Extract Audio Commentary From DVD, Add To HD Rip?

[benh911f]

I tried googling a solution to this, but found nothing that seemed practical or that wasn't at least 5 years old. What I'm trying to do is extract an audio commentary from a DVD and then place that commentary into a HD copy of the same file. Basically I want the audio commentary to be added to the HD source.
Thanks for the help.

 

[OsloBergen]

Here is how I do what you're asking in OS X.

I use MakeMKV to rip both titles.

Then open the SD mkv file with the commentary in to MKVTools, select the wanted audio track and click Extract. This will result in a new .ac3 file in your designated save location.

Finally, open the HD mkv file in MP4Tools and click the Add Track button to add the previously extracted .ac3 file. Next, select any tracks that you want included in the final .m4v including the .ac3 file which was added to the bottom of the track list. Make any changes to the files settings and click the Convert button.

Once it's processed the commentary will be selectable like any other audio track.

 

[benh911f]

Here is how I do what you're asking in OS X.

I use MakeMKV to rip both titles.

Then open the SD mkv file with the commentary in to MKVTools, select the wanted audio track and click Extract. This will result in a new .ac3 file in your designated save location.

Finally, open the HD mkv file in MP4Tools and click the Add Track button to add the previously extracted .ac3 file. Next, select any tracks that you want included in the final .m4v including the .ac3 file which was added to the bottom of the track list. Make any changes to the files settings and click the Convert button.

Once it's processed the commentary will be selectable like any other audio track.

Thank you very much, unfortunately when I add the ac3 commentary track in MP4Tools, the option to convert gets grayed out. If i uncheck this track, the option to convert is added again.

 

[OsloBergen]

Thank you very much, unfortunately when I add the ac3 commentary track in MP4Tools, the option to convert gets grayed out. If i uncheck this track, the option to convert is added again.

Hmm... That is odd, I've never seen it do that before. Let me run some tests and I'll get back to you with what I find.

 

[priitv8]

You could also try Subler for the same task.
As the audio commentaries are usually AC3 2.0 tracks, I convert them to AAC for better compatibility with Apple devices.

 

[OsloBergen]

Thank you very much, unfortunately when I add the ac3 commentary track in MP4Tools, the option to convert gets grayed out. If i uncheck this track, the option to convert is added again.

I ran through the same process using the original Ed Wood DVD and the Ed Wood BD and didn't have any issues. At this point I would just say to double check all of your settings and maybe try some other titles to see if you can get any to work.

You could also try Subler for the same task.
As the audio commentaries are usually AC3 2.0 tracks, I convert them to AAC for better compatibility with Apple devices.

Another good suggestion. Personally, I've never been able to get Subler to work for me, in any way, but I've heard nothing but good things about it.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

OP, identify the movie(?) and specific commentary track on the DVD and maybe someone with experience with that exact movie can chime in.

 

[priitv8]

Personally, I've never been able to get Subler to work for me, in any way, but I've heard nothing but good things about it.

Why not? What have you attempted and/or expected?
It certainly is best bang for the buck (you know the rule of divide-by-zero, right )

 

[OsloBergen]

Why not? What have you attempted and/or expected?
It certainly is best bang for the buck (you know the rule of divide-by-zero, right )

Based on the level of positive comments I've read on here and elsewhere, I'm sure there were elements of operator error. I don't remember the specific titles, as I haven't tried to use it in quite some time, but each was just a simple container change, H.264 mkv to m4v. The one result I remember seeing the most I would describe as pixelation. I eventually found the suite of tools at emmgunn.com and never tried it again, maybe I would have better luck with a more recent build.

 

[cduff]

I've had issues with Subler and audio tracks as well.

I usually put the file through Handbrake, then use Subler for metadata as well as adding the chapter thumbnails. Subler is a finicky program when it comes to audio, it doesn't like certain formats.

 

[priitv8]

I've had issues with Subler and audio tracks as well.

I usually put the file through Handbrake, then use Subler for metadata as well as adding the chapter thumbnails. Subler is a finicky program when it comes to audio, it doesn't like certain formats.

Yes, it uses it's own set of decoders/encoders that is not as extensive as what HandBrake provides. But so far I've used Subler only in the Pass-Thru mode of conversion
If audio needs converting, I tend to use MP4Tools. If video needs conversion, HandBrake. It has hands down the best IQ AVC encoder relative to bitrate.
For metadata i use Subler only, because I like the look of iTunes-like metadata, chapter thumbnails and HR cover art.

 

[cduff]

I agree 100%. Subler is by far the best metadata tagging program out there.

My iTunes movie and tv library all match the iTunes Store versions, complete with ratings and cover art.

 

[phrehdd]

What is the final format you want for your "HD" media?

I use TSmuxer and a few other programs but the results are not for ATV but other types of media players. TSmuxer does an excellent job of separating streams and merging streams.