I just finished editing an 85 minute documentary in FCP 5. Its all SD footage from Mini-DV in 23.98 16:9.

What is recomended for the final output to maintain high quality. Its ultimate destination is for DVD release, but would like to maintain the highest level of quality for submision to film festivals, distributors, ect. The film does contain alot of movement and color changes.

I have DVD studio 4.

Is a DVD-5 ok at this length or should I look to have it mastered out to DVD-9 and use less compresion? Or a different format all together, beta..ect.

Thanks.

Mark,

UIt'#s best to check precisely what the individual festivals require. Some my not settle for a DVD in any for, but require tape, sometime BetaSP, sometime Digibeta, though in the UK several accept miniDV. Some may accept DVD for the submissions process (in whgich gase copmrpession is not an issue) but require a broadcast tape format for the actual screenings.

With 89 minutes, DVD5 should be OK, as long as you pretty much fill the DVD and don't pad it out with extras. If you are making a DVD for festivals, make it ONLY the movie, don't be tempted to put any "extra's" on there.