Don't call them "music videos". While the curious shorts presented in Starter Set cetainly use both words, the tightly choreographed presentations are given just as much attention as the music itself. Assembled by producer Katie Easburn, Starter Set's inaugural DVD release is essentially a take-home version of the collective's live show. Featuring new music from members of New Collapse, Emily Manzo, Young People and more---with dance provided by members of Leg and Pants Dans Theeatre (sic), Hysterica Dance Co. and 4 Hard Gulps Theater Company---it's a lineup of talent you've probably never heard of but might as well get introduced to.

The music styles are as varied as the dance numbers themselves, which is easily this production's saving grace. While some of the content borders on self-indulgent, there's some very unique material here that fans of art and music should really enjoy. At best ("Your Grave", "In Can Can Descent", "I'm the Insides"), Starter Set seems comfortable in its own skin; at worst ("LaundrOdyssey II", "Senior Picture"), it's bearable but grasps too hard for attention. Even so, when you're not feeling the music, the visuals often deliver…and vice versa, of course.

With only six shorts to its name in this first of (possibly) several DVD collections, Katie Eastburn and company have created an interesting package that's a good starting point for those unfamiliar with the group's style. Produced in part by independent record label Kill Rock Stars (the Olympia, Washington-based outfit that the late, great Elliott Smith once called home), Starter Set is fairly unusual but it's certainly not inaccessible. This one-disc release is fairly slim but solid, offering a decent technical presentation and a few other goodies. Let's take a closer look, shall we?

Presented in their original aspect ratios (1.33:1 and roughly 1.78:1, non-anamorphic), the transfers for each short look about as good as possible. It's a shame the widescreen segments haven't been enhanced for 16x9 televisions, but they still appear generally clean and clear, free of nearly all problems not related to the source material. The audio for each track seems to be presented in a standard 2.0 stereo mix, while the music and lyrics come through very clearly. Unfortunately, no Closed Captions or subtitles have been included with this release.

Even if you don't like every portion of content, those who appreciate music a bit off the beaten path and the visuals to match it should enjoy the bulk of Starter Set. It's a little uneven towards the middle, but the unique styles on display should please even the most demanding viewers. While the production values for these six shorts may not be as polished as typical genre releases, Kill Rock Stars' DVD package is still fairly solid from top to bottom. All things considered, Starter Set is a unique, bargain-priced release that's worth further investigation. Mildly Recommended.