Copying a DVD (feature film) to iPod . . ILLEGAL?

Question

I'm pretty sure that copying a feature film dvd (Austin Powers, etc.) to my ipod is illegal. Is it? I can understand why it would, but then again, if we're not sharing the dvd with anyone, only our ipods, is it still illegal? I have a hillarious Best of Jimmy Fallon SNL dvd and would love to put a few skits on my ipod. I'm really worried though because it says in the beginning of the disc there's no illegal copying.
hope you can give me some info.

Answer 1

To clarify what Ian has said, let's more precisely examine the written decision in the DMCA vs. Studios 321 case:
"Section 1201 divides technological measures into two categories: measures that prevent unauthorized access to a copyrighted work and measures that prevent unauthorized copying of a copyrighted work. Making or selling devices or services that are used to circumvent either category of technological measure is prohibited in certain circumstances, described below. As to the act of circumvention in itself, the provision prohibits circumventing the first category of technological measures, but not the second."
"This distinction was employed to assure that the public will have the continued ability to make fair use of copyrighted works. Since copying of a work may be a fair use under appropriate circumstances, section 1201 does not prohibit the act of circumventing a technological measure that prevents copying. By contrast, since the fair use doctrine is not a defense to the act of gaining unauthorized access to a work, the act of circumventing a technological measure in order to gain access is prohibited. Section 1201 proscribes devices or services that fall within any one of the following three categories:"
"1) they are primarily designed or produced to circumvent;"

"2) they have only limited commercially significant purpose or use other than to circumvent: or"

"3) they are marketed for use in circumventing."
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