Have you try HDR Darkroom (www.hdrdarkroom.com)? This software claim it can product both photo-realistic and surreal image. So far, I really like this program.
I installed the trial v1.00 and already an error about krypton licensed control being unlicensed, I played with the tonemapping and for hdr it really doesn't do enough the pictures yes where enhanced but it was nothing compared to photomatix
This app needs to be further enhanced and build perhaps down the road it might be a good candidate alternative but as it stands photomatix beats this by a landslide