Sapphire 2025: Recreating the Visual Style of Vintage Video Tapes

Published on January 08, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

The Sapphire 2025 version has brought a series of new features that excite visual effects professionals and video editors. This new update includes two innovative effects that allow recreating the visual style of old video tapes, specifically from the 80s. These effects not only add a nostalgic touch but also provide greater versatility when performing cinematic edits.

VHSDamage: simulating visual defects of VHS tapes

One of the most highlighted effects is VHSDamage, which simulates the common visual defects in VHS tapes. This effect recreates the imperfections seen in videos from that era, such as noise, image distortions, and misaligned colors, providing an authentic sense of traveling back in time.

DissolveLightLeak: light leaks for a cinematic touch

The other effect is DissolveLightLeak, which introduces light leaks in transitions between video clips. This type of effect, typical of old tapes, adds a nostalgic and cinematic feel, ideal for those seeking a more classic and emotional visual style in their productions.

Improvements and new presets

In addition to these new effects, Sapphire 2025 improves some existing tools. For example, the TVDamage effect now works faster, leveraging the power of the graphics card to speed up processing. Likewise, the PixelSort effect has been optimized, offering more controls to adjust its visual style more precisely and in detail.

Another important novelty is the inclusion of more than 50 new presets for effects that were already available, which facilitates work and allows customizing results more quickly. Additionally, 8 new lens flares have been added, those light effects used to increase the drama and atmosphere of scenes.

Universal compatibility: consistent effects across all applications

One of the most significant improvements is that now Sapphire effects will look the same in all editing applications, regardless of which one is used. This facilitates teamwork and improves workflow, as there will be no differences in the appearance of effects between different platforms and editing programs.

With these updates, Sapphire 2025 offers greater versatility, optimization, and consistency, allowing content creators to work with visual effects in a smoother and more professional way.