" The only real problem is the relatively high hard drive requirements, which are higher than a lot of the proverbial Soccer Mom’s are sporting. "

      Title: Video Deluxe by Magix

      Format: PC Video Editing

      Reviewing Monkey: Dungapult

      The Hype: "It’s your All-In-One video solution!" Well, sure they say that. But they all say that. Just like they say they’ll respect you in the morning, or call you tomorrow, or that they won’t just go bragging to their jock buddies about how easy you were…But they always do. *sob*

      What This Monkey Thought...

      Usefulness: Okay, I do a lot of video editing. Tons. More than I ever wish I did. So, every time one of these #$@%ing programs comes in they give it to me. Like I don’t do enough. Like I don’t spend enough of my time saying, "Back to frame 34. Up, and to the left. Up, and to the left." But, much to my surprise, Video Deluxe isn’t just more of the same. What it is, is a wonderful mix of simple GUI commands and easy FX technology to make video editing easily accessible to everyone.
          Not designed to take on high-end "Vegas Video" style programs, Video Deluxe puts video editing back into the hands of the would-be Ed Woods. Add some effects, rip in a sound track, and cut up your movies with ease. This would be perfect for parents looking to burn a mix of their latest home movies. 4 out of 5

      Compatibility: Really, since there aren’t that many video file types to be concerned with, the big question here is "How easy does it capture and butcher my videos." And the answer is, wonderfully. Rip from a VHS tape or straight from your camera, export back to either or drop them onto a CD, and do it all with a few simple mouse strokes. That’s what you want, and that’s what you get here. The only real problem is the relatively high hard drive requirements, which are higher than a lot of the proverbial Soccer Mom’s are sporting. 4 out of 5

      Performance: In a word, fantastic. It’s sharp, smooth, and fast…All of which you really, really, really want in your editing. The only potential problem is some slow down during the actual splicing process…but that’s acceptable. 4 out of 5

      Installation and Real System Requirements: It says P2 266…but I don’t know that I’d want to try it. We got some slow down on K6-2 450s, and that’s a whole hell of a lot faster than a 266. Still, if that’s all you got, VD may run…just slowly. 3 out of 5

      Instructions and Learning Curve: If you’re looking to learn the fine art of editing, this is a wonderful place to start. Intuitive, logically laid out, and generally friendly- you’ll have no trouble figuring out what goes where. Again, great for the family looking for some home use.

      The Verdict:

Perfect for the casual user, this program is exactly what you need to start cutting up your home movies. I highly recommend it.

      The Good: Simply, easy to use, and plenty of extras.

      The Bad: A little simplistic for mid to high end users and some slow downs.

      The Overall Ugly: A great program for the price.

      What it's Worth: Market.