I'm a DJ and we play videos. Once in awhile I'll get a DVD that sounds like crap in the DVD players (Xanadu, Rocky Horror, On Fire At The Bowl, etc.), yet sounds fine from VHS. (We've tried changing all the DVD audio settings, several different DVD players, etc. We can't figure it out...apparently the differences in fidelity are just more noticeable in such a loud environment. It sounds very tinny.)
Anyway is On Fire on VHS? I'd love to play the WWRY fast version sometimes....
If you paid me for (but not limited to) blank tape + postage, I can tape it from DVD for you (although I will have to charge a little bit for services since I will have to reconvert it and burn it to DVD-R so I can have it taped without the menu showing at the beginning on tape).
Let me know if you're interested.
ED: Your profile says you're in the USA. That means that you only need an NTSC tape, right?
You say you've tried changing settings, but this to me points to a common problem...
Dolby Digital or in this case DTS tracks, when downmixed through a sound system in stereo will become thin like this.. I'm not sure why it is, but they do.
It shouldn't be a problem here because the DVD has a PCM track which is the same as playing a CD.. so make sure you're using the PCM track when you play it. It makes no sense that VHS would improve things any.
For the other movies you mentioned, set your player to downmix the Dolby Digital to PCM right in the player.. not the sound system. It will make a world of difference.
And one other small thing.. do you have a public performance license for these exhibitions? ;-)