A Windows Movie Maker Rant

[Factually True]

When I recently got the idea for my channel, I started researching video editing software to figure out which one I would use. Because most of my work is illustrating and narrating, I only need the video editor to combine my illustrations and audio tracks with some music, and I use a low performance laptop, so I knew I would be fine with something that would be
a) free
b) simple to use
c) light
Having made some videos with it when I was a lot younger, I immediately thought of the good old Windows Movie Maker. I remembered that it was intuitive to use even for a kid and even though it didn't have that many fancy features, I thought it would suit my requirements just fine. I didn't have it pre-installed on my laptop, so I went ahead and downloaded the latest version from Microsoft's website.

What the *************************** have they done to my dear Movie Maker?! I mean they removed the TIMELINE!!! Why??? How is this new version an improvement to the one I had on my LimeWire-virus-ridden HP a freaking decade ago? The interface is thoroughly confusing and it just...doesn't...make...any...sense... Am I missing something here?

Needless to say that piece of garbage flew straight to the bin where it belongs. I ended up getting the VSDC Free Video Editor, which I have been very happy with but I still wonder what have the wise people at Microsoft been thinking when they decided to ruin a perfectly good beginner level video editor.
Rant over.

The point of this was just to let out some steam and find out whether anyone who has recently tried Movie Maker shares my sentiments or if I'm just getting old . What are your experiences on this legendary piece of software?

 

[Lizzeelive]

I just recently went to use it to make an outro screen and it was very different from what it used to be. I ended up using a different slideshow software to make it, but I forgot what it is called.

 

[Worldofpossible]

I know you mean and that means that you can't add more than maybe two audio tracks at the most. Meaning that you would have to export twice depending on the nature of project and what you are trying to accomplish. Microsoft has never been smart in the their supposed upgrades. They seem to think that making it look good is better than being able to achieve a purpose. Then add anti competitor tactics. Awful.

 

[Jtpetch]

Yeah, it's pretty disgusting innit?
I've only ever used it (semi) seriously twice.
For a couple ooold videos on my channel, on my (absolutely awful) Vista machine, and it was actually not too shabby.
And then in Win8.1, when I started my channel back up again. I never uninstalled something so quickly.

I use Hitfilm 4 Express now, and it's one of the best free editors you'll find.
Has everything you'd need for basic videos, as well as lots of effects and such, is very user friendly, and the community is very helpful. No export limit in the free version, as well. AFAIK, the only limitations are some features, and the more powerful tools like Mocha.

 

[Worldofpossible]

Yeah, it's pretty disgusting innit?
I've only ever used it (semi) seriously twice.
For a couple ooold videos on my channel, on my (absolutely awful) Vista machine, and it was actually not too shabby.
And then in Win8.1, when I started my channel back up again. I never uninstalled something so quickly.

I use Hitfilm 4 Express now, and it's one of the best free editors you'll find.
Has everything you'd need for basic videos, as well as lots of effects and such, is very user friendly, and the community is very helpful. No export limit in the free version, as well. AFAIK, the only limitations are some features, and the more powerful tools like Mocha.

Microsoft doesn't really like to innovate so much as lazilly make another version of already working OS. Watch the movie called the pirates of silicon valley if want to see how Apple and Microsoft became the companies they are today.

 

[Jeeves]

I agree. Movie Maker is pretty bad especially for being free, but it isn't totally bad, unlike the YT video editor :/. I would recommend DaVinci Resolve, a free software that is also very efficeient.

 

[Worldofpossible]

I agree. Movie Maker is pretty bad especially for being free, but it isn't totally bad, unlike the YT video editor :/. I would recommend DaVinci Resolve, a free software that is also very efficeient.

hmmmm never heard of Davinci Resolve myself, might give it a look and see what I think.