talkmagic.co.uk

Overall
This DVD shows and explains 14 or so rubber band magic effects. The cost is £15 and you can get the DVD from WorldMagicShop. These aren't just 'tricks', Russell shows them as workable routines suitable for strolling magic and table work. With a bunch of bands on your wrist, you'll be set up to perform rubber band magic, colour changes, switches with coins, linking bands, bands through items, vanishes and so on.

The DVD has three main parts to it.

Russell showing these routines in live performance - so you can see his (personable) patter and style and how he links between the phases of a trick.

For each one, Russell is 'interviewed' by Craig Petty and explains how each trick is done. Craig asks all the questions you would be likely to ask. "Show that bit again would you, in slow motion" and even a novice like me can follow the explanations.

There's also a third section with Russell facing camera going through each of the major sleights in turn.

The DVD is about 2 hours long (including some extra routines - not explained - and various adverts for other products). You get a pack of rubber bands (including one gimmick) with the DVD. This is a nice touch because it gives you everything you need to get started and answers any questions you might have about size of band, quality etc. There are some colour switch routines so you get the necessary bands to do these.

Degree of `difficulty
There are sleights involved but these are explained well so I put the majority of the routines at level '2'. Even the most difficult routines can be mastered with practise. If you know the 'crazy mans handcuffs' you'll master these. (Incidentally Russell shows some great variations of CMHandcuffs)

All in all I enjoyed this DVD (I still am) so I rate it 9/10. My only minor quibble is that it might have been better to have been shot in a studio. It's well done but perhaps slightly casual (shot in a garden). I sense there was a desire to do many items in one-take. It's works well but it seemed odd when Russell at one time said, "I normally do this on a pen with a cap". Why not get a pen with a cap and then reshoot the routine?

My other slight 'con' is that my gimmick wasn't very well made (but the DVD tells you how to make them, so it's no problem really)

However these are minor quibbles to a very good product. Anybody wanting to add some rubber band magic (alongside cards say) will get 15 / 20 minutes of performance quite easily.

Thanks for the review; sounds good, especially at that price. Does it teach CMH? Good to hear it also includes the rubber bands. I know rubber bands are not difficult to get hold of, but it's always nice when DVDs include the necessary props. Not only can you get started straight away, but as you mentioned you also have the correct sized rubber bands to hand.

Does anyone know how this DVD compares to Nabil Murday's Link?

Link was a fantastic dvd, and if this even comes close then it should be great buy.

I have watched a preview and it does look pretty good.

Hi Replicant - yes the DVD teaches CMH

CMH is covered is the disc's 'sleights section'. The technique is used in some of the effects, but usually as an adaptation - often to the point where it's a device or a means to an end rather than an effect in itself.

And yes, I would have preferred that it was shot in a studio. I actually wanted to shoot on location at Bondai Beach. That would have made it a perfect production in my book. But alas, 'twas not to be.

Got this free from World Magic Shop at Portsmouth Jumbo Day. Not really a Band person so I wouldn't have got it otherwise but I've got to say I was really impressed. Russel is a very talented magician.
I do actually have Link and thought this was better because the effects were really strong; the ring through the band one strand at a time is awesome.
Some explanations could have been clearer but recommended.