Beginner Video Editing Software: Windows Movie Maker 2 Review

Download a free copy from Microsoft's site

Windows Media Maker Forum at Microsoft

One of the major improvements over version 1 is the ability to add transitions, titles and effects to your video clips. The choice is severely limited (but you could always shell out a bit for Microsoft's Plus Pack which offers another 50 or so effects).

Microsoft's Movie Maker's best point has always been it's price. It's second best point was it's simplicity. And that was about all you could say on the subject of Windows Movie Maker. That has changed. The new version is still simple, clutter-free and easy to navigate and it still boasts an ease of use that is unmatched among other video editors, but it now comes with a few more features and controls that you'll find you can't live without. 

You capture your clips after telling the program the level of quality you need, no defining frames per second, resolution, bit rate or any other technical info, just choose between the simple "layman's" options the program offers you. Once you have the clip on the timeline you'll find that you now have extra buttons for zooming, setting audio levels, recording commentary etc none of which featured in the earlier version of the program. 

There is also a wizard (now, why is that a surprise? :-)) that will arrange your clips, add transitions/titles and output the "edited" video to a predefined style (eg. music video / sports action). You can still move between storybook and timeline windows, still have the thumbnail views of the clips (which even the earlier version very conveniently worked out for you at the time of capture), and the ability to save the file in WMV format.

Why would you not use this program? There is no DVD authoring or burning capability, no support for other video formats, very little by way of effects/transitions/titles that you can apply to your clips, no customisations offered on the transitions, no direct control over most other features, no basic effects like fades, brightness, colour adjustments, blur and slow motion, and no DVD authoring and burning capability. I know, I've already mentioned the DVD issue but it does bug me.

This is still the best video editor at it's price especially for the novice who does not intend his editing to go far beyond cut and paste. Anyone else will find it very restrictive. Our advice is that you should never underestimate how far you will want to go with editing. If you start on a basic editor because of it's simplicity you will master it in a few minutes and be itching to work on something with a bit more oomph. That can be a very frustrating experience. It never hurts to have some power/features/facilities/ waiting in reserve for when you want to explore them. Windows Movie Maker won't provide that.