How to Play DVD in Ubuntu Linux

DVD playback in Ubuntu Linux needs extra software tools because the operating system does not include built-in support for encrypted commercial movie discs. Most store-bought DVDs use region codes and copy protection that standard video players cannot open by default.

You can fix this limitation by installing 💿 helper packages like libdvd-pkg that unlock DVD playback on your system. Once you add these packages, standard media players can finally read and play your movie collection.

How to get Ubuntu Linux to play DVD and movie videos

To play DVD movies on Ubuntu Linux, you need to install specific decoding software because commercial discs are encrypted for copyright reasons. Ubuntu does not include these decoders by default, so you must enable the multiverse repository (a collection of software restricted by copyright or legal issues) and install the 💿 libdvd-pkg package to make your computer read movie discs correctly.

First, install libdvd-pkg in Ubuntu. This package lives in the multiverse repository (a collection of software restricted by copyright or legal issues), which you need to enable first.

Run the commands below to enable the repository and install libdvd-pkg.

sudo add-apt-repository multiverse
sudo apt install libdvd-pkg

When prompted, select ‘Ok’.

┌───────────────────────────────────────────────┤ Configuring libdvd-pkg ├───────────────────────────────────────────────┐
 │This package automates the process of launching downloads of the source files for libdvdcss2 from videolan.org, 
  compiling them, and installing the binary packages (libdvdcss2 libdvdcss-dev). Please run 
  "sudo dpkg-reconfigure libdvd-pkg" to launch this process for the first time.
                                         <Ok>  

On the next screen, choose 'Yes'.

┌───────────────────────────────────────────────┤ Configuring libdvd-pkg ├───────────────────────────────────────────────┐
 │                                                                                                                        │ 
 │ If activated, the APT post-invoke hook takes care of future automatic upgrades of libdvdcss2 (which may be triggered   │ 
 │ by new versions of libdvd-pkg). When updates are available, the hook will launch the process of downloading the        │ 
 │ source, recompiling it, and (if "apt-get check" reports no errors) using "dpkg -i" to install the new versions.        │ 
 │                                                                                                                        │ 
 │ Alternatively, the process can be launched manually by running "sudo dpkg-reconfigure libdvd-pkg".                     │ 
 │                                                                                                                        │ 
 │ Enable automatic upgrades for libdvdcss2?                                                                              │ 
 │                                                                                                                        │ 
 │                                   <Yes>                                      <No>                                      │ 
 │                                                                                                                        │ 
 └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ 
                                                                               

Depending on your Ubuntu version, you might need to install additional tools. Run each command line as shown; if a package doesn't install, it's likely not compatible with your current Ubuntu version.

sudo apt install libdvdread7
sudo apt install libdvdread8
sudo apt install libdvdread4
sudo apt install libdvdnav4

To install further packages and plugins for browsers, run the commands below.

sudo apt install gstreamer1.0-plugins-bad gstreamer1.0-plugins-ugly
sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras

These packages and tools get your system up and running with playing DVDs and videos in Ubuntu.

That completes the setup process.

Installing libdvd-pkg enables the necessary codecs for playing encrypted or protected DVDs.

• Installing libdvd-pkg in Ubuntu is essential to enable the necessary codecs for playing encrypted or protected DVDs.
• Additional tools like libdvdread7, libdvdread8, libdvdread4, libdvdnav4, and gstreamer1.0-plugins-bad may also be required depending on the Ubuntu version.
• To enhance the media playback experience, consider installing the ubuntu-restricted-extras package and gstreamer1.0-plugins-ugly.
• After following these steps, you should be able to enjoy playing DVDs and videos on Ubuntu seamlessly.