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Torn by Daniel Garcia - The DVD

£26.99

Difficulty - 3
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)

Review

I saw this DVD on the Ellusionist website, and after watching the preview video, I was hooked. I just had to know how to do it. I've ordered a few things from this website before, but I actually went to a UK site for Torn. I avoided a long wait for it to arrive, and potential HM Customs charges too.

I wasn't disappointed with the DVD. The menu system is user-friendly, I spent ages just watching the video running whilst the main menu was on. It is Daniel performing the Torn routine.

The teaching style is very good. Daniel takes you through everything with a lot of attention to detail. He teaches the moves from the front, and also with some over-the-shoulder shots. It didn't take me long to memorise the sequence, but it will take some time to get it as smooth as possible.

It does take minimal set-up, but this takes seconds. I travel with a couple of set-ups in my pocket just in case I feel like ripping some cards up. You don't end clean, but this is no problem whatsoever.

As an addition to the above, I found that International Magic sells Bicycle seconds, which look like a normal deck to a regular spectator. This will save you ripping up those nice new decks!

You'll be performing this within the week guaranteed... just put a little time and effort into learning it well. Even when you perform it for yourself when practising in front of your mirror, you'll love seeing those pieces 'melt' together. Don't limit yourself to cards either... I noticed that bus / rail tickets here in London are a similar dimension to cards, and tore up my girlfriends' train ticket. I restored it with the Torn technique just before the ticket inspector turned up.

Overall - 9 out of 10

A top quality DVD and a brilliant effect that is not only visually stunning, you can also leave your spectator with a souvenir of the effect. They'll be wondering how you restored that card for ages.

Buy it, you won't be sorry.

It sounds good Mark, although perhaps quite expensive for what is effectively just one effect. *effectively effect? that can't be good English...)

So the question is, how good is this for say table hopping. If I was going to spend that much on a single effect I woul like to get my moneys worth.

Does it always go down very well?, could it easily be incorporated into a table hopping act?

Good question...

If you were going to table-hop with this little routine, you would have to carry a few of the 'set-up' cards in your pocket.

I don't want to get into exposure here, but if you drop me a PM, I can tell you exactly what you need for the effect, angles etc... and this should help you make a decision on the DVD.

Hope this helps,

yves domurges ripped and restored is like it but has many more advansed appications

Sorry to bring this old thread back up, but could you 'set up' the card on the spot or does it take minutes not seconds?

And, is it really as good as it looks in the demo?

It doesn't take long to set up but it's probably best if you spend a minute or so in private. Definitely not in front of a table of people.

As to how good it looks, I'd say as good as the video when you're smooth. I actually worked out the restore sequence after watching the promo a few times and managed to perform it convincingly in front of the mirror. I've since bought the dvd like a good boy. Recommended.

I like this effect. Performed it last night for 25 people. The angles were a little dodgy, but i took a step back and did it from there which helped. It was also useful that everybody was rather wasted so i could get away with a lot more than i normally would doing it to a crowd.

Good review by the way!

This is one good card trick. Very visual. The only thing is that you must get the writing of the marker just on the side of the card... Is there any thoughts of that, does the spectator ask why only on the lenght side? I havent performed yet and just thinking if it is OK to do it without signature.

I've got this and it never fails to get a reaction! with regards to your question regarding the signature on half the card, it's not something that i've ever had asked of me. You are definitely better off with the signature as it rules out dupes, and there is also a way to sign the face of the card and get away with the same effect....

Did this at my 9-year old nieces Harry Potter themed birthday party (the most demanding audience I've ever had!) and the home movie has picked up the sound of about 30 jaws hitting the floor at the same time when the first piece is restored!! To add to the effect I used a blank card and got them all to write their names on the face, and when they got handed it back they were completely speechless!

Thats a cool idea! Never thought of that before! I may have to steal it....

i've just bought it based on the good stuff i've heard in this forum and i love the effect. but when he's explaining the trick why is the camera so far away? he's explaining intricate hand movements and he's miles away. it doesn't really make too much difference but it seems silly.

All of the effects by Daniel Garcia are very strong. Great stuff!

majortom wrote:i've just bought it based on the good stuff i've heard in this forum and i love the effect. but when he's explaining the trick why is the camera so far away? he's explaining intricate hand movements and he's miles away. it doesn't really make too much difference but it seems silly.

I never really noticed this but I guess in a way you are right. Like you said though I don't think it makes much, if any difference.

I agree completely with the OP, though I would be tempted to go closer to 10/10 than 9/10. As always Daniel's teaching is excellent, and I was especially pleased with the over-the-shoulder shots at a few different speeds. It was good to see the effect from both your POV and the spectators. I highly recommend this, and this is by far the best torn and restored effect I've come across.

I really enjoyed this effect. I watch the demo and had some ideas of how it was done. Got the dvd and found out i was wrong which makes me feel really good about my purchase!! haha i loved the dvd and Garcia does an amazing job explaining everything. Highly recommended.