Editors, colorists, sound wizards, and TikTok enthusiasts – gather around. Blackmagic Design has set off a firework display in the post-production world with the release of DaVinci Resolve 20. What used to be just “a really good freeware” is now an all-in-one AI powerhouse that I’d happily take out for coffee… if I had feelings.
Sometimes, for professional video editing, you had to ask yourself two questions: How much time do I have? and How much money will I need? Adobe Have you eaten yet? Now one of these dilemmas has been solved. DaVinci Resolve 20 is on the scene – and no, it's no longer just "that one" free alternative". It is high-end post-production ecosystem, who can edit, color correct, mix sound and – if you let him – probably make you coffee.
So what happened? Blackmagic Design has updated its flagship editing beast with more than 100 new features, among which artificial intelligence reigns supreme. And we're not talking about some "AI that adds a little light", but about tools that can think, analyze and sometimes even edit more than a human (but without the ego trip).
If you're a video creator, you'll probably want to check if you've downloaded the new version after reading this review. But if you're just curious about how far the technology has come, sit back - here's a concrete ride through editing paradise.
Smooth Cut: Jump cut surgeon
You know that moment when you cut silences and “eeee”s out of a speech? It used to be like someone shaking the camera during an epileptic seizure. Now? Smooth Cut interpolates the missing frames and voila, your recording flows like butter on warm bread.
New keyframes: goodbye, pixel-zoom
Anyone who says adding animations in DaVinci is “pure joy” has clearly not worked in previous versions. The new animation windows now allow you to fine-tune all parameters in one place – without microscopes and shaky hands. If you’ve ever animated zoom and opacity at the same time, you know why this is revolutionary.
AI Music Editor & Beat snapping: edit with rhythm
DaVinci now recognizes the beat in your soundtrack and magnetically attaches clips to it. Great for B-roll, even better for mental health. And the AI Music Editor? You stretch out a track like pizza dough, and it still sounds cool. No more fade-out and pray.
Automatic sound control: you talk, he listens
Audio Ducking AI is your new best friend. It recognizes voice-over and music and automatically balances them. No more “hey, can you turn down that background, I can’t hear you!”. It already does it.
Remove Silence: silence you won't miss
With one click, eliminate long pauses, “ums,” “hmms,” and other speech clutter. The Fairlight module now becomes your therapist – removing everything you wanted to say but changed your mind mid-sentence.
IntelliScript: text to video, no drama
This is crazy: you upload a script, and Resolve sets up a basic timeline for you. If you're doing documentaries, interviews, or anything with a script – this is like the editing version of "instant soup". You just click, and it's already hot.
Animated subtitles: engagement upgrade
Subtitles are no longer static – you animate them, stylize them, add colors, effects. What Instagram improvises, DaVinci now does orchestrates.Finally control, finally aesthetics.
Vertical revolution
One tap and you're in a vertical timeline. The UI adapts, everything is optimized. If you're editing reels or TikToks, you'll probably cry (with joy).
Additional treats for tech gourmets
Because Blackmagic apparently couldn't say "enough", here are some desserts for the more technically inclined:
- AI Voice Convert: changes the speaker's voice – perfect for ADR or localization.
- AI Dialogue Matcher: equalizes the tone, level, and sound environment of different recordings.
- AI IntelliCut: arrange and organize dialogues according to speakers – invaluable for podcasts.
- Voice-over recording directly into the timeline: added teleprompter so there will be no more "checking" on the tickets.
- Fairlight Chain FX: save an entire set of sound effects as a preset. Speed + consistency = zen.
- EQ & Level Matcher: Automatically calibrate audio tracks for a uniform mix.
- ProRes encoding on Windows & Linux: finally no more Apple-only restrictions.
- MV-HEVC export: support for spatial video with “360°” audio.
Conclusion: This is not an “update.” This is an episode of science fiction.
DaVinci Resolve 20 is not just the latest version. It's a whole new chapter in professional post-production, and it's free. Every feature is built with creators in mind, not accountants. Artificial intelligence doesn't replace humans, it - finally - relieve.
If you don't feel like crying during editing at the thought of a monthly subscription, click "download." And say hello to your new favorite work environment.
PS: If in a few weeks you find yourself explaining “Chroma Warp” to your friends over beer… don’t worry. This is normal now. And here you get the program for free!
