Depth of Options
The options given to you with Sapphire are immense. For example, let's take a look at the 'Lens Flare' effect. Once you select it and add it to your clip, there are 24 completely different lens types, that are each completely customizable. There is even an auto-tracking lens flare if you need a little help with setting your tracking points.
Sapphire is not just for lighting effects, though I would say they have some of the best lighting effects I have ever seen. There are also some unique and easy to use transitions that immediately set your project apart. It has timing effects, styles, particle renders, high quality blurs and distortion, and many advanced versions of filters and effects you may already have in Final Cut Pro.
As I mentioned before, GenArts is also the creator of Monsters, which is a plug in for Autodesk that can create some amazing effects. Some of the coolest effects that Chad Taylor was showing in the NAB demo utilized Monsters in conjunction with Sapphire. Unfortunately for Microfilmmakers, the Autodesk editing software runs around $100k or more! (But if you want to experience the full level of options, you should take a gander at what Monsters can do. )
Example of the Sketch Effect Options.
Performance
Sapphire works very well as what it is. The lightning effects and transitions are better than any after market plug-ins I have seen. That being said, I was a little sad when I realized that much of what impressed me in the ILM demonstration was not possible in this plug-in. The performance of their Monsters plug-ins for Autodesk is unbelievable. The 3 Dimensial depth and realistic physics behind their "Rain" and "Energy Wave" effects are unbeatable.
Quite honestly, I'm not sure how they could pull off so many variables in a plug-in rather than a stand-alone system. Once you decide to create a plug-in for a given program, you are limited by that program's controls, yet they managed to overcome many of these difficulties. The time re-mapping effects are hugely varied and work very well, no matter what frame rate you recorded your footage at.
I have always noticed in After Effects and FCP some of the random Stylized effects which no one ever actually uses. It almost seems like they are just there to show you how far you can go. That being said, it looks like GenArts took some of those effects and added flourishes that make them a viable option when you are looking for something a little different. Their Sketch effect, located under Sappher/Stylize/Sketch is the best rendering of an actual sketch that I have ever seen. You can alter it for different artist tools, such as colored pencils, markers, and simple graphite. There is an example of the sketch effect in the sample video attached to this article. You will also find a basic visual in the video using Zap, which is a customizable energy beam. You can access it as a render or a filter, and create some pretty complex and realistic energy bolts without having to spend hours and hours in After Effects. Adjust the thickness, number of bolts, starting and ending points, and allow the effect to create a seemingly random electricity spike.
