maya is the top-of-the-line if i remember right; 3DsMax is up there though.. back in highschool i used this program called Animation Master:2000, it was pretty decent; i only did models back then.. since then, i cant find a decent copy of it -- i lost my cd
in school i had access to maya and 3Dmax.. but never had any classes for them, as im graphic-artist, not game-art designer. [now that im outa school] ..
i think most movie production studios make thier own programs to suit thier needs.. im not sure 100% do though.