[ QUOTE ]
If dual layer discs don't hold a full movie, how are actual DVD movies made?

I just checked and a movie I ripped earlier is around 6.5 gigs . In this situation would the movie need to be shrunk or could it just be copied as is?

[/ QUOTE ]


I could be wrong about the upper ceiling on dual layer discs and studio-burnt DVDs. 8.5 gigs may be the max for any DVD, home- or studio-burnt. A quick search suggest 8.5 is about the max.

Remember, different movies will be different sizes. It depends on length, extras and the like. Some will come in under 4.7 gigs, some at 7 gigs+, or around 6.5 like yours.

As to your question: that depends. If your burner is dual layer, you can simply burn. If single layer, then you'll need to shrink. As mentioned elsewhere in this thread, DVD Shrink will do the job (this program will also allow you to remove unwanted options, like commercials, commentary, etc.).

I suspect that you've already decrypted the ripped files. If not, you need to do this. Check out DVD Decrytper. Both this and DVD Shrink are free.