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Ahead of The Game Review

Two DVDs, a handful of effects, multiple performances, a whole bunch of interviews/discussion, $40 bucks and one Ahead of The Game Review. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.

Effect

While there are effects taught on this DVD, that's not what this is all about. Check the ad copy for the effects. I'll mention a few things about the effects in the method section below. That said, what you're really getting is a Master's Course on being a magician. This is like a Mini Tarbell Course for the modern day. Again, glance at the ad copy for the bullet point list of the things taught on this DVD. We'll dive in more in the Product Quality section below.

Method

The methods for these effects are simple, standard, methods that work and have stood the test of time. Jonathan Levit adds some excellent touches and subtlties and "things" that take some of these effects to that all too coveted proverbial next level.

The color changing deck routine uses several sneaky and clever bits o' business that make the moment(s) of the change truly surprising and shocking. Over the years many, many, many (ad infinitum) methodolical variations for Vernon's Triumph routine have been offered to the magic community (including my own humble offering, Most Triumphant found in Stone Cold Magic Magazine Year One). However, very few, if any have attempted to improve the presentation. Jonathan Levit's handling and presentation is very smart and clever and even more logical/legitimate way to perform this effect than most that I've seen.

Know this: if you're just looking for "the tricks" you'll find them here. The methods are solid. However, what you're really getting is "Jonathan" and everything that comes with that. You get his take, thoughts, angles, etc., etc. on the who, what, when, where, why and how of performing magic.

Ad Copy Integrity

The ad copy is modest to say the least. You get a lot more than you might think based on reading the ad copy. Watch the trailer, and you'll get a good sense of the energy, passion and content of this DVD set. They (both the written and video ad copy) do a great job of representing this product.

Ahead of The Game Review: Product Quality

There are several things to discuss here. Let take 'em one at a time.

DVD Navigation

This is really the only negative thing I have to say about this project. There is no "play all" button. This makes for a little bit of an annoying viewing experience. After each segment, the main menu comes back up, and you have to click the next thing you want to watch. However, when you consider the quality of the rest of this project, this is a small problem to deal with.

Production Quality

The videos are produced well. However, there's always something about the videos shot in the Magic Castle that doesn't quite feel as HD as they probably really are. That is nothing that is enough to cause any problems enjoying and learning from these DVDs, however. The audio, camera angles, lighting, etc. were all well done. Another thing I found very useful was the use of performance footage during the explanation.

Jonathan Levit and Suzanne would be discussing a point, concept, etc. and while they were talking, the screen would cut to the live performance segment to help drive home the point. Further, due to the fact that they shot multiple performances of the same show, they would refer to some footage from the shows that weren't shown on the DVD live section, so you could see different audience reactions to the same routine.

This product, as with all of the Black Rabbit products I've reviewed, is very well produced. It's clear that some time was spent in the pre-production and in the post-production efforts.

Teaching/Content

Jonathan Levit and Suzanne work well together to explain and teach the effects, principles and concepts found on this DVD set. You really get a good look into a true working pro. Take a look at the ad copy to see all of the concepts covered. They are taught well, effectively and clearly. Levit is a great teaching in the traditional "lecturer sense" but also in the learn by example school as well.

The DVDs have two different full live performances. Each one can be watched with and without audio commentary. I recommend watching both shows with and both shows without the commentary. There is so much to be learned from this alone. On top of that, you get the interview with Anthony Asimov interviewing Jonathan Levit. Plus you get all the individual segments and discussions about the effects and the concepts with Suzanne.

Lastly, the big theme of the DVD is about being "Ahead of The Game." After all, this is the Ahead of the Game Review. This concept is gold. It's an old principle, but you get to see it in action on so many levels. This concept is used in each effect, but it's also used in the entire show, and Levit does an incredible job of imparting this information — nay . . . wisdom — to those paying attention.

Ahead of The Game Review: Final Thoughts

If you're looking for "just tricks" you'll be satisfied with your purchase. However, if you're looking to learn about the art of performing magic (not just tricks) and all the principles, concepts and insider tips involved, then you will ecstatic with your purchase.

Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM!

Available at your Favorite Magic Dealer. Dealer's see Murphy's Magic For Details.