MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 2003-- Latest Release of its Industry-leading Visual Effects Systems Offers the Most Comprehensive Solution Set Available for Modern Post-Production Environments

Discreet, a division of Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), today announced the worldwide availability of its industry-leading inferno(R) 5, flame(R) 8 and flint(R) 8 visual effects and compositing systems. This new release involves a major renovation of the underlying software architecture, providing powerful new capabilities and workflow enhancements while expanding upon the rich feature set and popular interface of the original Academy Award(R)-winning(1) flame technology, first launched in 1992. Now, for the first time, inferno, flame and flint offer mixed resolution support, extended editing capabilities, advanced workflow in Batch and much more, enabling visual effects artists to work faster and more efficiently, and dedicate more time to the creative aspects of their projects.

"Beta users have told us that this could be the most significant release in the history of the product," said Paul Lypaczewski, Discreet general manager and executive vice president of Autodesk, Inc. "Our constant goal is to deliver the most compelling, creative solutions to artists--fulfilling their desire to create the world's most ingenious images--but ever more quickly and efficiently. These product releases are a powerful affirmation of this commitment."

Key New Features

This latest release introduces both new features as well as a re-designed architecture for a new, more efficient editing and compositing workflow that allows digital artists to save time and effort. Key new functionality includes: -- Mixed Resolution Architecture--The new inferno, flame and

            flint release is fully format--and resolution-independent.
            Artists can quickly import any resolution into a project
            and create compositions including layers of 601, HD, 2K or
            even 6K images. Without having to manually create
            partitions for each format, artists can save significant
            time and effort. Artists can also quickly convert clips
            from one format to another.

        --  Advanced 3D with Multiple Cameras and FBX--Discreet's
            powerful 3D compositing environment, Action, now features
            multiple animatable cameras as well as more extensive
            support for 3D integration via the FBX file format from
            Kaydara. Artists can directly import and manipulate 3D
            models generated in Discreet's 3ds max(TM) as well as from
            other popular 3D applications including Maya,
            Softimage/XSI, Softimage/3D, and Lightwave. It is now
            possible to import the 3D models as well as textures,
            keyframed animation, light and camera data, thus saving
            significant time by eliminating the need to recreate these
            attributes manually.

        --  Advanced Workflow in Batch--Three key components have now
            been incorporated into Batch for easier accessibility:
            Action, a new Editing Timeline, and Proxy Processing.
            Proxy processing enables artists to render quick previews
            instead of having to render the full image resolution,
            which can speed workflow and productivity.

A complete list of new features in inferno 5, flame 8 and flint 8 may be found on the specific product pages at www.discreet.com/products.

"flame 8 is a great leap forward for Discreet and for high-end compositing. Anyone involved with projects that require the use of mixed resolution images and short delivery schedules will find this new version invaluable," said Elad Offer, creative director/partner at Money Shots in Santa Monica, California. "flame is now stronger and more flexible than ever, and is at the crux of our ability to deliver the best results possible on limited schedules."

Pricing and availability

Manufacturers Suggested List Price for the Discreet visual effects systems are: inferno 5--$571,500; flame 8--$266,500; flint 8--$99,000. Actual system price will vary based on scalable configurations. For additional information and configuration details, please contact Discreet Sales at 800-869-3504 or +1 514-393-1616. For contact information for Discreet regional offices or Authorized Discreet Resellers, visit the Discreet website at www.discreet.com.

About Discreet

Discreet empowers moving media professionals to realize the visual experience, transforming their most evocative and ambitious visions into reality. Its range of award-winning systems and software is developed for digital media creation, management and delivery--across all disciplines from visual effects and editing to animation, game development, web/interactive design, and design visualization. Discreet is based in Montreal, Quebec and is a division of Autodesk, Inc., the world's leading design and digital media creation, management, and distribution company. Product and corporate information is located on the Internet at www.discreet.com.

(1) - In 1999, Discreet's inferno and flame visual effects systems were each recognized with an Academy Award - Scientific and Engineering Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Discreet is a division of Autodesk, Inc. Autodesk, Discreet, 3ds max, inferno, flame, and flint are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc./ Autodesk Canada Inc. in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is the registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. (c)2003, Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

NOTE TO EDITORS: In "Softimage/XSI" and "Softimage/3D" noted in this news release, the forward slash should be a pipe symbol.

CONTACT: Discreet Public Relations Kevin G Clark, 415/547-2457 Kevin.g.clark@autodesk.com or Access Communications Erica Eusebio, 415/844-6212 eeusebio@accesspr.com