based on information found here: https://www.howtogeek.com/240487/how-to-play-dvds-and-blu-rays-on-linux/

Don’t install VLC using the Ubuntu Software button, it doesn’t seem to work for Blu-ray discs. The commands below will install a slightly older VLC version 3.0.4 Vetinari and the needed extras. The only difference from the link above is to use libbluray2 instead of libbluray1. The instructions also say ‘ Leave the “No disc menus” option checked. ‘, but it seems to work as expected with it checked.

sudo apt-get install vlc libaacs0 libbluray-bdj libbluray2

mkdir -p ~/.config/aacs/

cd ~/.config/aacs/ && wget http://vlc-bluray.whoknowsmy.name/files/KEYDB.cfg

I tried installing from the Ubuntu Software button then running the command without the vlc, “sudo apt-get install libaacs0 libbluray-bdj libbluray2”, but it did not work.