talkmagic.co.uk

OK, so I got this as a bit of an impulse buy, and I couldn't find many references to it on here so I thought I'd post a review.

First of all - its a Magic Makers production, which I believe might put some people off, but I still think its worth a mention.

The material itself is split into 5 sections, starting at 'Beginner' and progressing through 'Intermediate', 'Expert' and 'Master' - finally landing at 'Showoff'. However, this is not really reflected on the DVD Menu, and you'll have to refer to the packaging to see which techniques fall into which Category. They ARE in order on the DVD Menu, but they're presented as a 7-Page continuous list rather than explicit 'Sections'.

That said, the order in which the techniques/flourishes/sleights are compiled seems quite logical and progressively increasing in difficulty, so you'd only need to refer back to the packaging if you wanted to check whether you're still at Beginner level or have progressed further!

I've 'returned' to magic after a few years of non-action due to various reasons (lack of time mainly!) so I did have a base level of skill to work from. Had I not, I might have given up before technique no 7 - the Triple Charlier Cut. Don't get me wrong - the 'Beginner' techniques are pretty much that, but there's no introduction to general hand-positioning etc - its straight into the techniques! For the TRUE Beginner I would only recommend this title after poring through Royal Road to Card Magic. You'll find all the 'background' info here to prepare you to fly through the first Chapter of 'Showoff' and progress comfortably from there.

For somebody already comfortable handling a deck of Poker's, this really is a great DVD. You can choose to view the techniques or see them explained, or both.
They use a really nifty method of utilising perspex blocks to represent cut sections of the deck so that you can see just what the fingers concealed by the deck are up to!
You'll also see variations of the same technique, so for example you get to learn the Charlier Cut as is, and then a variation which will retain the original deck order.

I must admit that although I've viewed the whole presentation, I'm a stickler for practise, and am still going over the techniques in the 'Intermediate' section before I rush on ahead. Still, I feel I've picked up enough to raise my game.

I do think that the sections are named appropriately, and if you can comfortably master the technques in the 'Showoff' section, you can happily call yourself just that!

Don't expect routines though. This is pure card skills and techniques - but if you're adept enough at learning this material then you'll also easily see where they can be worked into your routine. Its almost liberating in a way, that you're given the techniques and possibilities and left to your own devices on how you'll use them.

In summary:-

Get a basic level of card-handling (probably through a good book with detailed descriptions) before picking this up.
If you're already comfortable with card work (you only need the basics) and want to improve your visual impact, then this is for you.
The visuals are good, with some excellent use of angles and gimmicks to help you see the full working of each technique.
Its a no-nonsence, no-frills (apart from the techniques themselves!) presentation, with emphasis on skills rather than performance.

Finally, if you're happy that your card skills allow you to perform your routine 'flashily' enough then you probably won't get much from this, but if you're into pure card skills and want to pad out your act with some stunning techniques, or want to learn a few nifty extras, then you'll pick up something from this that you'll definitely use again and again. And it'll keep you amused for a good while trying to get to, and master, 'Showoff' status!

I like it, and I hope that if you're considering buying it then this has been useful.

If anyody else has this and has any differing opinions or would like to add anything, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.

Cheers for now .......

Nice review, HanMan.
Oh, how I wish I had more money.

Good review. I do have some questions though. You did not mention the price, where this is available, and what is included in the DVD?

edh

I bought this, because of the 60-odd flourishes listed.

However, be aware that you are really learning about 10 flourishes, with variations: e.g.

Sybill Cut
What the H*** happened to Sybill? Cut
Ultimate Illogical cut
ad nauseam

Also, a lot of the flourishes are useless - e.g. thumb fan (?!)

Kati

Sorry edh, you're right.

I got mine off eBay for £14. That was a bid item. If you're willing to pay a couple of quid more you should be able to find a 'Buy it Now' on there. There's also a few internet shops selling it. A Google search should come up with these.

As for what you get, well not much to be honest. Like the actual presentation, its a no-frills afair - just the disk in its case. Although the seller I got it from (I can supply details if pm'd) threw in a little trick called 'Hotrod' with an insructional DVD. Not my sort of thing, to be honest (hope that doesn't sound too bad!) but a nice gesture nonetheless, and service was perfect.

And katrielalex, I agree. As I mentioned, a lot of the content IS variations, so when you break it down you're not really getting as many flourishes as first appears I suppose. I'm personally finding some of the variations useful though. A flourish performed casually a couple of times can help take focus off the 'same' move done again with that variation that gives you the results you want.

