Resizing a video to reduce size

[apakhira]

I want to rip a dvd at a reduced resolution 2 get smaller file sizes. But i've read somewhere that reduction of horizontal resolution doesn't affect quality as badly as reduction of vertical resolution. (That's why SVCDs and CVDs,etc do this). Pls say if i'm right.
So anyway, if i resize the horizontal resolution, will the 16:9 DAR flag help bring the video 2 orignal size while playing?

Thanx

[mats.hogberg]

if i resize the horizontal resolution, will the 16:9 DAR flag help bring the video 2 orignal size while playing?

Yes. Depending on what you use to play it. (It's up to the player to use the DAR or not.)

You are aware that resizing as such, doesn't lower the file size? But as a smaller frame size contains lesser pixels, you can use a lower bitrate, which will result in smaller output.

[apakhira]

Thanx.thats what i meant.sry 4 not talking about lowering the bitrate.
Another thing, whenever i encode a movie in DivX i lose a bit of contrast,brightness and color vibrance.Is that normal? How do i reduce this?