Top Tools to Create a Movie DVD CopyCreating a high-quality copy of a movie DVD can be useful for backup, format conversion, or playing on devices that don’t support discs. This guide covers the best tools available (free and paid), what each tool does well, how to use them safely and legally, and tips for preserving quality.
Quick summary
- Ripping extracts video/audio from a DVD to files on your computer.
- Encoding/Converting changes the ripped files into different formats (MP4, MKV, etc.).
- Burning writes files back to a blank DVD or creates an ISO image.
- Copying can mean a direct disc-to-disc duplicate (lossless) or creating a compressed backup.
Recommended tools
HandBrake (free, open-source)
HandBrake is a popular, cross-platform encoder that converts DVD/video files into modern formats like MP4 and MKV.
- Strengths: free, active development, many presets (devices, quality), good speed with hardware acceleration.
- Limitations: does not remove commercial DVD copy protections (CSS/region locks); you must supply decrypted files or use in conjunction with a decrypter.
- Typical workflow: rip DVD to folder or ISO with a decrypter → open folder/ISO in HandBrake → choose preset (e.g., Fast 1080p30) → adjust bitrate/quality → encode to MP4/MKV.
MakeMKV (free beta for some features, paid for full)
MakeMKV quickly rips DVDs and Blu-rays to lossless MKV files, preserving all video, audio tracks, and subtitles without re-encoding.
- Strengths: fast, preserves original quality, handles many copy protections for DVDs and some Blu-rays.
- Limitations: resulting MKV files are large (no compression); not designed to create burned DVDs; paid for long-term Blu-ray use.
- Typical workflow: insert disc → open MakeMKV → select titles and tracks → rip to MKV → optionally re-encode with HandBrake to reduce size.
DVD Shrink (free, Windows; old but still used)
DVD Shrink can decrypt and compress DVDs to fit a DVD-5 disc and create ISO images. It’s an older tool and Windows-only.
- Strengths: integrated decrypting/compressing, direct DVD-match backups, straightforward for DVD-9 → DVD-5 compression.
- Limitations: outdated interface, no longer actively developed, can have compatibility issues on modern systems.
- Typical workflow: open source DVD → analyze and select compression settings → burn output ISO or folder using a separate burner.
DVDFab (paid, suite of tools)
DVDFab is a commercial suite with modules for ripping, copying, converting, and burning DVDs and Blu-rays.
- Strengths: very feature-rich, supports many copy protections, includes DVD-to-DVD, DVD-to-ISO, and format conversion with profiles.
- Limitations: cost; many features locked behind paid modules.
- Typical workflow: choose module (Copy/Ripper/Converter) → select source and target (disc, folder, ISO, or device profile) → start job.
ImgBurn (free, Windows)
ImgBurn is a lightweight burning tool ideal for writing ISO images or folders to blank discs and creating ISOs from discs/folders.
- Strengths: reliable burning, many advanced options, small footprint.
- Limitations: Windows-only, doesn’t rip encrypted DVDs by itself.
- Typical workflow: create ISO from folder or rip with another tool → open ISO in ImgBurn → burn to disc at an appropriate speed.
VLC Media Player (free, cross-platform)
VLC can rip simple, unprotected DVDs to video files and plays almost any disc. It’s a useful all-in-one for basic needs.
- Strengths: highly compatible, free, can convert and stream.
- Limitations: limited control over advanced encoding; cannot bypass DRM/encryption.
- Typical workflow: Media → Convert/Save → select disc → choose profile → start.
Typical workflows (with recommended tool combos)
-
Lossless archival (preserve original quality)
- Tool: MakeMKV
- Steps: Rip DVD → save as MKV (all tracks/subs) → store MKVs (or burn ISO if desired).
-
Compressed file for devices / streaming
- Tools: MakeMKV + HandBrake (or HandBrake alone for non-protected discs)
- Steps: Rip with MakeMKV to MKV → open MKV in HandBrake → apply preset (e.g., iPhone/Apple TV/Android) → encode to MP4/MKV.
-
Direct DVD-to-DVD copy (backup to blank disc)
- Tools: DVDFab (Copy module) or DVD Shrink + ImgBurn
- Steps: Use Copy module or shrink/compress to DVD-5 → burn to blank disc or create ISO → verify disc.
-
Simple convert and play on PC
- Tools: VLC or HandBrake
- Steps: Use VLC to convert small discs or HandBrake for higher quality output.
Quality and format considerations
- DVD video is standard-definition (usually 480p NTSC / 576p PAL). Re-encoding at higher resolutions won’t add detail.
- For best quality keep original bitrate where possible (lossless MKV). If space is limited, aim for 2–4 Mbps for 480p target devices; increase for better clarity.
- Use hardware acceleration (Intel QSV, Nvidia NVENC, AMD VCE/AVC) in HandBrake to speed encoding, but verify quality—software x264/x265 often gives better results at lower bitrates.
Legal and ethical notes
- Laws vary by country. In many places, copying copyrighted DVDs without permission is illegal, even for personal backups. Always confirm local copyright laws and only copy DVDs when you have the legal right to do so (public domain, personal content you own, or explicit permission).
Practical tips
- Use a wired connection or reliable disc drive when ripping; optical drives can produce read errors with scratched discs—try cleaning or using slower read speeds if errors occur.
- For burning, choose a reputable blank DVD (DVD-R/DVD+R depending on player compatibility) and burn at a moderate speed (4x–8x) for higher compatibility.
- Keep original disc metadata (chapters, subtitles, audio tracks) if you want a faithful copy—MakeMKV is best for that.
- Maintain a folder structure or naming convention: MovieName (Year) [Disc]/MovieName.iso or MovieName.mkv for easy archiving.
Comparison table
| Tool | Best for | Platform | Cost | Removes DRM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HandBrake | Encoding/conversion to MP4/MKV | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free | No |
| MakeMKV | Lossless ripping to MKV | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free (beta)/Paid | Yes (many) |
| DVD Shrink | DVD compression to fit DVD-5 | Windows | Free | Yes (old) |
| DVDFab | All-in-one copy/rip/convert | Windows, macOS | Paid (modules) | Yes (many) |
| ImgBurn | Burning ISOs/folders to disc | Windows | Free | N/A |
| VLC | Playback and basic ripping | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free | No |
Troubleshooting common issues
- Ripping stops/errors: clean disc, lower read speed, try another drive, or use MakeMKV which tolerates errors better.
- Output won’t play on device: choose a compatible container (MP4 for many devices), ensure codecs are supported, or use device presets in HandBrake.
- Burned DVD not recognized: check disc format (DVD-R vs DVD+R), finalize disc, or try burning at lower speed.
Final recommendations
- For archival and highest fidelity, use MakeMKV to rip and store MKV files.
- For smaller files and device compatibility, follow with HandBrake for re-encoding using device presets.
- For direct disc copies, use DVDFab or the classic DVD Shrink + ImgBurn combo.
- Always check legal status before copying commercial DVDs.
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