To any currently having problems with running these 1080p 8gb files on the finicky PS3, I've finally managed to create playable files.
Firstly - using Windows Media Encoder, freely available on Microsoft's website - I demuxed the WMV VC1 video stream from the WMA audio. The PS3 has problems with 5.1 at present with certain formats.
Next, I ripped the AC3 two-channel soundtrack from the official NTSC DVDs using DVD Decrypter. Then using BeSweet converted the AC3 into a 16-bit 48khz WAV file. After this the WAV was converted into a 16-bit 192kbs 48 khz stereo WMA file (PS3 doesn't recognise WMA lossless unfortunately!) using Adobe Audition (though Windows Media Encoder should be able to do this also).
Lastly, again using Media Encoder, I muxed the video and audio back together.
Result, perfect playback on the PS3. No audio sync issues either which is cool. The whole thing should fit on a dual layer DVD which makes it even more handy.
Thanks again to Wookie Groomer for these - they look awsome on a 100" screen :)
Any questions please ask.
Hope this is of help to someone,
- John
P.S. If anyone could hook me up with the 13GB versions of episodes 4-6 somehow I'd be mighty grateful. We only have a 512gb connection, and that is monitored for excessive usage!!! All discs paid for etc...