When I first heard about this project I predicted great things and I'm pleased to say that the DVD did meet those expectations. The performances of each effect are filmed live in a bar setting, which although creates an unnatural environment for both magician and spectator, do a fine job in showing the impact which these routines have in the 'real world'. The explanations were filmed in a casual manner, a sort of session type scenario, which is enjoyable to watch but I felt that some could have been shortened and made more concise. Crediting on the whole is very well acknowledged and there is a lot of extra input from both Gary and Lee with regards to working for laymen based on the wisdom they've gained through years of experience.
So on to the tricks! Personally coin magic isn't my thing, but that's not to say I can't appreciate the magic involved from a laymen perspective and the coin tricks which Gary offers here are very visual and charming, I particularly liked his '3 Coin Routine'.
On to the cards tricks - now were talking! There are more pros than cons here so I'll get my gripes out first, beginning with Gary's touch on the Hindu force - I won't go into detail to avoid revealing his presentation here, which by the way is probably something that many people will like, but I couldn't help thinking that it advertises and calls too much attention towards the mechanics of the shuffle, thus increasing the chances of being caught out during the actual selection procedure. A few more problems I had with some of the card material included Lee's 'Triple Choice' routine in which a brilliant principle is, I believe, taken too far and to a certain extent reveals the method. I also felt that Gary's 'Pocket 2 pocket 2 pocket' could have been streamlined to result in fewer phases but with heightened moments of magic and that some of the performances (noticeably during a palm sequence) seemed rushed - again with the abnormal situation of performing in front of a camera, angle limitations could be to blame. I respect the experience that these guys have so my cons might just be me over thinking, if you've seen the DVD you'll realise that these aren't huge flaws I'm picking at but it's an honest review and so it wouldn't be fair to leave these opinions out.
The pros! 'Kick back kings' and 'Kick back kicker' work together to create a nice transpo routine, plot wise nothing new, but a straight forward method and plenty of gasping moments for the audience. 'T.N.T' is Lee's sublime take on the torn and restored card, simple but very effective. 'Scoop', the build up lost me a bit but the anniversary waltz ending makes this killer and you can always go about altering the handling to suit. My favourite effect was 'Vanishing point', this trick is right up my street, quite bold and daring but allows for a great moment causing two tabled kings to vanish on their own accord, very cool! The version taught is actually John Carey's so thanks to him for permitting this item. There are plenty more well thought through effects, but for me these were the highlights.
And to top it all off, we get an in-depth explanation into 'ifone 10' - this is a super commercial routine (notably performed by Paul Zenon on Countdown) that really has all the components of a commercial effect, without a doubt the best item on the DVD. I'm assuming by now your familiar with the routine so I'll jump straight into saying that Lee, who's joined by cheeky chap Ravi Mayar really does a spot-on job covering all the points and the DVD even equips you with the necessary tools to create your own props. Gary also provides his simplified handling which eliminates any sleights that may put you off. This is a guaranteed winner!
Overall I'd recommend this DVD, your definitely not going to be displeased buying this especially if your looking for some hard hitting, commercial...well..eye candy! Thumbs up!
Available at http://www.rsvpmagic.com/product_icandy.html
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