But you may be surprised to learn what a leading role the Amiga plays in Hollywood, that Mecca for filmmakers and a hotbed of video- and animation-intensive applications. The Amiga provides major movie and television studios the flexibility to create high-quality images and animation sequences quickly and cheaply. The Amiga boasts a long and growing list of Hollywood credits, including blockbuster films and various exciting new TV shows. Your chest will swell with pride as you learn about the Amiga’s accomplishments in the entertainment industry, and read Hollywood's laudatory comments about your favorite computer (story begins on p. 43). The Amiga’s rising-star status is oft-repeated by production people, who claim that the Amiga produces entertainment that is as good or better than other high-end svstems costing much more. One Hollywood animator noted, “1 don’t feel that we would have gotten better results from a high-end machine, like an SGI, but it's a moot point, because the SGI environment here just would not have worked. It would have been prohibitively expensive.” In a land where fantasies can come true, the Amiga has turned the dreams of many professional Hollywood animators, special-efYects creators, art directors, and pre- production designers into realities. The focus of this month’s AmigaWorld is video and animation applications, so what more appropriate issue to bring you a hands-on look at the new Toaster 4000, the sine qua non of Amiga video production? This latest Toaster version offers a number of amazing new features and functions, including improved effects, an easier-to-use CG, and a 3-D program that’s the envy of the industry. Current Toaster owners and animators will want to upgrade, and beginners will have even more reason to venture into the world of Toaster video. The Amiga is the great equalizer. You don’t have to be a famous movie maker or talented artist to be able to create some truly amazing video and graphics. In this issue we show you how with a look at the latest in 3-D animation software and techniques. You’ll be impressed with the professional features Found in this most recent generation of programs. Next month we look forward to bringing you .4IT’s annual games issue, with an update on the latest in AGA and CD32 entertainment software. We’ll also post the results of your votes for your favorite Amiga games.