I would try particleIllusion 2.0 SE. For $99 it is an outstanding way to add very impressive particle effects like fire, smoke, a flock of birds, etc. with keyframing and alpha channel. You can download a trial version and see for yourself.
If by "more video effects" you mean more stock footage, check out www.screenblast.com.
This is the new home site for Screenblast Movie Studio (which is what Video Factory has morphed into, via new parent company Sony).
You'll find a handful of stock shots, sound effects and music for free, but their premium package (Currently about $50 a year, although they're threatening to raise it up to $100 soon) allows unlimited access to a pretty impressive library.
BTW, you don't need to be a Screenblast owner to register or subscribe.