Although each software program provides different movie-editing tools and audio features, these are some of the basic functions that most programs offer: timeline editing, zoom in/out, property adaptation (color, brightness and contrast), scene transition effects, trim/fade audio, special audio effects and publishing tools.
Some of the best movie editing software choices for amateurs are CyberLink PowerDirector, Corel DVD Movie Factory and Power Director. The greatest advantage of these programs is their ease of use. Even a "non-techie" user won't need hours of tutorials in order to master them. However, their editing tools tend to be limited and may not support a variety of file formats.
Adobe Premiere Elements, Pinnacle Studio and ShowBiz DVD are some of the most advanced movie-editing programs on the market. These programs cost more, and there is a learning curve for new users. However, these programs provide a huge list of editing options and support nearly all types of video formats, which for many users makes them worth the money and the effort it takes to learn them.
The prices of the most common movie-editing software programs range from $50 to about $100.