In Review: GenArts Sapphire Edge

A good script or compelling documentary subject is the beginning. Of course, having well composed, exposed and creatively shot visuals helps. And don’t forget audio. Bad audio is a surefire way to lose your viewers. But it is the “look” that conveys the true feel of any piece.

GenArts recently released Sapphire Edge, a $299 collection of some 350 customizable looks presets combined with a one-year subscription to its new FX Central service. Now some readers might say, “There are tons of free looks out there on the Web, and besides, I can create my own.” Both are true. However, what sets Sapphire Edge apart from many albeit well constructed homebrew looks is the Sapphire render engine. Sapphire plug-ins have always ranked among my favorites, and the GenArts product line is used extensively in film and broadcast projects. The Sapphire engine is fast and its rendering is precise. It is the Sapphire core that makes Edge well worth the price of admission.