Apologies for not mentioning the above first time around, and thanks for the constructive coments...

I agree that this is a good review and all of the points about the DVD appear to have been covered.

From my perspective as someone who has bought this title, I simply wanted to improve my general card handling and learn a few flourishes that would look good and could be used to compliment some of my card tricks.

I've probably found about a dozen, some variations of the same cut etc. that I've found usefull, particularly the false cuts.

I agree dat, and I bought it for the exact same reasons - just improving skills. There's probably not a product out there that will give you ALL new material (or material that particularly suits you), so I suppose you've just got to have a look at as much as poss and pick out the bits that do work for you and ditch the rest?
I'm having a look through 'Weapons of the Card Shark' by Jeff Wessmiller at the mo and will post a review of this too once I've viewed it all.

This sounds like a really good DVD and i think i'll get it once i get some money.


Oh and your right if you're able to do this flourishes you will probably find some way of incorporating them into at least one of your routines.


Thanks for the great review.


ThatRandomFool

This really isn't a good product IMO.

Ethically, it's on very dodgy ground to start with - it ripped off De'Vo's moves without asking him. As a general point I'd stear clear of any Magic Makers product because of their numerous rip off's.

OK, putting ethics aside, the performer is not great and the teaching is poor.

Loads of moves are slaughtered to be honest, as a specific example look at how De'Vo does the flipback vanish and compare it - it sucks!

I wouldn't want to learn from this guy - you'd be learning his mistakes.

I'd strongly recommend Xtreme Beginners instead. It's sooo much better on every level.

HanMan - BTW the way, I'm not having a go at your review - I appreciate the effort it takes. I just think this is a bad product - that's all!

No offence taken mate. You're only expressing your own valid opinions of the product, which is fair play.

Just had a quick poke around the internet to see if I can see your recommendation, but have only found sellers in the States.

Do you know any uk companies where I could get this (assuming you're a UK member??)

As you can tell, I liked SOWC but if there's something better out there I'm interested in having a look.

Unfortunatly the only place I'm aware of that sells it is Ellusionist in the US and that's unlikely to change. De'Vo has his own store which is closed at the moment - to be reopened in germany.

So it's Ellusionist or ebay (I'm in the UK).

Doesn't take long to arrive - less than a week IME. You MAY get hit with a customs charge of a few quid - just totally depends. I ordered a book from the states for $200 - didn't pay anything!

If you're into this stuff then I'd strongly recommend XB - it knocks the spots off SOWC.

XB is only available from the US at the moment. I think it is being carried exclusively by Ellusionist.com, with a view for a more general release later.

There is a review of XB by myself here:

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic6750.php

You should read it before you buy it to see if it is what you're after.

Hope this helps,

Cheers guys. I saw an earlier post of yours, Mark, when you were ordering it and hoping to get the signed card. Well done!

Just read your review too, and I think I'll give this one a go. Thanks for the info.

I think that Nubbin hit a point when he said

"if you're into this stuff"

I've read bits and pieces about Devo's DVD and if you're into flourishes then no doubt it's a better product than SOWC. It's more expensive as well.

However, I'm not into this stuff (flourishes) and bought the DVD solely to learn a few more moves and to brush up on my card handling. In my opinion this DVD met my needs. For what it's worth I didn't have any probolem with the teaching methods and when I put the odd flourish in between a card trick, taking care to not over do it, the specs are always impressed with even the simplest of one handed cuts etc.

The Devo DVD's would be far to much for my needs and ethics apart, I still can't help recommending this DVD if your needs are similar to mine.

OK, if you know your flourishes you wont buy SOWC. It sucks.

This isn't just my opinion, go and read virtually any review from somebody that knows something about flourishes - not just people that dabble now and again - go to the magic cafe, magic bunny etc.

I've been into this stuff for years now and trust me - the quality of teaching is baaad. The moves are just murdered, one after the other.

Why would you settle for such poor material when for a few quid extra you could get the real deal. After all you get what you pay for. The difference in price is so small given the difference in quality.

Why would you want to learn from flawed teaching? Some of the moves are done sooo badly it's shocking. If you knew anything about a DL and saw somebody murder it you'd be annoyed - as I am about this product.

SOWC was rushed to market because flourish is a hot area - honestly don't take just my word for it, go and look for other reviews. It blows - pure and simple.