About the Podcast

What’s in the DVD Box? is hosted by Jonathan Lind and David Winkler. Each episode, the we open a physical disc and discuss the film within. This episode covers Munich, Steven Spielberg’s 2005 thriller.

Synopsis

Munich is inspired by real events. A secret Israeli squad hunts down and kills the eleven Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich Massacre of eleven Israeli athletes. The mission takes a personal toll on the team and on Avner, the man who leads it. The film received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

We ultimately find Spielberg’s Munich (2005) a worthwhile watch, even if it only scratches the surface of a much larger conflict.

Jonathan and David open the box on Mel Gibson's The Patriot.

Synopsis: 1776, South Carolina. Reluctant hero Benjamin Martin drawn into the Revolutionary War after British forces destroy his home and family. Forms a militia with son Gabriel. Revenge and redemption themes throughout.

Jonathan and David dust off Independence Day for the Fourth of July, and they are almost all about it. They come with many questions: why an advanced alien race needs to hack satellites instead of just syncing watches, why is there Earth gravity in the alien spaceship, and why isn't anyone that worried about the giant spacecraft overhead. They discuss a writers room grudge centered on Secretary of Defense Nimziki. Practical effects hold up better than either host expected, especially the alien itself. Plus, an enticing offer at the end!

Talladega Nights was all the rage when it came out. We take a look at this one and see if it still stands up.

Tom Selleck, Alan Rickman, Laura San Giacomo and an 1862 Sharps Rifle star in this 1990 Western gone down under. While it had it’s flaws, it was clear to us this movie had quite a high aim in tackling difficult subjects. We both enjoyed this one. Tons of practical effects and western tropes. Don’t miss that rifle either. It’s a beauty. Apparently Tom Selleck had this gun made especially for the film, with a few backups, because he wanted it to have some real on-screen presence. It’s the real deal.

Lucky Number Slevin came out in 2006 and was directed by Paul McGuigan. It stars Josh Harnett, Lucy Liu, Bruce Willis, Ben Kingsley, Morgan Freeman, and Stanley Tucci. Based on the trailers and promotional material, one might think this a high octane action flick. Instead, it’s a smart, well-paced ride with punchy dialog that is just as enjoyable on the tenth watch as on the first. There are no Dad Fights in this movie.

Lucky Number Slevin is not currently streaming anywhere. You can rent it online, or buy a used dvd for just a dollar or two more.

Kicking off season two with an absolute gem of a movie: 1989's Dead Poets Society starring Robin Williams and a very young ensemble playing high school boys in a boarding school. We dive into the good and the bad, and the heart wrenching!

Deja Vu has the same lead (Denzel) and same director (Tony Scott) as Man on Fire. We found at least a half dozen parallel scenes between the two films too. Does it stack up? Is it better? We aren't so sure. Listen along as we unpack why!

In this episode, we unpack The Manchurian Candidate and its mix of political paranoia, mind control, and early-2000s thriller vibes. We talk standout scenes and the powerhouse performances from Denzel Washington, Liev Schreiber, and Meryl Streep, as well as dream logic, sleeper agents, questionable brain surgery, and whether this one deserves a spot in the DVD box.

We watched Rambo (2008) so you don't have to. David tries to convince Jonathan that this is one of the best action movies available. Does Jonathan take the bait? Find out.

Note: A few times we refer to the film's Barrett M82 usage as a "Beretta .50 cal". This is totally on Jonathan and is a mistake.