The problem is I have 20 files that I need to combine together for a proper DVD movie. Can I do this in iMovie?
Yes. Add all of the files to iMovie '08 as separate events. Then sequence the event clips in a project in the order you want them to play with or without transitions. When the project is shared/exported, it will be as a single file. The disadvantage of this approach is that your files will all be re-compressed to create the single output file which opens the door for additional artifacts/decreased quality.
I read somewhere I can download quicktime pro and I can copy and save multiple files into one quicktime file and resave. Then I can open iDVD and import from quicktime. I am trying to avoid paying for software (which I am unsure if it will work) when I have programs that can do this already.
Either QT Pro ($30) or MPEG Streamclip (free) will work here. With MPEG Stremclip, simply re-name the file using an Alpha-Numeric strategy to order the files in the order you want them to play. The open/drop the set of files to the Streamclip work window and use the "Save As..." option to save the content as a single file. With QT Pro, simply open each file in turn, select the entire file (Command-A), copy the content to temporary memory (Command-C), and and Paste (Command-V) or Add (Edit menu option) the content to your target player being sure not to reset the playhead (i.e., make sure the playhead is left at the end of the player) after each file is added. When done, save he target player using the "Save As..." File menu option.
