by mark_c1975 » Jul 25th, '05, 14:36
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.