How do I replace a DVD's audio without hurting picture

[imgoinmad]

We did audio work for an indi film, using a standard def copy (shot in HD) of a non-color corrected locked cut of the film. We did our sound design and delivered a good mixed stereo file back to the film's editor.

Jump to a month later when we were delivered a copy of the film on DVD, I was pleased to see that the final picture was beautiful, they'd done a nice hd conversion to DVD, the color was great, nice vivid picture, etc.

I was horrified to discover that they'd done something to our audio. The levels were extremely hot with distortion. It was VERY obvious right from the starting titles as the opening music was playing. I'm not sure what they'd done, but discussing it later with the editor, they seemed uninterested and even unwilling to do anything to fix it...it was as if they didn't know there was anything wrong (ARG!!)

I'd like to 'rip' the dvd and replace it with the audio we'd completed so I can at least have a nice copy for our use. Is there anyone who might be able to advise if there is a way to decompose a dvd and replace the audio without affecting the quality of the picture through re-encoding?

[danijel]

Check out VOBedit for Windows. It wil demux the DVD to video (.m2v) and audio streams. Than you can use the .m2v in most authoring applications to marry to your ac3, mpa, wav or whatever, just make sure you un-check the 'recompress video' stuff if any.

[imgoinmad]

Originally Posted by danijel

Check out VOBedit for Windows. It wil demux the DVD to video (.m2v) and audio streams. Than you can use the .m2v in most authoring applications to marry to your ac3, mpa, wav or whatever, just make sure you un-check the 'recompress video' stuff if any.

It'd be ideal to be able to demux and remux with my corrected audio back in a format where it doesn't need to be re-authored. I'd love to keep their menus, etc.

[danijel]

Originally Posted by imgoinmad

I'd love to keep their menus, etc.

Sounds like mission impossible. If you don't get the answer here, try Doom9.net - The Definitive DVD Backup Resource
Good luck!

[neilwilkes]

What's your budget?
DVD ReAuthor Pro will pull the DVDapart, to a complete Scenarist Script.
Launch Scenarist. Load the script from DVD ReAuthor Pro.
All you then do is register your replacement audio asset & swap it out.
(Part>Placeholder, Replace file path, Placeholder>Data)
Compile.
Job Done (or should be)