I managed to get versions 0.9.8a, 0.9.6, and 0.9.5 all to configure/make/install using Cygwin (following the wiki how-to plus several more steps). However, when I run the exe, I get no output whatsoever. First I tried 0.9.8a with Qt4, and when I launched vlc.exe, there was no response, but vlc.exe appeared in the Processes list in Task Manager, so at least it was running. Next, I configured all three versions with --disable-qt4 --disable-skins2. Running these from the Windows command prompt (vlc.exe -vvv movie.mpg), it hangs with a blinking cursor, and I cannot ctrl+c. Again, the process appears in the Task Manager, and terminating the process there is the only way.
Does anyone know of an explanation for this behavior? I couldn't locate a similar problem here, so perhaps I am overlooking something simple.