by Jelmo » Mar 20th, '06, 09:28
Card Stunts DVD (or Videotape)
by Gregory Wilson
On forehand I should say that I bought the VHS-version a while ago, and now seeing it released again on DVD I thought I'd post a review.
The Effect
This DVD includes several tricks with cards 'jumping' around the table, appearing and disappearing. They even fly in the "Boomerang o' death"-trick. The same goes for the cardbox, it vanishes and appears on several occasions.
Wilson says that this is his best video so far because it is about his style of performing: the flashy way. That's why the video is called Card Stunts.
The video consists of 2 parts:
- The Performance
- The Explanations
Cost
$29.95 at Penguinmagic.com
Difficulty
(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)
4
I think this needs some comments here.
While Wilson explaines every trick he does not go in detail so much. I think you have a lot of advantage when you already know how to do some sleights.
If you're used to (for example) Brad Christian's style of teaching, the tricks on this video could be a little to difficult for you to learn.
Review
I think one thing should be said about the quality of audio/video here.
I had to turn up the volume a lot because I couldn't hear what Wilson was saying. This hasn't been improved on the DVD (I found out watching the dvd-preview).
The tricks on this dvd are indeed 'stunty' for cards.
Some tricks require some gimmicks which can be easily made yourself, so not everything is impromptu.
Be prepared to practice a lot because in a lot of tricks there are a couple of knacks.
The dvd includes the following tricks: (source: Penguinmagic.com)
# HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING - The card box magically and mysteriously jumps out of your pocket and back around the deck - TWICE!
# PHOENIX SPLIT - Four aces magically appear at your fingertips one at a time -- with your sleeves rolled up!
# RESET WITH A HOOK - A jacked-up, nitro-burning demonstration of derring-do that masterfully motivates why the four aces change place with the jacks. BOOMERANG CARD OF DEATH A playing card shoots from the middle of the deck, high into the air, reverses direction mid-flight and plunges back into the deck -- between two selected cards -- with only one hand!
# BOXSPRING - One at a time, the four aces sneak our of a completely closed and ungimmicked card case.
# JOKE IN THE BOX - Finally, 'Card Under Glass' without getting your cards wet. The bone dry (signed if you like) oker jumps from the deck and under the card box -- twice. Then, for the surprise finish, instead of under, it goes. . . inside the box! Gentlemen, start your Sharpies!
# G FORCE - An unsuspecting spectator selects the same card three times in a row. You top things off with a transposition that leaves them in vertigo!
# REVELATION IN SPADES - Find thirteen cards in a row - in perfect order!
Wilson doesn't give any advice on patter, you have to make that up yourself or use his. But that wouldn't be a problem for us magicians I think.
Overall
I'd say sure for the more advanced card magician.
I'd say think again for the beginner.
But then again, this is my opninion...