Fan videos and aspect ratio: Identify a DVD's aspect ratio.

It's another one! I am writing aspect ratio tutorials for my fan video tutorial site at http://www.foolishpassion.org as well as the foolish passion fan video forums: http://fpvideos.proboards60.com/ And I needed a companion video to go with one of my tutorials.

Basically, it's this: The shape of your DVD's video picture frame (including letterbox) will determine the aspect ratio you'll need to know when you're editing your fan video. You only get two options when making fan videos (ripped from DVDs), fullscreen (4:3) or widescreen (16:9). Those are the only two aspect ratios that DVDs have. If you learn to identify which aspect ratio your DVD is, and learn how to edit and export your video with the right aspect ratio, you'll NEVER get squished or squashed fan videos again!

Remember: NEVER trim off the letterbox when you're making your clips for your fan video. The MOV or AVI files you import into your video software (WMM, iMovie, Vegas, whatever) should have the original letterbox intact. You can trim the letterbox off after you complete the video, if you like. (There are tutorials on the site which show how.)

You might be asking—was this tutorial necessary? It may seem rather simplified and obvious.

The answer is yes. It was necessary. Every little bit helps. :-)

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• aspect
• ratio
• fan
• videos
• vidding
• vids
• fandom
• vidders
• DAR
• PAR

[DreamyViper]

Those breaking glass sounds are scaring! lol! I think I need to re-read your tutorials. I made a test video using Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 and I just couldn't export a video with correct aspect ratio...*sigh*

[elvirasweeney]

LOL! I was using the special effects in my soundtrack software! If you're having problems with Premiere Pro, let us know on the forums, and we can help you out! HeathRA uses Premiere Pro, and I use Elements. (I have tutorials for Elements.)

[gracefulangel47]

HAHAHA! On the forums you have me in fear of my life for producing a perfect aspect ratio video- but it's a good thing, it's important in the viewing pleasure process:)

[elvirasweeney]

LOL, no worries about aspect ratio! The tutorials show you how to always get it right (and identifying the aspect ratio on the DVD is a big part of that). If you mess up once in a while, that's okay, that's part of the learning process! The big thing is that you are aware of what it is and you want to get it right.

[methosimortal]

ok, elvira!!!!!! speak! who has caused your displeasure that you felt the need to unleash another aspect ratio war?!? LOL

[elvirasweeney]

LOL! No, nothing in particular inspired it. (After all, every day is Aspect Ratio Abuse day on YouTube! LOL) I just needed a new video to go along with the tutorials I have on foolishpassion and the message boards, that's all! Some people learn better by looking at a video.

[whiterottenrabbit]

Thank goodness, that somebody not only knows what aspect ratio is, but also ACTUALLY CARES about the correct aspect ratio!

[suddenlyiseeu]

So all these years, I have been watching movies without even having any knowledge about the so called Aspect ratio. I think I should learn this properly as any mess in the aspect ratio bothers an Aspect Ratio Diva like u. Is it the lack of tech knowledge (Aspect ratio) or Richards face getting squished troubles you? I believe I know the answer.

[HeathDances]

DV I use Premiere and yes the ratio does not come out correct when you export it I have had the same issue but usually I just put it into MPEG Streamclip and then change it on there to the correct aspect ratio. I don't know if this is the "correct" way but it works for me! LOL