I started a page on the ds106 wiki that takes you throw the possibilities for getting the Video Essay done. It takes you through ripping DVDs (for Mac and PC), some quick trimming and compression tools, and how to do a voice over narration in iMovie and Movie Maker.
Would love if anyone who has something to clean up or add would do as much. You have to login to edit to prevent crazy spam, just use your ds106 username and password if you have one, if you don’t you can easily get one here. If the logging in and editing is a drag, just let me know anything you want to share in the comments.