What is the best way to convert my iDVDs into mp4s?

The free VLC Player can do that with non-copyright protected disks, such as your personal videos.

https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html

1. Insert a DVD disc into the DVD drive on Mac.
2. Open VLC, and on the top menu choose File > Convert / Stream.
3. Click the Open Media button. Choose the mounted DVD, then the VIDEO_TS folder.
4. You'll see multiple .VOB files. Select the largest one in megabytes. This is typically the main video.
5. The default translation is H.264 + MP3 (MP4). If you click on the Customize button, you'll see the actual default under the Encapsulation tab is MP4.
6. Click Save as File. Give your file a name and destination. Click the Save button.

Hi, rosiegirl8,

Read through the link below in its entirety, and you should be able to do what you envision. Instead of VLC, try using the free download, Handbrake, where you can preserve interactive iDVD chapters. With Handbrake you can open the DVD or disc image and convert it to an Mp4. Handbrake will give you the option to preserved the chapters so that they can be interactive when played in QuickTimePlayer.

How to transfer old family DVD movies, in… - Apple Community

So you can convert the DVD by going to the VOB files, or by avoiding that and going directly to the DVD.

-- Rich

Not quite. Per the Solved response in the linked discussion:

Rich is correct when he says that there is a VOB file that includes the menu. If this is converted in HandBrake then it will not be interactive like the menu in iDVD is.

Meaning, yes you can convert the small .vob file that is the menu screen, but then that's exactly what you have. A short video of the menu that doesn't point to, or launch anything.

Hi, Kurt,

Yes, I had a faulty memory.

You are correct that neither the VOB method that I suggested in the thread link, or converting directly from the DVD, will carry over an interactive DVD menu. The conversion method directly from the DVD will carry over interactive chapters when played in QuickTimePlayer. Chapters are problematic so may not carry over to other apps or players.

Still, the direct conversion method will accomplish most, if not all, of the OP’s desired results.

• Rich

Yes, you have to convert each .VOB file separately and watch the MP4s as individual movies.

No. Conversions to MP4 can't maintain the menu structure.

I didn't test with a disk image. Only with a personal DVD I have here.