Can I manipulate VOB files ripped from a DVD?

[MK]

I used DVD Shrink to rip a whole bunch of VOB files from the SNL 25 Years of Music box set so I can make my own single DVD best of.

I have all the VOB (and IFO and BUP) files sitting on my computer, but I want to make the transitions smoother between one performance to the next, so I'd like to either a) make dissolves between one VOB file to the next or b) fade down to black at the end of one file and fade up from black on the next.

I'm almost certain this is impossible, not without splitting the VOB files or converting them or something, and then degrading the overall quality when I do whatever it is I want to do. Am I right about that? If not, what program can do that?

[Xenu]

I'm pretty sure you're right...adding transitions would involve re-encoding the Mpeg2 content, unfortunately. It might be MINIMAL, but it would still involve an alteration.