The VideoLAN Forums

Old DVD clips aspect ratio distorted.
VLC codec states video 720x576 (1.25) and should be VLC setting 5:4

But in fact on screen ratio is 1.21.
VLC ratio has been set manually to 5:4 but no change to automatic ratio.
So when VLC codec states 720x576 (1.25) on screen it's displayed 1.21

And actually looks better played 4:3 aspect ratio (1.33)
Since there is visible distortion, aspect ratio has been measured on screen with ruler as results above.

Original is PAL DVD from 2004 - 720x576, mpg.
I converted to mkv but no change.

Any ideas how to fix without setting manually aspect ratio to 4:3 each time for each clip?
Thanks.

Hit the letter 'c' repeatedly until you get the desired aspect ratio. Letter 'o' to toggle.

Try to remux video in MKVToolNix (set the right aspect ratio of the video track there).