Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Family Tradition by Hank Williams Jr.
Why do we magi do the Linking Rings? Family Tradition (thank you Bocephus). It's a classic for a reason. If you're not sure what that reason is, watch this DVD and you'll know. Al Schneider is not the most graceful or entertaining performer, but man is he clever.
There are several things in this DVD that I think everyone can learn from. You basically learn two routines that are every bit as clean as they sound in the ad copy. In learning these routines you'll learn some good solid moves, counts and switches.
The Solo Routine
First let me say that the performance of both routines is a bit hard to watch. The patter is terrible and dry at best, but you know me . . . patter and poor presentations does not (necessarily) a bad product make. It's the effect and the method that I judge here. Both of which in this case (and the next routine) are killer.
His count to display the rings as individuals is so convincing and might be worth the price of the DVD alone. This solo routine overall, however, is a relatively standard type of routine. However, there are just a few touches, a few moves, links, counts, etc. that make this highly worth your attention. Overall, I'd give this routine 4 stars.
Full Stage Linking Rings
Poor Presentation aside - this one was worse than the first one - there are, again, some killer moves here. Imagine this: show two separate rings bang them together, and instantly with no funny moves hand the two linked rings are immediately handed out for inspection. Then you do it again by linking a third ring on there.
This also contains a kind of fun way to introduce the rings. The downer is that to do the introduction of the rings and to do a particular key part of the routine, you'll have to build special box. It's not too complex to build, but without it, one of the most deceptive parts of the routine is not doable.
Between these two routines, the ring counting sequences you'll learn are very deceptive and well worth your attention.
Final Verdict:
4 stars with a Stone Status of Gem.