color correction methodology- 2 track vs. 1 track. . .why?

[Josh Bass]

For quite a few years now, I've seen a lot of elaborate color correction tutorials or methods using two tracks of video, that is, duplicating a track and laying it over itself, then activating a compositing mode on the top track, and possibly some additional steps. Every time I messed with it, always found the results less than stellar.

I've always used one track, and added a few effects to it, and been happy. I guess I'm wondering if I'm missing out. Are there things (speaking of color correction) you can't accomplish using a single track and varous effects, that have to be done with two tracks and compositing?

I guess the NLE isn't really relevant, but I'm using FCP now, though I've used Vegas in the past.

[Shaun Roemich]

The two track method allows for effects that are generally unachievable with just a one track method, like blowing out JUST highlights and adding a beautiful soft warm glow but leaving the rest or the image completely "in focus".

If one track is working for you, keep at it. If you're trying to achieve a look and can't with one track, start duplicating...

[Josh Bass]

Ok, see, here's a for instance. . .couldn't you isolate the highlights with a secondary color corrector mask, and then tweak them? Or maybe the glow effect (in Vegas, this worked--it only found the highlights), haven't tried it in FCP yet)