The production cost of a single layer BluRay disc will run you between two and two and a half dollars. A double layer disc probably runs closer to three dollars. Being that there is another step involved. Beyond that the licensing fees are highly debatable. I ran a search of these figures not too long ago so they should be quite solid.

The Cost of a DVD last I heard, and this was ages ago was a little more then a dollar per disc. That said however it probably hasn't gone much lower. In fact it probably went up. The deciding factor being the cost of petroleum needed for the plastic.

So to answer your question the new disc costs twice as much as the old DVD. Though as others have pointed out it isn't production costs that ratchet up the retail price. That is all the licensing involved. Which is probably going to hold stronger sway then most expect to offset the incredible losses that were absorbed in winning the format war.

I can tell you that the tiny bit of extra cost it takes to make a blu-ray disc doesn't warrant the $30 price tag for new movies.

I can almost buy a game for that!

I totally agree.

Is there any idea what the licensing costs?

If you want to start getting into Blu-rays start buying on Amazon. Most new releases are under $25 and there are always buy 2 get 1 deals. I have over 150 Blu-rays and have never paid more than $25 for one.

Also, If you have a 1080p TV and a good surround sound, Blu-ray is a leap over DVD.

You dont look. if anyone buys blu-rays for 30 bucks your not very smart (harsh but true) as others have said the best place is amazon. no more then 25 bucks and its FAR better then DVD anyone one says otherwise is also not very smart.

You shouldn't have to look. They are overpriced.