Long-Awaited Release Offers More Control, More Output Versatility and Enhanced Productivity

In February of 1999, Adobe Systems shipped After Effects 4.0, a milestone for the company because it represented the first release of the software that was completely "Adobe-ized." Sure, 3.0 was also under the Adobe banner, but it was still so new to the company it still had the initials CoSA written all over it (remember when we all called it CoSA After Effects?). That 4.0 release showed that Adobe was determined to integrate this popular compositing application with the company's other stalwarts like Premiere, Photoshop and Illustrator.

So here we are two years later, and Adobe today announces the newest version of After Effects, version 5.0. Was it worth the wait? We'll see. Adobe officials won't say exactly when the new version will be available, but admirably state [something to the effect of] they're sensitive to stability and won't release a crash-prone dog to the general public. If only all software companies were so conscientious! Other Adobe insiders quietly hinted at an NAB release, meaning that around the third week in April we may get to see this new product in its shrink-wrapped form. So, since we haven't yet had a chance to test-drive the new version, let's take a close-up look at its new features, and then perhaps you can decide for yourself whether it's time to get excited.

3D Compositing
Headlining the new feature list is the ability to execute 3D compositing. This represents a huge advance in AE's capabilities, and even leapfrogs competing tools like Discreet's Combustion that also sport 3D compositing. Perhaps the best attribute of this new trick is that you're able to mix normal 2D layers, as you've always done with After Effects, with 3D layers. This will come in handy, for example, when you want a logo bug to stay where it is while you fly objects around in the same scene. (see picture at right). Looking good on the feature list, too, is the ability to use multiple cameras, unlike Combustion, where you're allowed just one. You're also able to place numerous lights in a scene and the elements of that scene will cast shadows and reflect those lights any way you desire. This is quite a leap for those of us used to simply compositing objects and adding shadows. It'll be familiar territory to those who regularly work with 3D animations. The bottom line is that, when you composite in 3D, the shadows are handled differently, and they'll undoubtedly look more realistic. This is the one feature that I can't wait to get my hands on! Further, Adobe also will offer a public Beta test version of an even more advanced renderer. This I gotta see. Best of all, you won't need to spring for the After Effects Production Bundle to play with 3D -- more of its 3D functions will be available on the standard edition.

Next: Productivity Enhancements

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