Okay, here's my two-penneth:
I agree with the OP - this is GREAT. The DVD is very clear and explains everything you need to know in fine detail.
The blurb is a bit misleading though, as the spec cannot insert the card into the deck (if you disagree - feel free to say so, but it would be very tricky to achieve the necessary "positioning" of the card). The spec can cut the cards if you carry out the correct handling, although I, personally, don't see the point
.
The initial one-off set-up is a bit tricky at first. You are supplied with 2 gimmicks, which need preparing beforehand - after that you just need to "maintain" them. The DVD is, however, very concise and easy to follow
. Unfortunately, both of the gimmicks supplied are red-backed ..... a bit of a bummer for me, 'cos I only use blue backed cards
. Anyway, it explains, in full detail, how to make a new gimmick and you are supplied with an ample supply of "stuff". It took me 3 attempts to make mine, 'cos I "broke the stuff" twice, so I'm wondering if the following refers to the stuff that I broke, or the stuff needed to maintain the gimmick, 'cos by the time I make up another gimmick or 2, I'm gonna need some more "stuff":
magicrob wrote:EDITED TO ADD: I'm working to locate a UK supplier of refill 'stuff' for Haunted (Peter E has supplied details of a US supplier, but the shipping price is prohibitive); I should be able to confirm a UK supplier within a day or two!
With the initial set-up - be careful with the "stuff" (the "stuff" that you use to maintain the gimmick and not the "stuff" that I broke) - 'cos I initially used too much. This will prob be easier for some people. I had a few problems initially, 'cos I don't use any of the 2 lots of "stuff" mentioned, so I'm not used to handling them.
I personally don't see the need for all the extra effort needed in ditching the gimmick. The gimmick is almost undetectable. I showed this to my missus and she watches every move I make. She makes a very good guinea pig, if I can fool her .... I can fool anyone (well, nearly
). On one occasion, she grabbed the cards and turned them over, expecting to find something. She stared at the gimmick for a few seconds (she never spotted it
) before handing me the cards back, swearing under her breath
.
In order to be able to ditch the gimmick, you have to prep the gimmick even more - which makes it more detectable (I hope that makes sense). I have already adapted the routine to fit my own style, where the gimmick can just be left in the deck. The deck can be casually inspected if the spec wishes to do so - the gimmick is almost invisible.
I love this and can't wait to get out there and start using it. I'm gonna need to practice it a bit first though - it's not one of those tricks where you open it up and you're ready to go. It's a knack of getting the "feel" of it - if you get it wrong, the deck will either not cut itself, or it'll cut itself too quickly. To get the effect right - you need the deck to cut itself after 5-10 seconds ish.
Roll on the weekend so I can get out there and use it
.