The first installment of the Microsoft Movie Maker that was introduced along with the Windows Me received flak from critics due to its unassuming features as compared to the IMovie product on the Apple Macintosh.

A year later Version 1.1 was included in Windows XP, which supported the creation of DV AVI and WMV 8 files. November 2002 saw the release of the new and improved Version 2.0. Later, the Windows XP Service Pack 2 included the rather inferior updated Version 2.1.A new version of Microsoft Movie Maker, 2.5, was introduced by Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 with greater provisions for DVD burning. Some versions of Windows "Longhorn" (now known as Windows Vista) included a WPF version, but was later done away with in the development reorganization.

Vista and the Movie Maker

The Windows Movie Maker has been upgraded to version 6 to equate it with the upgraded operating system-Windows Vista. It is, however, referred to as version 3.0 by the SDK. Except for Windows Vista Starter, it is included in all editions. The Home Premium and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista includes a high-definition updated version of the Microsoft Movie Maker.

Score new effects, a few innovative transitions, and a DVR-MS supported file format are included in the Windows Vista Version. Windows Media Center uses this format to record television. HDV camcorders are supported by the HD version in Premium and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista. DVR-MS type files are created from HDV tapes by the Capture Wizard. However, this new version of Windows Movie Maker no longer allows video-imports from an analog source such as a VCR or a webcam.

A pixel shader hardware support is required by all Windows Vista versions of the movie maker. This new versions might not be supported by some systems. Microsoft has solved this issue by releasing an updated version of the older 2.6 for Windows Vista on the Microsoft Download Center. This version therefore allows the use of Windows Movie Maker not only on Vista but also on systems where the Windows Vista version cannot be run.

Windows Movie Maker 2.1

Windows Movie Maker 2.1, is a totally different ball game altogether offering options to create, customize and share home movies on your computer. You can fine tune your own movie, editing the poor shots and incorporating the best ones only. The movie can subsequently be shared through the desired medium. You can transfer your potential Oscar-winning film on to a DVD using other applications. There are also software available that allow you to transfer your movie back to videotape in your camera to facilitate playback on television or in the camera. Movie Maker 2.1 also offers great state of the art special effects, music and narrative techniques that are flexible and add that extra edge to your movie.

All movie buffs of all ages who have traced the transformation of the Windows Movie Maker into the new and improved Windows Movie Maker 2.1 now know it is all that's required for them to fulfill their dreams in Movie Direction!