VLC crashes on loading DVD

For a couple of days, VLC has been crashing every time I try to play a DVD. Copying the DVD on hard drive produces the same result. For example, if I insert a DVD and choose VLC to open it with in the automatic pop-up window, VLC first starts, then the window simply disappears, no image, no sound. The same when I first start VLC, then open the DVD using the menu. Choosing the option to ignore the DVD menu does not make a difference. This has not happened before I played an mp4-film for the first time. I'd appreciate some help here. Thank you.
(Totem plays DVDs without any problems though.)