Red Giant Universe 2024.1 -

Universe has always had popular retro tools—Glitch, VHS, and Holomatrix. However, 2024.1 introduces VHS 2.0, a complete rewrite of the legacy effect.

Why the rewrite? The original VHS effect was starting to show its age (released nearly eight years ago). Modern audiences have become savvy to digital "fake" glitches.

Previously a basic 3D text overlay, Label now supports:

Use Case: Imagine a crime thriller where a detective analyzes a drone feed. With Universe 2024.1, you can drag the HUD Generator onto the footage, select "Drone Reticle," and have a professional, animated targeting system running in 30 seconds.

| Feature | Useful for | Time saved | |--------|-----------|-------------| | Multilayer EXR from Lens Flare | Color grading flares separately in Resolve/Nuke | 30–60 min per shot | | Lens dirt pass extraction | Adding realistic camera moves without re-rendering | 20 min per comp | | Progresso text morph | Animated title cards & lower thirds | 15 min per title |

If you’d like a step-by-step video walkthrough script or an After Effects project template demonstrating these, just let me know.

Red Giant Universe 2024.1 is a specialized collection of GPU-accelerated plugins designed for editors and motion graphics artists who need high-quality effects and transitions without heavy rendering times. This update focuses on enhancing visual quality through improved bokeh tools and tighter integration with the broader Red Giant ecosystem. Top Features & Improvements

Enhanced Bokeh Tools: The 2024.1 update introduced new bokeh tools that allow for more realistic blurs and depth-of-field effects. These are particularly useful for mimicking high-end camera lenses in post-production.

Real Lens Flares Updates: It includes "Light Ball" core projections, allowing for better obscuration and more natural interaction between flares and objects in your footage. Red Giant Universe 2024.1

Workflow Integration: All Red Giant tools, including Universe, now use a unified installer provided by Maxon.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Universe remains highly flexible, supporting industry-standard hosts such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro. Performance & Usability

Speed: One of the primary selling points for Universe is its GPU acceleration, which enables near-real-time previews of complex effects like VHS stylization, glitch, and glow.

Presets: The library comes with hundreds of customizable presets that act as a great starting point for beginners, while offering enough sliders for advanced users to fine-tune the look.

Magic Bullet Integration: This version improved color management integration with Magic Bullet Looks, allowing for more consistent color grading across different plugins in the suite. Pricing & Value

Universe is available as an individual subscription or as part of the Red Giant Complete package on Maxon.

Individual Subscription: Approximately $32/month or $214/year.

Red Giant Complete: Costs around $85/month or $639/year, which includes Trapcode, Magic Bullet, and VFX suites. Universe has always had popular retro tools—Glitch, VHS,

Verdict: If you are a professional editor frequently needing stylized transitions and vintage effects, the bokeh and flare updates in 2024.1 make it a worthwhile addition to your toolkit. However, it is most cost-effective when bundled with the full Red Giant suite.

Maxon Red Giant Update Delivers Fast, Beautiful Bokeh and Realistic…

Red Giant Universe 2024.1 a specialized update focused primarily on sophisticated optical effects and under-the-hood performance leaps

. While it doesn't reinvent the entire suite, it introduces high-value tools for editors looking to mimic high-end anamorphic and cinematic lens characteristics. Key Highlights of the 2024.1 Release New Bokeh Plugin

: This is the standout addition. It allows you to create realistic camera focus effects and "dream bokeh" without needing a complex 3D depth setup. It includes various shapes and customization options for focus length and depth maps. Bokeh Transition

: A variant of the plugin that enables seamless, de-focused transitions between clips, which is significantly more polished than a standard Gaussian blur. Performance Framework

: Maxon has overhauled the underlying engine. This update provides a much faster, real-time experience in non-linear editors (NLEs), specifically for the new Bokeh and Uni.Blur plugins. Expanded Compatibility : The toolset remains a staple for major platforms like Adobe After Effects Premiere Pro Final Cut Pro DaVinci Resolve Pros & Cons Industry-Standard Presets

: Over 100 tools for glitches, glows, and retro looks that are instantly usable. Subscription Only | Feature | Useful for | Time saved

: Now tied to the Maxon app, requiring a recurring cost that might be steep for casual users. Real-time Previews

: The new framework significantly reduces "wait time" during heavy effect application. Specialized Update

: If you don't need realistic lens blur, this specific version update might feel minor. Ease of Use

: Most tools feature a "choose a preset and go" workflow that saves hours of manual compositing. Performance Variance

: While the new plugins are fast, some older legacy plugins in the suite still haven't been migrated to the new framework. If you are already a

subscriber, this is a fantastic "quality of life" update that brings high-end lens simulation into your daily NLE workflow. For those considering a new subscription, it remains the gold standard for "fast-turnaround" stylization, though the $199/year price point makes it a serious investment for professionals rather than hobbyists. new Bokeh plugin

compares to the standard blur tools in Premiere or After Effects?

Maxon Red Giant Update Delivers Fast, Beautiful Bokeh and Realistic…