A collection of 18 short films from world-class directors all set in and around Paris, this unusual project's already healthy following should expand on DVD. The anecdotal nature of the film may turn off some less adventurous viewers, but others will likely show strong affection for the film's varied styles and moods. Although some of the shorts don't quite click, there are several memorable segments: the Coen brothers' entry about American tourist Steve Buscemi's encounter with a man and his girlfriend on the Metro; a romantic liaison between a Muslim girl and a young Parisian man by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham); a one-take entry on a Paris street from Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men) with Nick Nolte and Ludivine Sagnier as father and daughter; and Alexander Payne's funny finale in which an American tourist (Margo Martindale) speaks horrible French while recounting her trip to the City of Lights. This feast for film lovers will immediately hook fans of the diverse cast and variety of filmmakers.

Shelf Life: Paris Je T'Aime has the potential to appeal to audiences who don't usually consider arthouse titles—even horror fans who've never picked up a subtitled film might be interested because Wes Craven made a contribution. Add that to the aforementioned names Olivier Assayas, Isabel Coixet, Natalie Portman, Elijah Wood, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Willem Dafoe, and this DVD has a lot to talk up. The movie hung tough theatrically with a strong $5 million gross at art and indie film venues, so if retailers get the word out about the players, they'll likely love Paris in the autumn.