Xtreme Beginners - The DVD
Handlordz Publishing
Running time - Approx 4 Hours!!
$39.95 (plus p&p)
This is for a limited time only... I believe it is going up to $44.95 in September. It is available from the Ellusionist website.
Difficulty: 3-5
(1=easy to do, 2=a few hours practise, 3=a few days practise,
4=a few weeks practise, 5=months of practise to get perfect)
Review
Before I go any further, click the below link and scroll down a bit for the full content listing of this massive 2 disc set.
http://www.ellusionist.com/order/Devo/D ... er-DVD.htm
I'm sure you're aware of the hype that has been surrounding this much-anticipated release from the pioneer of XCM, De'vo Vom Schattenreich. I ordered my copy last Wednesday from Team Ellusionist, and was lucky to be in the first 100 to win a Black Tiger Ace of Spade, signed by non other than Jerry Cestkowski and De'vo themselves! It was delivered today, which I know seems fast from the US, but I paid for the express postage, which was about $20.
When you buy the DVD, you get exclusive access to a protected forum at the Ellusionist website. This is strictly for those who have bought this DVD. In it, there is a sticky from De'vo, suggesting you just sit back and watch it for your first run, which is what I have done today.
All I can say is... WOW! This DVD is packed with so much stuff I had to have a break between DVD's as I was having trouble absorbing it all. DVD one contains chapters 1, 2 & 4. DVD 2 has chapters 3 & 5. It makes sense when you see it.
I watched DVD 2 first. This is the DVD with an hour-long fanning workshop with Jerry C. He teaches differently from De'vo... he talks you through everything. His fans are unbelievable, and he is a big advocater of fanning powder. I've never been a fan myself, but I may give it a go after this. Already I have made some improvements to my pressure fan, though my thumb fan still needs a lot of work. Jerry also takes you through twin fans, giant fans, closing the fans, and more.
DVD 2 also contains the Q section. The XCM Team took a total novice to cards, 'Q', and trained him up over 4 weeks in some basic, and advanced, card moves. This section follows his progress all the way through, from start to finish. Q gives a constant commentary, plus his handling tips, which I found very useful, as these are things that someone proficient in XCM may overlook.
DVD 1 contains most of the teaching material, and it's done in typical De'vo style. It's just hands on screen, no speaking when De'vo teaches, and you definately don't get to see De'vo's face anywhere on this DVD.
The 'Things To Know' chapter was interesting, taking you through the different types of cards available, what not to use, picking up cards when you drop them (always useful), and even manicures on your fingers. Greg Irwin has some finger fitness exercises on here too, which I already knew from his website.
You can see from the contents list the amount of stuff De'vo teaches you on here, taking you from the basic Charlier cut, which forms the basis of many XCM moves, right through to De'vo's Flash Drei and Impossible Stack closers. I been practising a couple of things already, and my fingers are already feeling the pinch.
Daryl, Jeff McBride and Greg Irwin provide some extra input. Daryl teaches his Hot Shot Cut, which I think he skips over quickly unfortunately, but then it's also taught on his own DVD's. That is my only minor gripe, but it doesn't deter from my score below.
Overall
This gets a 10 out of 10 easily. $40 for this much material is ridiculously cheap, especially if you're over here in the UK. With the exchange rate the way it is, that's just over £20, plus p&p, making this well worth the investment.
The production on the DVD is fantastic. It's mostly shot and edited by De'vo, and he provided all the music throughout. There are even bloopers included for a comedy element.
Be prepared to drop lots of cards! Be prepared for aching fingers! But more importantly, be prepared to learn some killer XCM!