Hi Devan,
The usual way to check the aspect ratio is to look on the DVD label or case.
It normally says PAL or NTSC then 2.35:1 or anamorphic 16:9 etc. plus it has info about the audio such as Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS etc. and the running time.
If you don't have the DVD or box then it's a bit more difficult.
I have some advanced editing and DVD software which will tell me all the parameters of a file, but in your case you will probably get the best indication by playing it widescreen in your software DVD Player (i.e. WinDVD, or PowerDVD etc, or Windows Media Player).
If it's wider than 16:9 you usually get black bars top and bottom, but you can see the full width of the film.
Regarding conversion, the answer is no. If you think about it, it's obvious why you can't convert. (Well you can but you end up with either stretching, so all the people look tall and thin, or the sides cut off, which is probably what you are seeing.)
I think your best bet is to find some DVD software which will allow you to burn cinemascope films in full width with black bars top and bottom.
DVD shrink will do this but I think it only accepts DVD files (i.e. Vob files) not mpeg2 so it depends on your sources.
HTH.
Regards.

thanks for your help that was the problem now alittle more difficult q? that u may not be able to answer but if u could direct me to someone who could that would be great i was wondering first off how to create a dvd menu then how to take the video and dvd menu created and make a dvd then if needed a autorun is needed to automatically read the dvd when put into a dvd player how to create that
thanks again for previouse help and for future help

Hi Devan,
Glad we sorted that out.
Now to your other questions: It's a lot easier than you think.
1. All you need is some proper DVD authoring software. Note the difference between "authoring" and "burning" software. Authoring software allows you to do much more, including some editing, proper titling, custom or template menus, and more.
2. All DVDs will autorun in a DVD player or PC so long as you have created a "DVD Video" and not a "DVD ROM" disc.
3. I don't know of any decent DVD software that is free but there may be some out there if you search.
4. My serious recommendation, especially if you are going to do it regularly, is to buy a decent package. It needn't be expensive and some programs are very good and very easy to use. Have a look at "Ulead DVD Movie Factory", just google it. It's almost impossible to get it wrong with this package.
Best Regards and good luck.

thanks again

ok i just purchased ulead dvd moviefactory 6 plus and i have the movie on there and the menu made but b4 i waste another dvd i was wondering if it first off would make it so 16:9 videos would sho up on a regular 4:3 tv without stretching to fit and does it convert non 16:9 videos to 16:9 if you have the output set to 16:9 thanks again