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I'm not sure whether a review has already been posted on this but I cant find it so I'll start this one.

Firstly I have to say that this is the first Dvd I have bought of Gregory Wilson and I have to say I am extremely impressed at the amount of content in it. Firstly you get the obligatory introduction and then on to the performance of the Ring leader routine which he performs in front of actors so has a slight cheese factor. Saying this though it does give a very good impression of what can be done using these effects.
It is also a very flexible effect and you can mix and match how many of the effects you do depending on the reaction you are getting and can be done with one person or a group due to it being fairly angle proof.
I suppose I should say at this point what the routine involves. It is pretty much a multiple stage effect where a borrowed ring melts on and off a piece of cord in several different ways. There is of course more to it than that but I dont want to go too much .....too late?

Anyway the tutorial section of it is very well expalined and shot well if run through a little quick for my liking. Although the beauty of DvD is the slow mo and chapter selection so not really a problem.
The ring leader routine itself contains relatively simple sleight of hand techniques that do require a little practice and then a bit of fine tuning to get it smooth but there is nothing particularly finger busting.

What makes this Dvd very good value for money are the extras. Not only do you get the ring Leader routine but as an extra there are many (10 -20) other ring and rope sleights that you can use to expand the basic routine.
So I heartily recommend this Dvd and will definitely be using the contents on a regular basis. It's nice to have a change from card tricks too.

When I ordered mine it came with a practice ring and the rope too.

Highly highly recommended

Thanks for the review Greedoniz. I thought this had been reviewed already, but evidentally not.

It is (arguably) one of the best finger ring and rope routines out there, so it definitely deserved the review. well done.

perhaps next time though you could use the forum review template? it just makes things easier to read.

cheers
Simon

There's a template?

Well that would have been alot easier.

New boy error

How do I get that then?

It's ok I've found it!

If I do it wrong again then maybe a birching is in order!

nice review, sound's like a cool trick, i was just wondering if it was completely impromptu, i.e can everything be borrowed?

It is completely impromptu!

you do get a length of velvet rope supplied but any thing along this line can be used. The good thing about the velvet rope is that the patter Gregory wilson uses really suits the supplied rope. The ring is borrowed from the spectator. Plus as it says on the dvd "Rope takes up minimal pocket space"
Infact I carry it around in my back pocket all the time now so when someone asks "Do a trick then" out comes the rope and I mug someone for they're wedding ring.

greedoniz wrote:If I do it wrong again then maybe a birching is in order!

Hmmm. You sound suspiciously keen on a birching....

You've got me interested in this (the DVD) though. Are all the sleights used thoroughly taught or are you referred to other books/DVDs?

No everything is contained on the DVD.

I think it's about an hour long altogether. So far I have only learnt the Ring Leader section as I've been trying to get it to a level where I can pretty much do it with my eyes shut. Once I have that down I'm keen to get cracking on all the other sleights shown in the latter part as some of them are quite impressive. i particularly like the one where not only does the ring come of the string but the string itself visually penetrates your hand. It looks very good.

Just to add my 2 cents worth to the above review.


Ring leader is an excellent close-up or stage effect the bonus is its impromptu now that adds a lot of mileage to a trick when its like this. And there is nothing stronger then using something borrowed . I like the fact it is modular too and can be added to other ring routines.

The angels are almost not a problem too its almost “magic” it is one of them routines that is easy and fun for the magician and great for specs.

The teaching on the DVDs is top notch all though Greg can be a little fast in explanations , there is loads of other stuff on this DVDs not just the ring and string part, it is great grounding in doing work with rings.

This is a great effect that plays to 1 person or a 100 people. It is one of the most versatile tricks I know, and I use it all the time.

Moved here from the old general Review Area. I know the first post refers to props but they were referred to as practice items and I figured the DVD itself and the info it were the main element so it's now in Electronic Media Format section so there!

Right you are there Mandrake , the props just come with it but its the DvD thats the main thing.

Anyone know where i can get this in the UK?

Iv'e had a search around, but can't find anywhere

majortom wrote:Anyone know where i can get this in the UK?

Iv'e had a search around, but can't find anywhere

Try Penguin Magic, who actually produce the DVD.

saxmad wrote:Try Penguin Magic, who actually produce the DVD.

Thanks Saxmad, I've been trying to order it from Penguin, and had problems. Which prompted me to start this thread here http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic16565.php

I absolute love this Dvd. The great thing about it is that not only do you get Greg's fantastic routine, you get tought about 25 other moves which you can use to adapt your performance but there is no doubt that this is worth buying for any magician as it is so versatile. I use it for close-up and stand up.

11/10!