changing aspect ratio of home video before burning

[bec]

I was given a DVD copy of a home video that a friend took, but unfortunately, the aspect ratio is skewed, squashed down disproportionately to 4:3. When I watch the DVD on my computer, I can correct it by setting my viewer to 16:9 and stretching it back out, but when I watch it on my TV, through my standalone DVD player, it's squashed.

I know how to copy DVDs--I'm wondering is there a step between ripping the files and writing a new .ISO that would correct the aspect ratio so that it will play correctly on any DVD player?

Thanks!

[MOVIEGEEK]

https://forum.videohelp.com/topic326253.html
In your case make sure the flags are set to 16:9.

[Alex_ander]

Copy VIDEO_TS folder to HDD and apply IfoAR2WS to ifo's and DVDPatcher to each VOB in patch whole file mode (after setting 16:9 AR).

[bec]

Thanks so much! I tried moviegeek's suggestion first -- the IFO edit option worked and did exactly what I was hoping for. Unfortunately, now it's just a tiny bit squashed the other way! It must not have been filmed at 16:9; it must have been filmed at some strange aspect ratio that I've never seen before. But it's good to know how to fix the problem if it ever comes up again and really IS 16:9.