Title: Crash Course Vol 1
Author: Brad Christian
Producer: Ellusionist
Where: Ellusionist.com
OK, seeing as this is the first video on Magic that I’ve seen and so I have very little to compare to, I’ll be going over how the video met my expectations as a newb. First off, let me comment on the site itself. The layout of the store is very elegant, I feel, and features a video demo which is actually what drew me in. The page itself shows you what you get, what’s covered, and even a synopsis of the tricks themselves. Basically, it makes you want the video.
Now believe it or not, before having watched this video, I have never seen many tricks done except for two or three featured card tricks on YouTube, despite the fact that I’m an avid YouTuber myself. The opening trick although simple, really had me stumped and wanting to do it myself. Brad Christian I feel is very good at delivering a message, and that message is that although you don’t necessarily learn anything groundbreaking you can certainly learn enough to entertain friends and family.
The one thing I didn’t like, is that the Lady in Red seemed too fake, too surprised. She would at times seem to be on the brink of having a convulsion, seizure, or otherwise sever panic attack when Christian did a simple DL. She even began to cry at one point because of a card switch. I felt like she was way to overacting and took away from the performance.
Another negative I felt about the video is that Christian takes an awfully long time to tell his stories. Every time he tells a story indoors, the spectators seem bored by the length of the story. Although the stories are good, it makes it difficult to sit through the performance to see the trick demo...which I feel is a negative since this is a video about trick explanations and not a demo.
Overall, after taking about two weeks with the video, I learned the tricks thoroughly and have demonstrated to friends, family, and coworkers. Although the tricks and techniques covered are very basic, it’s like Brad Christian says, “Simple hits hard”. However, I will not recommend because I haven’t had experience with other videos yet, however when I do I hope to come back and add my recommendation…
Some notable quotes are:
Christian: “Did you see it?”
Guy: “I didn’t see nothing. You are beautiful, you are great!”
Brad Christian performs “Heat”
Woman in Red: “How did you- I can’t bel- I’m going to cry…I’m so confused”, then laughs hysterically
Brad Christian performs “Fastest Card Trick”
Woman in Red: After having a nervous breakdown…”That’s crazy. Believe me, I’m trying to lie but I can’t”
Brad Christian performs “Out of Site out of Mind”
Woman in Red: At this point the lady is ready for a mental asylum. Starts talking to herself “I need some type of security. I feel vulnerable not knowing how you do this”
Christian: “Simple hits hard”, when discussing the simplicity of the tricks.
Topics Covered:
• Mechanic's grip and breaks
• Swing cuts
• Injog Controls
• Card in Hand - trick
• False Cut & Dribble
• Here Then There - trick
• Protrude Control
• Heat - 2 Card Selection - trick
• C-Short, Force, T-Palm
• Braue Reversal
• Fastest Trick on Earth - trick
• Out of Sight - trick
