Anything that you think should be possible but that AppleScript cannot seem to do can probably be done with scripting additions. Before you give up, go to our Scripting Additions section and search for the task you are trying to accomplish. Enter a keyword and see what you can find. A scripting addition is probably waiting for you!
And also, now in OS X, we have lots of command-line tools able to manipulate images, movies, any kind of data, etc. Ask!