Is it possible to watch a Blu-ray movie using VLC media player?

Yes, it is possible to watch a Blu-ray movie using VLC media player, but there are a few steps you need to follow since VLC does not natively support Blu-ray playback due to licensing issues. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps to play a Blu-ray movie with VLC.

Steps to Play a Blu-ray Movie with VLC Media Player

1. Install VLC Media Player

Ensure that you have the latest version of VLC installed on your computer. You can download it from the official VLC website.

2. Install the Necessary Libraries

VLC requires additional libraries to play Blu-ray discs. You need to download the AACS dynamic library and the BD-J files. These files can be found on various forums or repositories online. Ensure you download them from a reputable source.

2.1 AACS Dynamic Library

The AACS dynamic library (libaacs.dll or equivalent for your operating system) should be placed in the VLC installation folder. For Windows, this is typically located at C:Program FilesVideoLANVLC.

2.2 BD-J Files

The BD-J files should be placed in a folder named aacs within your VLC configuration directory. For Windows, this folder is typically located at C:usersYourUsernameAppDataRoamingvlcaacs. For macOS, it would be at ~/Library/Preferences/vlc/aacs.

3. Insert the Blu-ray Disc

Insert the Blu-ray disc into your Blu-ray drive.

4. Open VLC and Play the Disc

4.1. Open VLC

Open VLC and go to Media Open Disc.

4.2. Select Blu-ray

Select Blu-ray and make sure to choose the correct disc device, then click Play.

If everything is set up correctly, VLC should be able to play the Blu-ray movie. However, some Blu-ray discs with advanced copy protection may still not work.

Alternative Solutions

Although VLC does not natively support Blu-ray, the software BDMagic can convert Blu-ray discs to a format suitable for VLC. This process requires a bit of setup but can be a good workaround for playing Blu-ray movies.

Another option is to use BDMagic to rip and convert the Blu-ray to a format that VLC can play. BDMagic can either use plug-in libraries or filesystem passthrough to allow VLC to play the streams on encrypted Blu-ray discs.

While BDMagic can handle the conversion, it is important to note that not all discs work perfectly with this method. Some titles have advanced copy protection that may prevent playback.
BD-J implementation in VLC is still missing some features, which can impact the functionality of menus and other BD-J features. However, you can still play title numbers directly if you know the title number. BDMV menus work pretty much seamlessly in my experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, playing a Blu-ray movie with VLC is possible with the right setup and additional libraries. While there are some limitations, these steps can help you enjoy your Blu-ray movies using VLC. If you encounter issues, consider using alternative tools like BDMagic to ensure the best possible playback experience.