I have tested these steps on a Windows 8.1 Pro laptop (x64, but the programs were 32-bit), mediocre specs. This worked for Hunger Games: Catching Fire (Walmart edition) and partially for Ender's Game (came up with 'anti-piracy' notice part way in, disc is legit though). I will be testing other blu rays as I have time.
This is assuming that you have the most recent version of MakeMKV installed, with an active beta key or purchased key.
Step 1: Navigate to the folder where MakeMKV is installed. Find the file "libmmbd.dll" and copy it.
Step 2a: For VLC, navigate to the folder where VLC is installed, and paste the file there.
Step 2b: For XBMC, navigate to the folder where XBMC is installed, and in the 'system\players\dvdplayer' folder, paste the file.
Step 3: Regardless of where you pasted the file, rename it to "libaacs.dll".
After following these steps, you should be able to play blu rays in these programs just as you would a DVD. Any limitations are probably the result of limited blu ray navigation support in those programs (such as selecting the wrong decrypted title/playlist).
Feel free to post any success stories, but I don't know how much help I'll be at troubleshooting.
Cheers!