31 Mar 2011

SCARED, Jamie Daws

SCARED is an exciting approach to the haunted deck effect - where the pack eerily cuts itself to reveal the selection!

When I first saw the trailer for this I instantly liked it, containing ideal ingredients for strong magic such as a direct and memorable plot with a clear and simple method, Jamie has conjured up a really strong effect here that if your currently considering purchasing then don't delay, you won't be disappointed! If you still need some assurance, read on..

Firstly if your a purist, then your probably going to be apprehensive when I mention the word gimmick! There is a gimmick involved but hold on, were not talking threads, magnets and other such obscurities which might entail certain angle and situational requirements. The gimmick is easy to use/make, reusable and can be handled very openly which contributes nicely to the impossibility of this effect. In fact the gimmick is so cheeky that you can make it in a matter of seconds, allowing you to start gaff-free and construct it mid-trick!

Also mentioned on the DVD are various designs for the gimmick which give you ample opportunity to explore the best method for you as well as useful thoughts on handling, subtleties and presentations. All in all, the sections allocated for the works and handling of this gimmick are superbly and extensively taught, giving you real confidence to get out there and use it - thumbs up!

The four effects which are also served up personally weren't for me, I think the principle effect as a stand alone piece (with the right presentation) would have much greater impact than any of these offerings, but they do prove a fair point in showing the versatility of the gimmick and are still worthy of study.

The DVD is way up there in production value and Jamie is joined by Dave Forrest who does a great job of ensuring that no detail (however minor it may be) is forgotten.

Overall I think this is a great release - strong magic, clear/detailed explanations with great attention to preferences and subtleties, commercial and at an affordable/appropriate price.

Available at http://www.full52.com/scared.htm