That is one GREAT move by Apple. I got iLife '08 and was shocked by what has become of iMovie. It might be ok from a beginner's point of view, but it is almost unusable for anyone wishing to do some more serious editing (but not serious enough for Final Cut).

Cupertino, I salute you.

I don't know if the New iMovie '08 will do this yet or not... but I would love to see Mpeg2, Mpeg4 Native support meaning that iMovie shouldn't have to convert the clips to DV first before they can edit it. This to me... seriously handicapped iMovie to where it was unusable in most instances to me. I really hope iMovie '08 will allow for importing without conversion.

I think Apple is looking to put more differentiation between iMovie and Final Cut Express. Final Cut Express is a great product that really provides most video podcasters and many event videographers with the functionality that they need for a reasonable price. Of course, Apple's been giving that functionality away for free for a while now so the backlash isn't surprising.

I still think it is a good move on Apple's part better define the targets for each product.

Smittie

there....................there now.

I love the new iMovie. It's a better product for someone looking to do very casual video editing.

I shoot some video with my digital camera and until now I really haven't done anything with it. iMovie HD was way too much work to just share a clip with maybe a title and a fade or two. The new product it way way quicker to use and Web Gallery functionality is excellent.

When it comes right down to it my Mom could use the new iMovie, but not the old one. That says a lot.

This product will play out well for Apple.

"I think Apple is looking to put more differentiation between iMovie and Final Cut Express."

Instead of trying to dummy down iMove, why not make FCE better? I have not used 08 as they were out of the family pack, but I like what i see with regards to ease of use, but if editing is taken out for that ease, that is not good. And if their only answer is to make you install old software to regain functionality, then that is a bit of the M$ thinking :(

Rich

---------- RichGetz.com

I Started with imovie, final cut express and eventually final cut. Final cut express is fairly easy to use, but imovie became complicated. My wife (always a good measure of a troglodyte) got a new video camera and tried to create a movie with imovie 06, and had a difficult time.

She much prefers imovie 08.

PLUS, during the installation process, all products replace their earlier counterparts, but there is the creation of the imovie (previous" version) folder, with all my Slick 1 and 2 transitions intact.

functionality in iMovie are idiots !!

Plain and simple_ It is a beginners Application for people that want to edit video but are too impatient to learn how to edit video_

If you want advanced features Apple needs to stick with it's beginner - intermediate - advanced scheme and you buy the more advanced software_ Retards_

Why the h*** should Apple have 2 version of it's beginner level software ?

Entry level - iMovie '08 - beginner beginners

Advanced level - iMovie HD '08 - advanced beginners

Wow - you all are well on your way to being the next Speilberg !!

was steep! Way too steep to be a truly useful program to most casual editors. I cut and edit professionally on FCP and Avid, and I know that the times I have been asked to help with iMovie HD projects for friends and family, I have been amazed at how confused I became trying to figure out all the proper options. To me, FCP was 100x easier to use.

So, if the new version of iMovie is more functional for beginners, then I think that's great. Sounds like Apple has finally built a version that is more applicable to its intended audience. But I do understand the gripes expressed by those whom had become familiar with iMovie's quirks and enjoyed the creative freedom it offered with the number of tools included. To that I say go with FCE and I don't think you'll be disappointed (other than the thinner wallet part of course).

You're an idiot. Because Apple wants to make a dumbed-down movie app (like Windows Movie Maker), it doesn't mean they should take away the basic functionality that's always been in iMovie. In iMovie '08 you can't stop at a specific frame (!), you can't put in chapter markers (that makes it almost worthless for making dvds), you can't fade down sound where you want. This is a baby app, which a lot of beginners will love, but it shouldn't be called iMovie.

Apple could have added an advanced mode in iMovie 08, which keeps the functionality of iMovie 06. I kind of expect them to eventually do this (combine the two apps), after they realize their mistake.

(I've always found iMovie 06 to be pretty intuitive and easy to use, but I guess you have to think in a certain way - I used to edit audio tape for radio).