3ds Max 8 is the latest version of Autodesk’s 3D modeling, animation and rendering software, which has been used during post-production on such recent films as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Fantastic Four. With an extensive array of new features, Max 8 introduces advancements in four key areas: character development; advanced modeling and texturing; comprehensive development framework; and complex data
management (which helps you better scale your scenes, collaborate and manage complex scenes more quickly). Among the new features are improved rigging tools, UV pelt mapping for quickly generating accurate feature maps, support for XML, and a number of performance enhancements that will let you manipulate large data sets and connect directly to popular asset management systems. 3ds Max 8 is scheduled to ship next month. $3,495.
www.autodesk.com