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mark_c1975 · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 11:37 am Post subject: Shapeshifter - The DVD

Shapeshifter - The DVD with Marc Desouza and Brad Christian
Ellusionist Products
Running Time: 43 mins

$24.95 - DVD or $22.95 - Download

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

Before I crack on with my review, here's the DVD chapter list.

Brad's Intro
Marc Intro & History
Marc Shapeshifter
Dribble Double
Cover Change
Desouza Routine
New Theory Change
LePaul Sidesteal
Erdnase Palm Shift
Marc Wrapup
Brad Teaching Intro
Brad's Instruction
Anatomy of SS
Getting Out
Reverse Angle Shots
Gypsy Burn
Learn It - Gypsy
Final Wrapup

I decided to post this review as I didn't see it in the reviews index, and thought this cool DVD deserved some input.

If you've bought from Ellusionist before, you'll know and expect the kind of quality their products carry. This is no exception... the DVD is well packaged, simple, yet striking. As for the actual production quality on the DVD, it is again of E's high standards.

Now onto the contents. I bought the DVD from seeing clips of people performing it, and it was a case of 'I have to know how to do that.' I will say this before I move on... the Shapeshifter is just one move. There are some good tricks on here, the dribble double and Gypsy Burn, but Shapeshifter is one move.

That said, what a move it is! I've performed it for friends and family alike, and when they see a card instantly changed into theirs, they're stunned. I love magic like this, basic yet visually stunning.

Marc's teaching style isn't the greatest, I have to say. He briefly touches on the LePaul Sidesteal and the Erdnase Shift, so I guess some card knowledge is needed for this DVD. You've also got to know how to double-lift. Marc's method of SS seems to be suited to people with large hands (his are pretty big!), whereas Brad's is geared towards those with smaller hands.

Brad's teaching is thorough as usual. He talks about the anatomy of the move, as well as showing useful 'get outs' for awkward situations. The Gypsy Burn trick is taught, and I have used it myself.

The other bonus you get with it is access to the Shapeshifter Forums at the Ellusionist website. This is perhaps the most useful part, as everyone who has it can bash ideas together in the privacy of a secure forum, without the risk of exposure, and with regular input from Marc Desouza as well.

Overall - 4 out of 5

A good DVD, well package and produced. You get 2 differing teaching styles too, which I always find useful. It is only 43 mins long though, so maybe the price is a little steep for one move, considering you can pick up DVD's packed with more for a similar price. Mind you, with the current exchange rate in favour of us Brits, I have no problem.

The Shapeshifter is a great move, and I think if you buy this DVD, you will use it in your own routines.

Jing · Senior Member Joined: 27 Nov 2003 Posts: 360

Here was my review (agreed the index does need a little updating)

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/sutra35384.php&highlight=#35384

Thanks,
Ed.

mark_c1975 · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 12:13 pm Post subject:

Oops!

I didn't want to do a repeat thread. Looks like we have the same thoughts on the DVD from reading your review.

I've got a couple more DVD's to review... think I'll do a better search before I post them in future!

Cheers,

nickj · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 12:19 pm Post subject:

Sorry everyone but the review index is quite out of date, it is probably better to use the search function.

bananafish · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 12:20 pm Post subject:

mark_c1975 · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 12:27 pm Post subject:

I am planning to post a couple more reviews of videos. I've used the search feature and not found them anywhere.

Once again, I apologise for a repeat thread.

Cheers.

FlipBack · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:53 pm Post subject:

The first time that I saw shapeshifter done in a promo video I flipped my lid. I was thinking that there was no way you could switch a card that fast by nothing basically nothing. However after I watched it 5 times I figured out what they where doing and was pi**ed that I was on the verge of blowing 20$ on something that SIMPLE and OBVIOUS. No denying that it is a great trick and gets amazing reactions. If you do nothing else this will prove to everyone that you have otherworldly skills.

mark_c1975 · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:58 pm Post subject:

This is a fair comment.

I think that if you have watched the demo vids, and you think you have the move down, you could have part of it wrong.

If you plan on utilising the move in your regular card work, then the vid is worth the investment. You get 2 viewpoints and methods of performing the move from 2 very good magicians.

You also get a couple of ideas for routines, and access to the Shapeshifter forum at the Ellusionist website, which has lots more ideas in it for doing Shapeshifter.

FlipBack · Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 11:33 pm Post subject:

It is possible that I am doing it wrong but it always works for me. I have used it in many a routine and have astounded many people. No one has figured it out yet and I have never screwed it up. I have had thoughts about purchsing the video further down the road cause you can never have to many hints about handling. But for now I thing it works good for me.

hugh · Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2005 7:47 pm Post subject:

very cool music and great teaching gyspy burn rooooooockks but it rocks even more doing it with a black deck and one red card

02 07 5P4D3S · Junior Member Joined: 04 May 2007 Posts: 11

I really enjoyed this video because i have small hands and brad teaches his way and now i can shapeshift like a pro and im only 13.

Sir Tally Ho · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 7:34 pm Post subject:

Just got this DVD - about to watch it after this. Looking forward to it. I can already do the shapeshifter fine, but it's always useful to have a video setting everything out.