CNET Editors' review
Windows Movie Maker 2 is so easy a child could use it--an incredibly patient child born to filmmaker parents who didn't mind restarting this application every few minutes. From the get-go, you get the feeling that this isn't going to be an easy program to like; Microsoft's installer doesn't play nice. It gives the user no input on program location or other options. The plain interface promises simplicity with drag-and-drop storyboard options, though during testing, it was more like drag and freeze. The program typically froze while importing MPG video files. If importing worked, Movie Maker 2 would quit responding when clips were placed on the storyboard. On the rare occasion that our testers made it to the storyboard, the program would freeze when adding one of the numerous effects. There were so many hurdles to creating a short video that no editing seemed preferable to using this software. What's more, uninstalling the program was even more tedious than installing it. It should be no surprise, then, that we can't recommend this freeware for any user.
Publisher's Description
From Microsoft:
Windows Movie Maker 2 is an XP-only download that gives you the tools to create, edit, and share home movies. Compile and edit a movie from video clips with drag-and-drop functionality. Add special effects, music, and narration with ease. Share your movie over the Web or master it to DVD media. You can also save your movie back to the DV tape in your camera.
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All versions:
3.1 starsout of 777 votes
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Current version:
2.5 starsout of 116 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"I pity any innocent user who tries to actually use this"
Version: Windows Movie Maker (Windows XP) 2.1
Pros
Can be found on all WIndows PCs.. but then, that's like saying fleas can be found on all dogs
Cons
Freezes and crashes, lock up the UI while it goes away and has a think.
Can't play clips backwards (mind you, it can hardly play them forwards!)
Doesn't seem to accept video formats from ANY camera or phone in my householdSummary
I'm guessing some marketing VP at MS heard that Macs come with a video editor and said 'we'd better have one of those'. Pity they didn't do a bit of quality control on it.
Ghastly frustrating program that wasted 3 hours of my life. -
"Worst Program"
Version: Windows Movie Maker (Windows XP) 2.1
Pros
-Free
-NONECons
-EVERYTHING ELSE
This program is absolutely worthless. After it failing to provide any actual value to making a movie it decided to freeze. Windows fail.Summary
DO NOT USE THIS GOD AWFUL PROGRAM.
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"Performance is bad! Its a Crap!"
Version: Windows Movie Maker (Windows XP) 2.1
Pros
Free
Nothing elseCons
- only runs on Windows XP
- does not run on Windows Vista or 7
- could not support major file types
- problems with installing software
- problems uploading to YoutubeSummary
this isn't a good software to use and is also not super friendly. If you are looking for an all-n-one video maker pack that is also FREE, try EZVID Free Video and Slideshow Maker which runs in all Windows platforms, Xp to 7, supports major video formats, super easy to use with no registration required. Download Ezvid http://www.ezvid.com/
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"Amateurs should use it."
Version: Windows Movie Maker (Windows XP) 2.1
Pros
Easy to use for people like me who just put some pictures with a song or simple song covers.
Cons
Anyone trying to do more advanced than the aforementioned should NOT use this. It's much to simple for what you want to do. You can't overlay or anything more complicated than putting some pictures up with a song or editing the ends of a video to be shorter. Anyone who wants to cut out of middle can't
Summary
For simple projects I suggest if you want something harder don't use it.
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"Bad, but amazing when compared to the upgrade"
Version: Windows Movie Maker (Windows XP) 2.1
Pros
Timeline
MUCH better than Windows Live Movie MakerCons
Slow
Locks-up all the timeSummary
A load of crap, but compare it to the "upgraded" version. Which would you want? Bad or worse?
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"Terrible..."
Version: Windows Movie Maker (Windows XP) 2.1
Pros
- intuitive design
Cons
- freezes constantly (often before automatically saving work)
- difficult to edit soundtrack (cannot add layers of sound)
- video playback is very choppy when previewing work
- published video has lower quality than source materials
- cannot modify dimensions of finished video -
"Windows Movie Maker Stinks!"
Version: Windows Movie Maker (Windows XP) 2.1
Pros
You can make movies
Cons
it does not work with you tube! and it doesn't work with quick play! i spent 2 hours downloading videos the use quick play and now it won't let me put them on movie maker!
Summary
and i mean THAT uses quick play not the! opps!
Updated on Jun 24, 2011 -
"NO LONGER AVAILABLE from Microsoft"
Version: Windows Movie Maker (Windows XP) 2.1
Pros
my included version has become corrupt and Dell's utils/restore stuff and windows update and Microsoft won't put it back
Cons
Why is this on your website? Why is it on wish lists? Microsoft has CANNED this package and your "download link" goes to a generic page at Microsoft which DOES NOT CONTAIN MOVIE MAKER FOR XP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Summary
Microsoft sucks
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"The fast way to madness"
Version: Windows Movie Maker (Windows XP) 2.1
Pros
Absolutely none
Cons
Runs slower than a sedated snail then invariably stops running and closes. A thorough waste of time and disc space.
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"A Very Useful Product"
Version: Windows Movie Maker (Windows XP) 2.1
Pros
Not Much Advanced and Lacks some common features to be have.
Cons
Little Slow and Limited file size and hd support and better slide effects.
Summary
Good for amateurish video editing and compiling.
The the best thing is it's available for free and has easy to use interface.
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