Like any self-respecting video-editing program, the latest version of Serif’s MoviePlus starts off by adding support for high-definition (HD) video.

We were also pleased to see that it works with Apple’s popular QuickTime video format, which should be of interest to iPod video fans.

Serif MoviePlus 5 adds a number of new transitions and special effects filters, including lighting effects, graduated colour fills and drop shadows for title text.

MoviePlus also allows you to animate these effects, fading them in and out at specific points – known as keyframes – within your video project. Keyframe controls aren’t often found in low-cost video-editing programs, so it’s good to see MoviePlus offering this sort of feature at such a low price.

One of the main new features in this version is the ability to create DVD menus and burn projects onto a DVD. Also The Menu Designer module allows you to quickly create a menu using a series of built-in templates.

You can easily modify elements such as the menu’s background image, soundtrack, and the style of text and buttons, simply by selecting them from a pull-down menu.
This isn’t exactly innovative, though, as most video-editing programs have been offering similar features for a long time now.

We also found some of the DVD features a bit confusing. Simple tasks such as trying to find a preview option so that we could test the menu left us continually flicking through the manual and online Help files for guidance.

And this is MoviePlus 5’s main weakness. It’s got a lot of very useful video-editing features, but its interface is complex and confusing. The editing workspace is divided into multiple panels, and it’s not always obvious where the main tools can be found.

Some of the program’s more powerful features, such as keyframes and ‘envelopes’ (another type of animation technique) are poorly explained and may leave first-time users scratching their heads.

So while MoviePlus 5 provides good value for money, Serif still needs to tidy up its interface and make it easier for newcomers to use.

Related reviews 
Ulead Videostudio 10 Plus 
Verdict: Like Serif MoviePlus 5, Ulead's Videostudio 10 is a strong upgrade with many powerful features, but the interface could be improved
Rating: 4/5
Price: £60