For the last six years, Adobe has been integrating their massive software collection into one cohesive body of software that plays well with one another and which is upgraded at the same time. This allows Adobe to leverage improvements in one software package very quickly into other software packages in a set, giving creatives tremendous flexibility and power.
To get the most bang for your buck every time Adobe launches a new series of updates, the Creative Suites are the place for immediate consideration. And no other suite gives you more bang for your buck than the Production Premium package, which has been changing the face of low-budget filmmaking aggressively over the past few years.
This year marks a milestone for Adobe, as they completely rewrite the preview engine for Premiere Pro, go to exclusive 64-bit processing of their core video line up, and unveil a number of new toys and tricks to make your life as a filmmaker easier.
In the past, when I've reviewed Production Premium CS5, I've broken every program down and done a mini-review of it in context with the entire package. However, I won't be doing that this time for two reasons. First, we've already done in-depth reviews of the various point purchase offerings, which you can read. Second, and more importantly, the components of the package are becoming less and less relevant as they become more and more integrated. Rather than what programs come with this package, the question is: Does this streamline the process of planning, creating, releasing, and promoting my film?
With that in mind, we'll delve into Production Premium CS5 (PPCS5).
The overall ease of installation for PPCS5 seems a little more straightforward and less accident prone than it has been in the past. The installation is a little shorter than it's been in the past, but is still close to the same length as installing Windows 7. The interplay between the programs through Dynamic Link seems to be a little faster in this version, as well.
