Originally released in 1995, Microsoft's 3D Movie Maker has long enjoyed its retirement; however, in a surprising turn of events, the old software is now enjoying a new life with the release of the source code after 27 long years.
The 3D Movie Maker source code release came to us thanks to Foone software necromancers, Scott Hanselman and Jeff Wilcox, who recently proclaimed their success in capturing and releasing the software's source code.
This was after an engineer had been 'shot' by some 'nerd' and told it couldn't be done, which is a remarkably effective strategy.
Hey folks – We open source Microsoft 3D Movie Maker from 1995 https://t.co/h4mYSKRrjK Thanks to @jeffwilcox and the Microsoft OSS office and our legal friends and those who continue to support me a nudzh. Thanks to @foone for the idea! Enjoy. https://t.co/6wBAkjkeIPMay 4, 2022
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Now that the software is back after a long absence, users running the software on Windows 11 can re-create somewhat hideous 3D movies by placing characters and props in pre-rendered 3D environments that certainly seem to indicate when they were released.
In an attempt to create musical magic, users can also add actions, sound effects, music, text, voice, and special effects to their 3D animated movies.
3's 1995D Movie Maker also marks the first appearance of the infamous Comic Sans font that everyone loves to hate.
Analysis: archive before anything else
Whether or not you plan on using this old software now that it's available via source code, there's no denying that it's a welcome move on the part of Microsoft and its open source program office.
This part of history can now be properly archived and preserved for all to marvel at.
As the home of the Comics Sans font and the ancestor, in a way, of Windows Movie Maker and Clipchamp, Microsoft's 3D Movie Maker will always hold a special place in Microsoft history.
With that in mind, it looks like the show can now be properly arched and even used again by those who want to make more disturbing 3D movies.