No one knows how to play Blu-ray in Linux.
No one knows how to play Blu-ray in Linux.
I've been checking out Pop OS to see if it's worth adding to my routine. Most of the apps I wanted to use didn't work with Wine, PlayOnLinux, or Lutris. I'm looking for a way to play Blu-ray discs with menu options available. I tried installing PowerDVD21 Essential but it didn't function properly in those environments.
VLC is one of the two leading video players for Linux and Windows. It’s free, open-source, and very capable. It can handle almost any task you require and more.
I've tested VLC but it didn't work with all my Blu-ray drives. I'm looking for a menu option to pick special features. There might be plugins I'm missing. Previously, using the library at https://www.videolan.org/developers/libbluray helped, though some newer films refused to play and a few older discs from a box set didn't work either—like my Rush Hour 1, 2, and 3 collection.
The concise response is no. BlueRay Format works on Linux, but the security measures on BluRay discs are largely ignored by companies. Windows faces similar issues, with most software spending effort on bypassing these protections through third-party tools. Linux lacks a robust open-source alternative since developers would constantly face new challenges, slowing progress. Most distributions don’t include built-in BluRay support by default. If you need basic functionality, explore the Arch Wiki entry and tailor it to your distro. The best workaround is using MakeMKV with Handbrake. For better results, consider investing in affordable hardware like Jellyfin or Plex to store your media.
I attempted it on Windows but it repeatedly claims my discs are damaged. Could you confirm if there’s an issue with your setup? On testing, I navigated to Preferences—Integration—and checked VLC; then I opened makekv, launched the disk in VLC, and it reported corruption.
I use Pop!OS since version 18.04 and the default Bluray Player has always been able to play Bluray disks... Otherwise, use VLC... If you are new to Linux, here is a tip: Don't try to run your Windows app in linux first... Try "the Linux way" It is painful at first, and disorienting, but I bet you will not want to go back when you get the gist of it! ITSFOSS is a good source to find alternatives to the software you are used to on windows. And like switching to Mac, there is a learning curve.
MakeMKV offers assistance with DRM-protected discs. It requires payment, but I used it five years ago on all the HTPCs I built afterward. Edit: Another consideration—what brand does your BluRay player use? I had a poor experience with an ASUS model previously; I switched to an LG or similar and resolved the problem.