Microfilmmaker Magazine - Reviews - Software Review: 3D Invigorator, Pg. 3 of 3


	Software Review: *3D Invigorator, Pg. 3*

There are some bugs that are readily acknowledged by the company - a big one being the occasional inability to re-enter the plug-in. There are some suggested work arounds to shake 3DI’s cage and get it to “see” the plug-in functionality again. While the company literature indicates that they are working on a resolution, given the language of the FAQ, I’m not sure that there will be a resolution to this problem in the near future.

Despite 3DI’s static constraints in Photoshop, it’s still possible to create imagery like this and import it’s constituent elements into AE or Final Cut for animation. However, there can be no perspective or parallax shifts.

Value
For 2D solutions, the plug-in is fast, easy and delivers über clean, tightly rendered static 3D text and basic shapes. It’s also a nice complement to CS4’S 3D capabilities. However, value of this capability is a bit fuzzy and is based completely on how much 3D text and basic 3D content you will be using in your marketing efforts.

Here’s why: Invigorator retails at $199 for a new buyer and $129 for an upgrade (users of 3DI Pro for AE or Classic). Competitor Swift 3D PS by Electric Rain (currently Windows only, but soon will be for Mac, too) with their online discount retails for $135 and does animation, too, leveraging Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended's capabilities (though, it doesn’t do shiny things as well)! Andromeda’s Three-D Luxe isn’t quite as elegant as Invigorator but retails for $129. Site Grinder builds your entire Web site from a Photoshop file and weighs in at $129. Flaming Pear’s Super Blade Pro (mac only ) creates awesome, super customizable faux 3D text effects for $49. Of course you won’t be working with “real” 3D elements, since it’s a 2D plug-in.

To further cloud the issue, free 3D programs like Blender (which is a completely full featured 3D application), Art of Illusion , and Wings 3D offer 3D text creation and users can import either the renders or 3d objects from those programs into Photoshop CS3/CS4 Extended, plus you get full 3D capabilities. But, with these latter options, the price you don't pay in cash is the price you pay in time, additional workload, and/or a learning curve for true 3D software.

So, looking at Invigorator’s value is kind of like justifying a trip to the local convenience store for milk - it’s really expensive compared to the grocery store. However, if you need some basic 3D while already in Photoshop, and need it frequently, you can get it while paying for the convenience.

Final Comments
Feature creep has brought 3D capabilities into most video and film editing packages. The creator of this plug-in, Zaxwerks, has been a true innovator in additional useful tools for motion graphic and filmmaker professionals. But for tthe low-budget filmmaking audience for this product? Well, I quote American Idol’s Randy Jackson, “For me, for you dog, I just wasn’t feelin’ it. You know what I’m sayn’?”

Ease of Use
9.0

Depth of Options
7.0

Performance
8.0

            Value vs. Cost
7.0

       Overall Score
7.8

Mark Bremmer has operated his own commercial studio for 15 years. He’s been fortunate enough to work for clients like Caterpillar, Amana, Hormel Foods, Universal Studios Florida, and The History Channel; producing stills, digital mattes and animations. Mark contracts regularly as an art mercenary with production houses that shall remain nameless by written agreements. His production pipeline is Mac-based, with the FCP Studio2 workflow. He loves Shake and Motion. And his family.