Reviewed by Tom Denton
As someone with an almost unnatural fascination with the nuances of card sleights, I was very interested to get my hands on Liam Montier's latest release on Big Blind Media, The Elmsley Count Project. I've liked Liam's previous work, especially his two volumes of The Wicked World of Liam Montier, but, as a purist card guy, there wasn't much there that was useful for me personally. Still, I knew he had a creative flair and good attention to detail, so I had high hopes for this two DVD set.
As the title very helpfully makes clear, this release is all about the Elmsley Count. It's become a ubiquitous card move since it's popularisation by Dai Vernon in his Twisting the Aces routine, but, to my mind, it's often performed badly. In some contexts, it's quite an unnatural way to show a packet of cards, so if you're going to use it, your technique needs to be flawless to avoid arousing suspicion. The first disc of the set goes into minute detail on Liam's handling of the count, and I would go as far as to say he performs it as well as anyone I've ever seen. The teaching in this section is superb, and I think that anyone from the novice to an experienced card handler will find something to improve their Elmsley Count here.
The rest of the first disc is made up of variations of the basic move, and teaching of additional similar counts. All this content makes this DVD an excellent resource for the principles of false counting, with Liam's personal touches and details which genuinely inspired me to think more about these kind of ideas. As this is a Big Blind Media product, it goes without saying that the production quality is very good, everything is shown clearly and this is very easy to learn from.
Then we come to the second disc. Here, Liam teaches eight tricks using the Elmsley Count, or one of the variations taught on disc one. These range from the classic to the modern, and include two contributions from Liam himself. Having been impressed with the content of disc one, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed with this disc. As I've said, one of the main failings of the Elmsley Count, to my mind, is the fact that it can look very unnatural, and therefore it needs to be well-justified by its context. I didn't feel this came across in Liam's performances, as, many times, I felt that the execution of the move itself didn't fit the rhythm of the trick itself. Therefore, I don't think this disc showed off the move to its best advantage. In fact, I would suggest that some tricks would have been better if they had been streamlined and the count removed completely, which kind of defeats the object of including them on an Elmsley Count DVD.
Having said that, this DVD set is still a great investment. While the second disc doesn't really bring much to the party, the first disc more than makes up for this. The subtleties in handling that Liam teaches, make this a brilliant resource for studying the Elmsley Count.
Available at http://www.bigblindmedia.com/product-elmsley.html
18 Jan 2012
9 Jan 2012
Note, Matt Sconce
From the mind of Matt Sconce, let's take a look at 'Note' - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tizozoQjGd0
This powerful effect is taught thoroughly by Robert Smith, aka B.Smith and cinematically produced by PaperCrane productions, these aspects as you'd expect are top notch.
'Note' boasts a very strong USP & clearly from the live performances, laymen freak!! Both the method/s for transferring & gaining information are covered extensively, showing you multiple ways to achieve the requirement - you definitely get your money's worth with the amount of added extras sewn into this project, as they don't just have to relate to the 'Note' effect.
Although B.Smith makes the method look simple, I feel this will take a competent performer to pull it off naturally. There's a lot of bold actions (depending on effect) with which a whole array of subtle techniques need to be employed, experience in audience management is key.
Overall this is impact magic at it's best, I can see the devil using this one! Recommended.
Available at http://www.papercranemagic.com/note.htm
7 Jan 2012
Cinch, Shaun Robison
The PaperCrane review-athon continues as I get my teeth into the highly anticipated 'Cinch'! Here's the demo -
As you can see, this is a super-fly version of the bill change where the moment of magic literally unfolds before your very eyes.
The method used here, as far I'm aware, uses a totally new spin on the handling which is practically self working & has some useful advantages over it's predecessors. This is achieved through the use of a gimmick (not a TT) which although helps to eliminate difficult sleights doesn't allow you to end clean - Shaun does ensure us that this isn't an issue for him as whilst the heat is on the bill, you can ditch the dirty South.
Being primarily a card guy, I've never had the urge to learn a bill change, I'd love to say "that was until now" but taking into account reset & examinability (from a workers perspective) this just isn't practical enough for my liking. For parlour or screen however, I think this would work great - definitely not to be overlooked in that respect.
The DVD is superbly shot in HD with multiple angles, step by step teaching, live performances & additional presentations.
Overall an eye-popping effect with a neat method, but the best out there.. I'm on the fence.
Available at http://www.papercranemagic.com/cinch.htm
6 Jan 2012
Xpand, Brandon David & Chris Turchi
Expand your repertoire with this latest release from PaperCrane featuring Brandon David & Chris Turchi, aka Christyrious.
Xpand is a very visual shrinking & expanding card effect which would best be described through the use of a performance clip, so check this out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v56akTxmA-Q Note: the tape Justin Miller uses is purely for presentational purposes.
Completely different to anything else out there, this is fresh & I like it! By now you may have realised that PaperCrane have a knack for releasing new ideas & concepts into the magic scene, straying away from effects which Daniel Madison would consider to be 'dead magic'. This effect seems truly impossible & YES, they really can keep/inspect their signed card!!
