Decided to try the deb from here
http://packages.kirya.net/
So far have only browsed through the gui. Will post back results after testing it out on an avi. (On the off chance someone hits this thread looking for the same info I was)
update/ Thumbs up!
Dvd plays perfect with mplayer. A couple of minor framefreezes using standalone player. Very nice for first attempt.
Gort! Klaatu barada nikto!