After Effects is simply one of the coolest programs on the planet. I can literally do Hollywood grade effects with that puppy. If you get the right plug-ins you can make people's mouths drop. Learning curve is steep, but not nearly as bad as some 3D programs. Also, you would never know it was made by the same company that made Premiere 5.1. Not to knock Premiere, it is a dedicated part of my arsenal, but it is buggy and poorly implemented. After Effects is must have if you're into animation and movie-making. Take care, Tim