Here is an easy way to find out Truespace 3 for free from Caligari it can do most of the things 5.2 can do including make movies etc. Not real good for making models after using ac3d and its vert controls but I have fun with it even after upgrading to 6.2.
Only requirement is a valid email address so they can send you a registration code
http://forms.caligari.com/forms/ts3all_free.html
cant ask for much better