If you're a movie fan that values creative visions and mind-boggling illusion, chances are you've heard the names of Spike Jonze, Michel Gondry, and Chris Cunningham. The first two should be immediately recognizable, since Jonze and Gondry helmed projects like Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, respectively. All three of these young filmmakers have enjoyed a formidable amount of critical success so far, and they're definitely names to keep an eye out for in the future.

Of course, they've done plenty of work prior to their larger film projects, and the majority of it has thankfully been compiled into a series of top-notch DVDs courtesy of Palm Pictures. Dubbed "The Directors Series", each volume contains a generous helping of early music videos, short films, commercials, and other curious projects. The first volume (featuring the work of Spike Jonze) was released in the third quarter of 2003, and the second and third volumes (Cunningham and Gondry) followed shortly after.

If you caught my reviews of these three last year, you already know how I feel about them. Each received very high marks all around (and two of 'em even scored a Collectors Series rating) for their stunning array of content, great presentation, and rock-bottom retail price. If that weren't enough, Palm Pictures has seen fit to release a boxed set containing all three Directors Series volumes, packaged with an exclusive bonus disc to boot. It's a terrific deal on a ton of buried treasure.

Below are excerpts from all three original reviews (posted in 2003), as well as links to each complete version. Following the three links is a short review of the bonus disc itself, and the traditional "Final Thoughts" can be found at the bottom. The ratings given to this boxed set (seen above) are based on the rough averages of all three volumes. With that said, let's see what this bad boy has to offer:

While he needs no introduction, Spike Jonze still deserves one. His work has won the admiration of countless critics, and he has garnered quite a fan base over the last ten years. Chances are, you've seen his work before…his directing credits on the big screen include the truly bizarre Being John Malkovich and the recent Adaptation. He's even acted in a few films, most notably as Private Conrad Vig in David O. Russell's underrated Gulf War movie, Three Kings. The world of music videos, however, is where he's perhaps best known: his award-winning efforts include the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage", Weezer's "Buddy Holly", Fatboy Slim's "Praise You", and Bjork's "It's Oh So Quiet." Many of his videos are so striking that you'll remember the images onscreen well after the songs have been played out.

Michel Gondry is not only a talented director, but an accomplished musician and artist. He served as the drummer for the French band, Oui Oui, also cutting his teeth by directing their earlier music videos in the late 1980s. From there, he made the gradual transition to the well-respected director he is today. He's also completed a number of short films and stories that range from the childlike to the truly bizarre. This DVD release celebrates some of Michel Gondry's best work, and showcases a nice mix of everything he's dabbled in. His terrific visual style leans toward pure art itself, and his gifts of color and design really make his body of work stand apart from the pack.

Call it an "update" of sorts, as this short disc contains a handful of material that's been compiled since the original release of all three volumes. Jonze contributes a pair of music videos (The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Y Control" (uncut) and Weezer's "Island in the Sun") and a preview clip for Yeah Right!, a unique skateboarding video with a hearty dose of humor (review link below). Gondry offers a music video (The Willowz' "I Wonder") and an extended commercial for Kishu & Company. Most interesting of the new extras, however, is a late 2003 Q&A Session filmed at Virgin Megastore. This apparently commemorated the release of all three volumes, and the trio are on hand to answer a few quick questions from the audience. Although it's a little short at just under 10 minutes, it's great to see all three directors at once...it's just too bad they couldn't have stuck around longer.

Each of these items have been presented in a similar fashion to the original volumes. The video is presented in 1.33:1 fullscreen or non-anamorphic widescreen (original aspect ratio), with a serviceable Dolby Surround mix. Only the Q&A session is a little lackluster, as it was filmed on the cheap with a below-average sound presentation. Subtitles appear when Gondry speaks (as his French accent is a little heavy at times), but I'd have appreciated subtitles the whole way through. While the bonus disc is hardly as satisfying as the original release, it's a nice little mix of extras anyway.

The Directors Series only has three volumes to its name, but this is easily one of the most satisfying releases you'll find for the money. Great music videos, interesting short films, creative commercials and a real touch of personality round out this terrific three volume set nicely. While the bonus disc is hardly worth a double-dip to those who have already purchased each volume, it should be more than enough reason for latecomers to snag this stellar compilation. Highly Recommended.