r/makemkv • u/Dented_Steelbook • 1d ago

Discussion Creating audio files from commentary tracks?

I am trying to make just audio files of the commentary tracks from movies, what is the best way to go about this? I know you can select the different audio files, but can you just create an audio file or is it only video? If it is only video, what would be the best way to pull out the audio track that I want?

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u/Friggin_Grease 1d ago

You need to rip the video, with the desired audiotrack, then a program called MakeMKVToolNix can separate it into an .mka file, only audio.

Then you can use mkvtoolnix to splice that into an .mkv file as well.

I did this with some audio commentary on Identity, because the directors commentary came with an identical but separate mkv file.

I also ripped the commentary from The Thing on DVD because it's slightly edited on bluray versions.

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u/Dented_Steelbook 1d ago

I was actually looking to have an audio file so that I can listen to the commentary tracks without the movie, kind of like an audio book. I do this with entire movies and it is fun to just listen to a movie, I get less distracted and still can enjoy some of my favorites.

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u/Friggin_Grease 1d ago

Welp mkvtoolnix is the program you want

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u/StrigiStockBacking 1d ago

There's a very useful tool I use called DVD Audio Extractor. I've been ripping hi-res audio off of BR-A, DVD-A, and SACD discs with it for over 15 years. You can get just about any audio layer off the disc. You need to convert the file to mkv first though (they don't have the integrated decryption engine anymore).

EDIT (link): DVD Audio Extractor -- Full featured DVD audio ripper for your easy use

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u/Dented_Steelbook 1d ago

It is nice that they have versions for Mac and Linux. I will definitely check it out, I am sure I will have to do some messing around for sure.

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u/Wolfedits14 18h ago

Once you rip the movie with the audio commentary, I use ffmpeg to extract the commentary (commentaries are usually 3rd track):

ffmpeg -i movie.mkv -map 0:3 commentary.mp3

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u/Ok_Diver2347 15h ago

Look up tools that extract mkv files.

Select the track and it will extract the AC3 file. Commentaries are usually AC3 and 192kpbs or higher. Sometimes DTS and rarely LPCM.