NEW SpiceFX Packs™ 3.0 from Pixelan Software
There aren’t many software companies supporting Movie Maker 2 with custom plugins, Pixelan was one of the first and it’s good to see that support continues with the release of their latest software bundle SpiceFX Packs™ 3.0
Here is what the company has to say:
NEW SpiceFX Packs™ 3.0 greatly enhances your editing power and creative flexibility in Microsoft Movie Maker. Thirteen Packs provide nearly 600 useful transitions and effects, many based on user requests. Create fresh, unique visuals normally possible only in high-end systems AND get useful new capabilities for everyday editing. There is no learning curve — apply them just like Movie Maker’s built-in effects. SpiceFX Packs are downloadable, easy to install, and affordable.
After having installed the nearly 600 effects on offer and gladly noticing that the performance of MovieMaker 2 appeared unaffected by the vast amount of extras, I’ve got to say that this software bundle from pixelan software appears very impressive. From the very subtle cosmetic filter effects to the jaw dropping ripple illusions, many bases have been touched. As I’ve been exploring these effects, the more I like them. By grouping them in to themed sets, it is very easy to create a video without veering off at wild tangents for the sake of variety. The variety is there within the themed packs but the differences are subtle enough to immortalise that special occasion video with effects that have a continuity.
To see some FX in action and judge for yourself, take a look at the sample videos I have put together below . Demo videos 1-5 feature some transitions while 6 and 7 feature some video effects.
Please note that not all the effects are featured and entire groups and themes may not be represented. For full information visit the Pixelan website. These demos are also highly compressed for web viewing and may not properly indicate how they look at higher resolutions.If some of the demos appear blocky or do not look right, that will be the compression ! To see the videos, your web-browser will need to be flash and javascript enabled.
The videos I have put together were done very quickly and I am coscious of the fact that they may not show off the effects in the best of lights. Pixelan have a movie demo page here that features some beautiful examples.
The basic bundle retails at $59. For an extra $10 users are able to upgrade this pack to include a small tool they have created called “PanZoom Maker 1.0″. Creating custom zooms and loading them in to movie maker is intuitive and enables a degree of creativity in those that are fearful of going the custom xml route! I think they should be applauded for their efforts in this area. Once again for full details, visit their website at www.pixelan.com
