talkmagic.co.uk

From:
Penguin Magic http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=790
$60 (check out the Euro store at www.penguinmagic.co.uk—fluctuating $/£ exchange could mean a bargain!)

Description:
Sal Piacente's Expert Card Magic Lecture Notes - The Set: Volumes 1 - 2 (2 DVDs) - This 2 DVD set goes in-depth, sharing 13 of the most top-level card effects ever performed; effects that have earned Sal the highest respect in the inner circles of expert card magic.

Difficulty:
In real world terms, forget this if a: you're not a cardie, and b: you aren't patient, plus c: you want 'instant magic gratification which you can do on your mates 1/2 hour after watching'.
Basically, this is about 4/5 on the difficulty stakes.

Lowdown on the DVD contents:
On Volume One You'll Learn:
Sal's Memory Opener - Sal memorizes the deck of cards instantly, even as a spectator repeatedly shuffles the deck.

The Marlo Opener - A spectator cuts the deck, Sal then correctly estimates the exact number of cards cut, then he proceeds to deal himself a perfect hand.

Sal's Ace Cutting Routine - The most incredible Ace cutting routine you will ever see! The deck is shuffled, then Sal "dead cuts" directly to each of the four Aces.

Sal's Ace Cutting Routine II - When the deck of cards is thoroughly shuffled, Sal then proceeds to cut straight to the Aces, this time without even looking...

The Vernon Poker Deal Revisited - Sal's version of a classic routine in which a spectator will assist by drawing the winning card for Sal's incredible poker hand...

On Volume Two You'll Learn:
The McDougal Stack Outdone - A very powerful routine where Sal will stack the four Aces into the deck and then deal himself the Aces.

Paint Poker - Using only the 20 high cards, the deck is shuffled and cut. Sal then is able to deal himself the winning hand.

Rollover Aces - Sal cuts to the four Aces, then for a kicker ending he produces all four Royal Flushes!

Stop !! - A card is selected, then shuffled into the deck. Sal deals the cards until "stop" is called to review the chosen card.

The Riffle Stack - Sal demonstrates how a professional gambler can set up the deck of cards with the use of a riffle shuffle.

The Faro Stack - The four Aces are shown, then Faro shuffled into the deck. Sal deals himself the Aces with a special ending!

4,5,6-Packet Trick - Sal's show stopping routine where he finds a spectator's chosen card that he or she has just merely thought of... VERY IMPRESSIVE!

SPECIAL BONUS: THE ENCORE CARD TRICK

Review-ette
OK—pushed a bit for time here, but here's my review.
Bought these DVDs because I'd heard much about Sal within magic discussions. Basically, he's what appears to be a brick-privvy in terms of first impressions. He's got a psuedo-gangster American/Italian accent, and looks like a dodgy nightclub bouncer. Probably something to do with how he got his title of 'the Hitman of Magic'.

Anyhow—looks aside, the guy is actually a bit of a softie! The whole DVD set is basically a one-on-one lecture with Rob Stiff (Magicmakers—responsible for such beauties as 'the Time Machine' and some great DVD stuff).

The two are quite contrasting—there's the ACUTE deftness and hard-hitting performance of the rather rugged Sal, balanced with the 'Baywatch' good looks and mild manners (not to mention AWE) of Rob. It's a lovely partnership. Not much in the way of comedy, but the two spring off each other in a unique and respectful way.

Back to the magic...

For starters, I had no preconceptions of what to expect at all. In fact, I'd not even suspected the DVDs would arrive so quickly (3 days from order to door—impressive!).

So, after a nice sunny August evening concluded and all the mice had gone to sleep, Bagpuss (what?)... err.... sorry—being a bit nostaligic...

After a nice sunny August evening had concluded and guests had departed, I found myself alone downstairs with about 1/4 bottle of JP Chenet Merlot and two unopened Sal Piacente DVDs.

"A quick scan through them while I polish off this wine" I thought.

And 3 hours later, after the wine, plus a nice cold bottle of Bud, and unwrapping a new deck of Bikes to play with, I finally went to bed totally dumbstruck.

In fact, I couldn't sleep at all.

These two DVDs—for me—are the freshest, most eye-opening set of magic DVDs I've bought for a while. Well, since the Lennart Green Vol 4, 5 & 6 anyway...

From the AMAZING opening effect on DVD 1 (Sal's Memory Opener) I was hooked. I just couldn't peel away.

Basically, Sal teaches how to memorise the ENTIRE deck—even after spectator shuffling. And repeatedly, he tells the spectator which cards he's holding... No markings, no gaffs. This is a REGULAR deck of cards. And Sal does this NOT ONLY once but SEVERAL TIMES with more than one card.
The method is diabolical—but it's one you'll be using, as is most of the stuff on the DVDs (if not all of it).

Then, my favourite part... Sal's Ace Cutting Routine. Wow. Being honest, the method for this blew me away. I was skeptical at first, but after a few hours practice, I finally got it.

Basically, what you will learn is how a BORROWED deck (if need be) is shuffled, and the Aces cut to—one by one. The deck is shuffled between each revelation.

