The Effect
An absolute GEM of a DVD - a collection of top-class card illusions and effects, along with some awesome utility moves. Great for both beginners and pros alike. You'll kick yourself if you miss this one, I promise!
Cost
$29.99 from Penguinmagic.com ( http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=617 )
Difficulty 4/5
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used[b], 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
[b]Review
Oz Pearlman (pronounced 'Owes'). Who is he then?
Well, from the first time I mentioned Penguin magic on this board, a lot of you have agreed that their demo videos are second to none. They are clear, well produced, and performed by a TRUE magician. The guy in the videos always adds his own special touches to an effect - which sometimes is better than the original.
The man in the majority of videos on Penguin is Oz Pearlman - a professional magician turned teacher - and if his name does not become a buzzword in the magic community (I think it has already), I will eat my breakfast (risk-free disclaimer, of course!)
This DVD is absolutely fantastic. I was advised by Penguin's email pre-release, and I ordered immediately. (In fact, my copy is signed and serial numbered '#3').
Upon receipt, I sat and watched the whole thing. Then I watched it again with deck of cards in hand.
Although there was nothing new to me as far as actual sleights go, the way they are used here is nothing short of inspirational. And it served to jog my memory about sleights I learned eons ago, and had forgotten...
From the gorgeous usage of Oz's take on the Bertram Change (which is used in several effects) to the wonderful 'Dirty Deck Principle' method of creating an almost spectator-invisible indicator card - which beats the pants off corner shortening, pencil dots and crimps.
There's and amazing array of tricks too - all with cracking endings. Once you've mastered the three moves taught (Bertram change, dirty deck, and a variation of the angle-jog spread, and Oz's refined Zenneth Alignment Move - from Zenneth King of Keighley's Impossible Twis) you're ready to rock and roll with the effects!
All you really need is a red and blue deck of bikes, some basic household supplies, and you've got a whole routine right here on the DVD.
I've had this DVD for about a month now, and in honesty, it's the freshest, cleanest and most inspiring piece of magical literature/teaching I've had the pleasure to view for quite some time.
Moves such as the Bertram change, which is an awesome colour change move, are detailed and used in a whole new way. The angle jog spread move will become instantly part of my routines. And more...
Overall
I knew the guy was a genius. For well over a year, he's both amazed and entertained me with his video demos on Penguin. And now, he's out there on his own.
This DVD contains card magic. Nothing but. There's sleights, mentalism, routines, forces, utilities - and it's all stuff which is contemporary, fresh and visual.
I'd rate it 10/10 in all departments.
If you're reasonably dextrous in the sleights department - buy it now.
If you're afraid of sleights but want $30 of magical entertainment - buy it now.
If you're new to card magic, and looking for tricks and routines - buy it now.
Oh, by the way, I really like this DVD.