I was also pleased to see how surprisingly simple the method is, I was creating all sorts of convoluted contraptions in my mind but none as slick as this. Although Xpand uses a gimmick (supplied), the handling is natural - easy to use, conceal & ditch.
Production standards are obviously top notch along with the teaching & attention to detail.
Overall this is a far out effect which is sure to freak out too! Recommended.
Available at http://www.papercranemagic.com/xpand.htm
3 Jan 2012
The Minotaur: Final Issue, Dan Harlan & Marv Leventhal
Up next is another Dan Harlan release who's joined by Marv Leventhal as they hit us with their final issue of The Minotaur!
The DVD is based around (as the blurb says) a 'wild tale', which although means well didn't quite do it for me as I soon found myself skipping to the actual magic content which fortunately was in abundance! There is a lot to learn here, not all the effects grabbed me but almost all contained a neat transferable idea/plot which will certainly work well to inspire your own creations for both close-up & stage.
There are twenty five effects in total, here are my highlights:
'Fairest of them all' is the opening effect and what a start! In brief, two cards are fairly selected/lost and yet you determine there choice. The thinking here is superb - the simple ones are often the hardest to create but Dan & Marv haven't disappointed, this is impromptu gold, will definitely be working this one into my rep.
'Adjoctive' is a Max Maven effect which you may have already come across, a pack of random words are shuffled & dealt out in to packets, once turned over the face words combine to make a sentence of your choice. Being able to tailor the ending to suit your needs is what makes this so strong, well worth learning.
'Holding the bag' is Harlan's psychometry test that uses brown paper bags, I guess the idea here is to throw off any doubts by using an inconspicuous item. Although I probably won't use this effect I really liked the method & presentation, this would make a great addition to a stage act for any psychological illusionist.
'Glass Backwards' is a matching mates effect by Tom Craven. This requires almost no effort at all and is yet seamlessly fair, a perfect stroller.
'Royal Plushy' sees an audience member freely generate a game of poker before being 'psychologically persuaded' to deal out a winning poker hand - you know the plot. This trick usually carried a fairly dull presentation until Harlan came along - unfortunately it's too good to reveal what makes this routine commercial gold!
'Folderol & Dagger Move' is a visual stunner whereby the sharpie magically produces the selection, caught me by surprise, an ideal quickie for sharpie users.
'Counting on you' is Harlan's take on the four card repeat trick except in his version your adding not subtracting. It's quite sleight demanding so I might streamline the handling but for now I've got no choice but to use Harlan's method, as there's absolutely no way I'm missing out on performing the kicker involved - no spoilers I'm afraid! A perplexing routine with a fun finish.
'On your mark' is another Harlan winner that uses some additional cards and some mini prep. Using one sleight & these three cards you can create a safe bet crowd pleaser.
'Beer money' is a super neat transpo involving beer & money! With that said it's no surprise that this would be perfect for bar magicians or indeed any social/event where you might find a bottle of beer. This is simple/effective and despite being a card-guy is going straight on my to learn list.
The above is what got my taste-buds excited but there's definitely something for everyone here so do check out the contents page (link below).
The production & teaching are all as you'd want & a mass input of time/effort is obvious. Retailing at around £40/$60 seems borderline steep but you ARE sure to find some priceless gems, trying not to sound cheesy - I know I have!
Overall there is lots of strong, practical magic to be learnt here. I was going to criticise the effects which I deemed to be filler but the live performances prove me wrong, so what can I say.. add to cart!! Highly Recommended.
Available at http://www.papercranemagic.com/minotaur.htm
2 Jan 2012
SpeakEasy, Dan Harlan & Jen Weston
Harlan's latest release featuring the ever wonderful Jen Weston (no I'm not flirting..) should also be called Watch & Learn Easy! The style and layout of this DVD is just butter smooth, entertaining, crammed with performances (the efforts here should be awarded) & explanations are crystal clear.
The system taught explains how to secretly communicate names, numbers, symbols, colours & even dates! And to give you even more bang for buck, Harlan also tips his treasured stage set (performance included) which purely uses the system. The act has been developed over the course of years & for the first time, all neatly wrapped up is the whole shebang, you get the methodology, presentation, patter, subleties, EVERYTHING!
Myself and a secret sidekick learnt the basic techniques alongside the running time of the DVD, it's that simple/genius. Sure there's some further rehearsal before going live, but if your already experienced with pattering on the spot then this is almost effortless!
Major pro, the 'SpeakEasy' system is brilliantly devised in such a way that you & your 'psychic' partner can create limitless presentations - you are restricted only by your imagination.
Small con.. some of the live performance audio is hit'n'miss so make sure your sat with the zapper, but please don't let that put you off, you WILL be inspired by this.
To conclude, the sneakiness of this system makes it a thrill to perform & you'll have fun learning too - why couldn't they teach stuff like this in school! Highly recommended.
Available at http://www.papercranemagic.com/speakeasy.htm
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