Crisp, high-definition visuals are the key impetus for using the digital disk, but the amount of information and interactivity present varies from company to company.

A continuous music mix binds the digital video reel from design firm EyeballNYC, the visuals beat-matched to the sounds of DJ Lux. The work flows together fairly well, with jobs for Nike and TJ Maxx bumper to bumper with Mos Def's "Miss Fat Booty" video and the compelling camera work of a City Harvest PSA. The work is crisply presented and impressive, but the DVD offers little beyond the linear audio/visual presentation.

The contoured and rounded packaging for Manhattan Transfer's DVD was made with care in Finland and the interactive content of the DVD is also carefully wrought. It showcases high-profile jobs like VW's "Turbonium" and "Reflex" alongside more obscure treats like the visual remix accompanying a reorchestration of Steve Reich's electronic classic "Music For 18 Musicians," and highlights the abstract design and animation skills of VFX designer Jeremy Hollister.

Other projects are available for viewing and a section entitled "Train of Thought" features various MT personnel digressing on the studio's fusion of visual effects and broadcast design.

Many DVDs force the viewer to absorb an up-tempo video collage of their work before presenting interactive options; not so Cutting Vision. The New York post, animation, visual effects and audio house cuts to the chase, allowing viewers to screen samples from a number of categories; again one can watch an individual spot or an entire category of ads. Optional subtitles are an added asset, as several Spanish and at least one Mandarin language project are included on the reel. More than a visual hodgepodge, the Cutting Vision DVD beautifully showcases the skills of this wide-ranging hybrid facility. Apparently authoring DVDs for clients has taught Cutting Vision a trick or two when it comes to functionality.

Make sure you have your DVD hooked up to a solid sound system to fully appreciate the 5.1 digital audio quality laced into Yessian Music's contribution to digital video. The disc lists spots by category, such as automotive or non-automotive (guess that's part of being headquartered in Detroit) or by composer (the disc showcases the sounds of Brian Brill, Chris Plansker, Kurt Schreitmueller, Danny Beckerman and Hayley Moss). What's more, there is a comprehensive list of ads alphabetized for your convenience.