The Devil's Picturebook - Derren Brown

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Postby smoked salmon » Aug 7th, '08, 15:21



I simply love this DVD

Even though I'm a beginner, and it'll take a long time until I can perform most of the things on the DVD.

Great for entertainment, inspiration, and learning!

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Postby MasterCyde » Aug 8th, '08, 16:05

The first time I saw it I felt like quitting card magic because I'll never be THAT good, haha

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Postby smoked salmon » Aug 14th, '08, 14:59

MasterCyde wrote:The first time I saw it I felt like quitting card magic because I'll never be THAT good, haha


My thought exactly! :lol:

--------------------------------------------

As for a review:

Devils Picturebook

The DVD is split into two parts. The first DVD is DB's old card reportoaire. The second DVD is a bit more psychologial mind trick, but still with cards (both visible and invisible).

Negative:
The only negative thing, is that once or twice the person operating the camera screws up a bit during a performance, so that you miss all of DB's moves.

Positive:
Everything, more or less. Good routine, and good explanations, where you also get tips on alternative things you can do (sleights, patter etc.). I also thought the DVD was entertaining, with a funny little "movie" added after the subtitles.

Difficulty:
Pretty darn difficult (from my point of view, as a beginner). But at the same time I found it very inspiring.

Conclusion:
Worth the money just for the pure entertainment value alone. I definately kept reaching for my cards while watching, and couldn't wait to start practicing. Even if I don't end up doing any of the tricks, I'll have learned much about presentation, and what you can get away with if you just have the balls ;)

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Postby Mandrake » Aug 14th, '08, 15:16

Just be grateful he no longer does all that stuff!

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Postby Noodlesoup » Aug 14th, '08, 15:25

Derren is an excellent card manipulator and he's been doing that early in his career. Don't let the difficulty of the effects keep you down, try to develop your skills and come back to it when you're more confident. At least you already have this gem with you.

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Postby heronjester » Aug 14th, '08, 15:26

smoked salmon wrote:Worth the money just for the pure entertainment value alone.


I agree, sometimes I just sit back and watch it and am thorough entertained. :)

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Postby Lee Smith » Aug 16th, '08, 19:23

This is one of the best pieces of entertainment i own, i love the mental forces and have been amazed as how often i can get these to work.

Its worth putting in the the extra work sometimes to get the kind of reactions these type of effects can create.

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Postby kendall » Aug 31st, '08, 09:58

This DVD is amazing!
I personally learnt more about how to perform and other presentational subtelties than I did tricks of the DVD. It's a really good watch as well, Derrens amazing to watch, the card stuffs good too, worth every penny you pay for the DVD!

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Postby storm01 » Sep 13th, '08, 20:01

I think it would take me ten lifetimes to do even half of what Derren does on this DVD. Hats off to the guy.

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Postby Replicant » Nov 6th, '08, 17:22

Just reviving this thread for any mad people out there who have yet to add this DVD to their collection. I was watching it again and wishing I had half the skill of this man. Maybe not half. I'll settle for a sixth of his skill.

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Postby flashman » Nov 10th, '08, 17:37

Cheers Replicant for bringing this thread to my attention... My CUPS already runeth over this month and now you show me this!!!! Doh!!!

Needless to say I've just purchased it and am keenly looking forward to having my flabber well and truly gasted...

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Postby Replicant » Nov 10th, '08, 19:03

Not only will your flabber be well and truly gasted, but your gob will be smacked. Hard. Mark my words, matey. Oh, and make sure you have a deck of cards to hand before playing this DVD, otherwise you will find yourself pausing it while you dash off in search of a deck, so you can try out some of the moves. Guaranteed.

Enjoy. :D

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Postby queen of clubs » Nov 10th, '08, 19:53

Replicant wrote:Oh, and make sure you have a deck of cards to hand before playing this DVD, otherwise you will find yourself pausing it while you dash off in search of a deck, so you can try out some of the moves. Guaranteed.


Yep :) Like 'Mike's Move' 8) I was like "Can such beauty really exist?"

"Some of those that burn crosses are the same that hold office" - Zack de la Rocha
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Postby Alexio » Nov 10th, '08, 21:06

queen of clubs wrote:Yep :) Like 'Mike's Move' 8) I was like "Can such beauty really exist?"


Heh it is a nice move, and I think that's where I saw it first too... though the one-card pass has been around for a long time. If you really like it then check out Jason England's tips on it, in The Unreal Work.

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Postby queen of clubs » Nov 10th, '08, 23:52

Alexio wrote:
queen of clubs wrote:Yep :) Like 'Mike's Move' 8) I was like "Can such beauty really exist?"


Heh it is a nice move, and I think that's where I saw it first too... though the one-card pass has been around for a long time. If you really like it then check out Jason England's tips on it, in The Unreal Work.


Surely it's a steal not a pass.

"Some of those that burn crosses are the same that hold office" - Zack de la Rocha
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