How to record a video on a DVD direct to my Mac?

Is this a video DVD like iDVD could create? If it is open the disk and look for the Video_TS folder and open it.

Look for the .vob files which will be the video(s) in the DVD. They can be opened and played with the free app VLC. VLC can also convert the file to an mp4 video file. The settings should be:

Also there are DVD rippers in the App Store that can rip the videos with audio from the DVD.

my understanding of handbrake is that it needs to see a file before it processes.

You misunderstand how handbrake works. It will scan the DVD and determine what is available to rip.

If it can't find anything, then it isn't in a standard DVD format.

Is it actual standard DVD Video or is this a DVD written with some proprietary system like a Sony Handicam?

This may not work but in the Finder, use the key combo CMD +Shift + .

That will reveal all Hidden files. Use the same key combo to hide them again.

Did that show any contents of the DVD?

You could also try using Handbrake.app. Drag the DVD on the Desktop into Handbrake. That might allow access to the DVD contents.

You could also try using Disk Utility to make a dmg of the DVD. That should created on the Desktop. Then eject the DVD and try opening the dmg.

I'm just making stabs in the dark by saying what I would try. I don't have a DVD or player handy.

modelamac:

Opps. That's what tunnel vision does to you - makes you just jump to an answer without reading the entire question. 🤭

Alex:

Does the disk show up on the Desktop?

Can you play the DVD with DVD Player?

Try launching the VLC app and then under File ➙ Open try to select the DVD disk in the side bar of the selection window. If you can then selet the Video_TS folder and then the large .vob files to open and convert.

the free program called handbrake should be able to import it to the mac as a mp4 file

If you can play the DVD, you can see the files in it, and they will look like what Old Tosd showed you.

Not that this is necessary, bug you can start by going to Finder->Settings and make sure that thd boxes to show external and removable drives are checked.

This will help you to see the files in the Finder.

To get a simple playable movie file, follow the instructions others have already given and use HandBrake.

+1 and +1. HandBrake should work.

Old Toad,

OP's problem is that he CANNOT open the DVD in Finder to see or access the Contents, and that is why he is asking his question.8-).