If you're a fan of Death Cab for Cutie, you're probably also a fan of all things emo. That being said, the band's newest DVD release, Directions , will be right up your alley. Don't be ashamed though, it's right up my alley, too.

Directions is a departure from the average music DVD. Instead of releasing a live show (complete with backstage interviews!), music video compilation or a pretentious hour-long story of how destiny formed the band, Death Cab put out something a little more refreshing. The band gave 11 different directors (13 including the two B-sides' clips found in the extras) complete creative freedom in constructing a visual accompaniment to its Plans CD.

In true Death Cab style, the short-films are tear jerking and slightly suicide inspiring. The group opened the opportunity for the directors to interpret its songs however they felt appropriate with only two requests: keep the budget modest and the footage desolate of band appearances. One humorous exception is made by Lance Bangs (a common Spike Jonze collaborator) who assumes the role of a crazed fan, sneaking a camcorder into Death Cab's show, pushing fans aside and jumping on stage during “Talking Like Turnstiles,” much to the annoyance of the venue's guards.

Directions was originally meant only for Web site release and the directors range from experienced to amateur, but fan response was so good the DVD was pressed. All in all, Direction's only running theme is the Plans album itself, and while some of the films are a little over dramatic – “What Sarah Said” features a girl so desperate to communicate with her boyfriend she cuts herself and “Stable Song” is the story of modern day kids locked in a radiation bunker, fighting to hold on to their memories of the outside world – the short-films prove to be compelling companions to the music.

Grade: B+