For the final Ace, THE SPECTATOR shuffles the deck. Sal IMMEDIATELY cuts to the final Ace. No gimmicks, gaffs, R&S, short cards, crimps, Aardvarks etc. This is the REAL DEAL.

And even MORE amazing is his Ace Cutting Routine II... where a SPECTATOR shuffles the Aces into the deck and Sal cuts to them one-by-one—WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING. This blew my socks off. And I've tried it... it's amazing!

The rest of the stuff is all equally as good. Everything is explained explicitly. DVD 2 contains more along the same lines, but possibly what I'd deem as 'utility moves and sleights' rather than tricks.

In fact, the DVD is a mixed bag of tricks and utilities. However, as a 'cardie'... this DVD set has already proven itself to be INVALUABLE, as it's inspired me to think 'outside the box'.

Final thoughts/ratings:
OK, so I said this was a review-ette. I couldn't even BEGIN to go into full detail here. I just don't have the spare time. But here's what I will say...

The DVD production quality I'd give an 8/10. But that's purely from a professional point of view (we do video editing at work, and being fair it's a bit rough round the edges)... but it seriously doesn't detract from the magic. This is purely observational.

The scripting/sequencing is spot on—10/10. It's almost like a well produced music album—it carries you from one track to the other in a logical and enjoyable journey. Rob Stiff makes an excellent sidekick—often getting the valuable inside info on the parts which Sal may have glossed over. Everything is explained well, and several different camera angles at critical moments mean you see what is necessary without leaving the thought "how does he do that???"

The quality of material? 10/10. I've read a lot of books on card magic (although in a lifetime I'd imagine nobody could say they'd covered them all!) and the talents of Sal seem to carry on where I'd left of on at least three methods/moves (estimation deals/cuts is something I NEVER would have dreamed of being possible in real-world magic).
In short—it's a voyage of discovery.

Is it easy? Nope. This stuff isn't at all for the faint hearted. In fact, I'd suggest that if you are wondering how easy the Ace Cutting routines are, I'd say—speaking as someone who's a novice at cards in Sal's terms (I've been 'doing' cards for about 10 years)—you're looking at about between 2 weeks to a month to get the handling down fluidly. Even Sal makes the odd mistake.
Some of the stuff is slightly more self-working. But even the easier stuff involves a lot of thinking and deftness with the cards.

My overall score for these DVDs is 10/10. Yeah, that's top marks. I cannot fault my purchase in any way. And for what roughly equates to £30, I'd have gladly paid that for the Ace Cutting routines ALONE.

Sorry if the review is vague in some areas, I'll aim to tidy it up, time permitting.
Any questions will be answered gladly !

After your review I just had to order these DVD's.

Hope they are as good as you describe.

Great review, sounds like some of the stuff would be very handy in a round of poker, not that I would cheat money out of people
Sounds very hard stuff to do, so I think I will leave that one for the Gurus and sharks, cheers.

First of all sorry for resurrecting an old thread but didn't want to get told off for starting a new one.

Anyway I ogt this DVD as part of a free offer ( for my eternal shame from penguin magic) and I have to say I love this dvd.
Although usually when performing my style tends to be walkaround but from time to time I am sat round a table and someone asks me to do something and the walkaround material tends to be very short, visual effects. This dvd has solved this wee dilemma.
Although as stated above some of the effects on this dvd are quite advanced some are actually pretty straight forward. I have already got down the memory opener, marlos opener and the 4,5,6 packet trick all of which I cannot wait to try out on some friends.
Sal Piacentes teaching style is direct, thorough and concise and his no frills, direct performances are also great to watch. How often do you see magician who looks that he could punch the spectator at anytime.

Very nice review and very interesting product! I just found it on ebay selling at $30 (22€). A bargain! Used though.

gah..wish i had an e-bay account now...ah well. a few more months and i be old enough and unliable for any legal issues for being too young!

This DVD set seems really hard to source.
Anyone know of any UK dealers stocking this?

Many Thanks
Tyler

when I've been in the magic cavern (www.emagictricks.co.uk) before they've had these DVDs but at 27.99 each you might want to check out the current deal that is on over at penguin magic if you don't mind ordering from there.

These are a great set of DVDs and worth putting your time and effort into for some rewarding effects

love these dvds - the 456 packet trick is incredible, as are the ace cutting routines and the memory opener

when i tried the memory opener, i was gobsmacked that it worked! definately something i can see myself using often!

very much recomended!

i got both the other day for fifteen quid the lot from the magic warehouse.com...last copy too haaha...

stunning though i may say...

abraxus wrote:i got both the other day for fifteen quid the lot from the magic warehouse.com...last copy too haaha...

stunning though i may say...

I got them for free so

Blapsing_Beard wrote:love these dvds - the 456 packet trick is incredible, as are the ace cutting routines and the memory opener

when i tried the memory opener, i was gobsmacked that it worked! definately something i can see myself using often!

very much recomended!

I'm with you, Beard. Great double-set. There are also some useful applications, even if you'd rather not perform the exact effect that he does.