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The Magic Of Alex Elmsley - VHS
Volumes 1 & 3
L&L Publishing Videos
Running Time: 70 mins approx per (video)

Cost - £7 each

I found these in the video clearout sale at International Magic in London, which is why I only have Volumes 1 & 3

Difficulty - 3 to 5, depending on your level of skill
(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)

Review

Before the review, here's the contents from the back of the videos.

Volume 1:

The 4 Card Trick
The New 4 Card Trick
Interview (The Early days)
Twisters Flush
One Poor Lion
Separating The Men From The Boys
Interview (The Professor)
Power Poker
Spectator Aces
Economy Class Departure
Interview (Vernon & The Ghost Count)
Dazzle

Volume 3:

Fan Prediction
The Red And The Blue
Interview (Presentation)
A Strange Story
Colour Filter
Interview (Stage Manipulation)
Multiplying Aces
En Voyage
Colour-Changing Faro Shuffle
Interview (What is 'Good' Magic?)
Moveless Follow The Leader
Card To Wallet

I really like these videos... Alex Elmsley and a card table, showing you tricks and then taking you through them. I enjoyed the interviews too, getting Alex's insight into magic today and in the past.

So where else to learn the Elmsley/Ghost Count than from the man himself? The first trick he takes you through is his classic, The 4 Card Trick. Alex discusses both handlings of the move, the fingertip and the in-the-hand method.

Alex's handling of the count is flawless, which you'd expect from it's inventor, and it is a joy to watch. I got the feeling if I was right there, I'd never catch him, no matter how hard I tried.

Alex takes you through 8 more effects that use his famous count, as well as some more of his original sleights. Anyone who does any sleight-of-hand card magic today will have used his count at some point, and I really enjoyed watching, and learning, from Elmsley himself.

Volume 3 has more effects on, slightly more advanced here, and some of the tricks do used gaffed cards. To do some of the more visual tricks, you would have to get some gaffs made specially, or make your own, but it would be worth it if you were going to use them in your regular routines.

Overall - 3.5 out of 5

I enjoyed the tapes. I always thought my Elmsley Count was pretty good, but after watching these, I could see I needed some work. A basic knowledge of card handling is required for these, so they're not for the complete beginner. But for those of you interested in watching a master at work, I'd recommend a look at these.

nice post...was tempted to buy the tape previously as you say-to see the count from the man himself..Thinking my EC was quite good,Roy Walton soon proved me wrong!sorted now though!