8 Mile is 7.87gb so I wasn't holding up much hope. After it had scanned the disk to work out the different "Levels", I chose "Customize Streams" and knocked the levels of the extras down and moved the main movie to level 2 (I THINK!). Also removed a few of the foreign language soundtracks. One thing I notice that was good was that it showed the new dvd size, allowing me to tweak it until I got it as close to a full dvd as I could. Gave it a directory path to put the files in and set it going. 25 mins later I had exactly what I'd asked for, the entire dvd in 4.31gb. Tried it in PowerDVD. Worked fine. I was VERY impressed with the quality of this attempt. VERY...

Oh well. Perhaps the best things in life ARE free.

One last thing, people asking for a FAQ or tutorial on it could do a lot worse than checking the help file that comes with it. A very rare beast in free software! :) Helped me out a treat with the Customize Streams.