As the title suggests the DVD comprises of the best and most critically lauded short films of the past year. And it is a heady list of prizes and nominations that these films can boast – winners from Sundance, Berlin, Montreal and Edinburgh film festivals brush shoulders with two Academy Award nominees and a BAFTA winner. And it is easy to see why, the sheer quality of the shorts seeps from every pore.

Best v Best Vol. 1 is the first release from the independent film community Shooting People's new distribution wing, World of Mouth Films. The ambitious new label aims to involve filmmakers more closely in the distribution process, to allow filmmakers a much higher return than traditional channels (a significant portion of the proceeds will go back to the filmmaker to invest in their next films), and to get into distribution great films which might not otherwise be available to the public. They promise much, and thankfully this first volume promptly delivers.

The films explore a range of thought-provoking and inspiring themes and narratives, from the effects of a religious war on children to the personal impact of institutional racism in America; from the undeniable bond that exists between family members to the intimate childhood moments that shape adulthood - each one managing to inspire, engage and provoke audiences in some way in its relatively short space of time.

With each film boasting such major critical acclaim, Best v Best truly represents the best of the best of the year's shorts. The collection provides the ultimate viewing experience; not only for audiences who already enjoy short films, but also for those discovering them for the first time.

Family Portrait (USA) sees the two remaining members of the Fontenelle family, who were photographed by Gordon Parks back in sixties for Life magazine, looking back at the financial and emotional hardships of growing up in abject poverty in Harlem . Patrica's Riggen's straight, no nonsense documentary take on the subject allows it to be an emotional but not over-wrought experience.

Who Killed Brown Owl (UK) is a one shot wonder – but in a good way. The seemingly safe picturesque and very English setting of a leafy park in Enfield becomes oddly unsettling and Hitchcockian as the camera elegantly weaves past normally innocuous summers day scenes. The sheer amount of detail layered into this short rewards repeat viewing.

The Banker (UK) is a quirky, amusing black comedy that follows a geeky sperm bank worker who is willing to go to amazing (and slightly creepy) lengths to impress the fertility clinic nurse he is obsessed with. The lead is nicely played by Michael Sheen, who impressively manages to utter "please come again" to sperm donors without a hint of irony.

School Life (UK) is probably the weakest of the films on show, but that says more about the DVD's high quality rather than in any way demeaning this well-made comment on the feelings of isolation inherent in school life. "This will be the most important lesson of your life. Maybe the only important lesson."

Milk (UK) sees a granddaughter having to bathe her feisty grandmother while her mum is away. This short cleverly explores the way this situation nicely strips away the barriers between them – the near strangers can now find long lost intimacy again. Brenda Fricker is brilliant as the Nan , and the naturalistic style is refreshingly gimmick free.

Little Terrorist (UK) is based on the true story of a young Pakistani boy who mistakenly crossed the Indo Pak border. In the short Jamal is immediately branded a terrorist and is forced to hide from border guards, while also trying to overcome the prejudices of the Hindu family who reluctantly aid him. A rightly award garnered short, written and directed with a deftness of touch by Ashvin Kumar that remarkably does not resort to bombast.

Two Cars, One Night (NZ) is the tale of first love in the most unlikely location of a rural New Zealand pub car-park. At first it is the music video production values and tricks that catch the eye in the black and white short, but soon the amusing banter and touching development of friendship between the two bored children takes over. Again the short does not overly strive to hammer home a point or rely on a quirk – it is what it is – a quality character snapshot.

And if the Best v Best experience was not positive enough already, Cath Le Couteur (co-founder of Shooting People) is only too happy to point out that over 50% of these world beaters are British. "If upcoming short film makers are the filmmakers of the future, then the Brits surely are coming…"

"A good short film can be extremely satisfying for audience and filmmaker, but beyond film festivals and downloads on websites, there are few places to see and screen them," adds Tricia Tuttle, producer of Best v Best Volume 1. "Shooting People want to be part of the move to change this. These short films bear repeat viewing and we wanted to give audiences the opportunity to watch them again and again."

Available to buy priced at £14.99 (£12.50 Shooting People members).