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DVD Shrink remains one of the most talked-about free tools for compressing and backing up DVD content. Despite its age and lack of updates, it still attracts users looking for a simple way to reduce DVD file sizes and save them as ISO or folders. However, its limitations are hard to ignore.

In this article, we'll provide a full review of DVD Shrink, including its core features, how to use it, and why many users are now turning to more advanced alternatives.

What is DVD Shrink

DVD Shrink Overview

DVD Shrink review

DVD Shrink is a free DVD transcoder designed for Microsoft Windows, primarily used to back up DVD content and reduces the size of DVD files by compressing data. The software also supports basic decryption of copy-protected DVDs, enabling users to create backups with options like re-authoring and custom compression settings.

DVD Shrink has not received any updates since version 3.2.0.15, and its decryption methods are outdated. Still, users running older versions of Windows can use DVD Shrink for free to compress, digitize, and store commercial DVDs locally.

💻Supported OS: Windows PC (versions 8/7/XP and Vista). It can also be downloaded and used on Linux with Wine.

💲Price: DVD Shrink is completely free of charge. Users can even donate to its official site. However, it is optional.

💡Key Features

  • Shrinks the size of DVD video content to fit on standard 4.7GB discs
  • Saves the DVD structure as an ISO file or a VIDEO_TS folder
  • Allows users to adjust compression levels, and remove unnecessary extras
  • Decrypts older commercial DVDs on earlier Windows operating systems

How to Use DVD Shrink to Compress DVDs

Step 1: Download and install the official version DVD Shrink 3.2.0.15 on your Windows PC. Open the program and click "Open Disc" to load the DVD.

How to Use DVD Shrink to Compress DVDs

Step 2: For custom backups, click the "Re-author" button in the top menu. Under the Re-author mode, drag and drop the main movie title (usually the largest in duration) from the right panel to the left. You can preview it in the bottom-left window to confirm.

How to Rip DVD Content Using DVD Shrink

Step 3: Click the "Backup!" button to open the backup settings window.

  • In the "Select backup target" dropdown, choose "Hard Disk Folder" to save the output as a standard DVD folder (VIDEO_TS).
  • Under "Select target folder for DVD output files", browse and choose where to save the backup on your computer.

DVD Shrink review and alternative

Remember: Make sure you have enough free space — one full movie or episode can take 1–4 GB depending on compression level.

What Users Say About DVD Shrink

We have collected feedback and experiences of using DVD Shrink from various popular forums and user communities. By summarizing these real user reviews and discussions, this part highlights the advantages and disadvantages of DVD Shrink to help you learn the performance.

Pros and Cons of DVD Shrink

 What we like
  • Supports compression of large DVD files for seamless playback on smaller discs
  • Re-authoring options allows selective backup by choosing titles or extras
  • Handles many common DVD encryption types like RC, CSS and RCE
  • Uses default compression algorithms to maintain acceptable playback quality
 What we don't like
  • No updates since 2005: Lacks support for recent operating systems
  • Compression can degrade video quality noticeably in some cases
  • Only works with DVDs, not Blu-rays or other media types
  • Old Windows OS only: No native Mac or Linux versions

Best DVD Shrink Alternative: DVDneXtCOPY DVD Copy

DVD Shrink has been a popular choice for DVD backups for years. However, it hasn’t been maintained for over two decades, which means the software may encounter compatibility issues and lacks support for newer copy protections. It also suffers from noticeable loss in output quality. For users seeking a modern and reliable solution, DVDneXtCOPY DVD Copy is a solid alternative.

DVDneXtCOPY is an efficient DVD copy software that can backup and compress DVD with high quality. It offers 7 different copy modes to suit your needs, whether you want an exact replica or a compressed version for limited space. You can customize and personalize your copies with full content or just the main movie of the original DVD. 

WHAT WE LIKE
  • Support decrypting copy-protected DVDs
  • Preserving the menu of the original DVD
  • Copy 1:1 or with compression (DVD5)
  • Support setting chapter ranges and selecting differ
  • Split a large-size DVD into two DVDs
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
  • The free version supports only old DVDs without compression

How to Copy DVD to Computer Using DVD Shrink Alternative

Step 1: Install and launch DVDneXtCOPY DVD Copy.

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Step 2: Insert the DVD you want to rip into your drive. DVDneXtCOPY will automatically load the disc as the source.

Step 3: Select "Copy" on the left pane of the software interface. Choose the copy mode as Full Disc, Main Movie, Clone/Burn, Merge, Split, or Customize depending on your needs. 

How to Copy DVD with DVD Shrink Alternative

Step 4: Choose the chapter range, customize audio/subtitle tracks, and click the poster to correct it if needed.

DVD Shrink Alternative: DVDneXtCOPY DVD Copy

Step 5: Set output as DVD-9 (1:1 copy) or DVD-5 (compressed) and choose the target folder.

How to Copy DVD to Computer Using DVD Shrink Alternative

Step 6: Click on the "Start" button to save the DVD to your computer.

FAQs

1. Is DVD Shrink available for Mac?

No. DVD Shrink is only available for Windows. If you’re using a Mac, consider using DVDFab DVD Ripper or MakeMKV, which supports converting, compressing, and editing DVDs into digital formats at a blazing speed.

2. Is DVD Shrink safe?

Yes, DVD Shrink is generally safe to use for DVD compression and backup. However, since it hasn’t been updated since May 2005, it’s important to download it only from trusted sources to avoid malware or corrupted files.

3. Can I still download the DVD Shrink?

Yes, DVD Shrink can still be downloaded for Windows. However, the official website no longer hosts the installer. You may find legitimate versions on reputable third-party sites or archives, but always exercise caution when downloading software from unofficial sources.

Final Verdict

DVD Shrink was once a popular choice for DVD backups, but its outdated design and lack of advanced features mean it no longer meets the needs of most users. After examining the current state of DVD Shrink, this article introduces DVDneXtCOPY DVD Copy — a safer, regularly updated alternative that allows you to quickly batch process your DVD collection.