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Karl Hein: The Heinous Collection Review

Volume 2:

One DVD, seven effects, one hour and $35 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.

Effect

The effects are relatively unique takes on classic themes. Square Deal is a very clever way to present a magic square that combines magic and the mind. Jack Spade is Karl Hein's version of the story-telling deck (e.g., Sam the Bellhop. etc.). Prophecy Location is a unique application of Bill Simon's "Prophecy" move that allows the spectator to find another spectator's card.

Next up is Equilateral Production which is a visual card revelation where the card seems to appear out of nowhere. Transformer Triumph is a flourishy Triumph that has three distinct magical moments. Every Card, Every Number, Every Time is flourishy version of ACAAN but with enough flash and presentation to give it some personality.

Finally, the bonus effect, Give Me Five is a "cute" way to produce a five dollar bill when someone slaps you five.

Method

Every effect (except the bonus) relies false shuffles and/or false cuts. However, for the most part, you can use whatever false cuts/shuffles you want. You don't have to use Hein's moves. The only one where you're kind of "stuck" using the Hein move is Equilateral Production. It's actually a flourish of Hein's. Doing other flourish would be a totally different effect.

In Triumph Transformer, you can use whatever cuts and shuffles (false, of course) that you want. However, using the Transformer Cut ads a little extra "something" to the routine. You could, with a little thought, add those elements using different handling. A similar thing is true with the ACAAN effect. If you already have the first volume of the collection that teaches the moves, then you're set. You'll just need to take the time to learn them.

Ad Copy Integrity

The ad copy is totally accurate and legitimate. The end.

Product Quality

The DVD is well produced, well lit, well shot and easy to navigate. The teaching on this is excellent. He goes over everything in great detail. The only exception to that is in the case of his specialty shuffles, cuts, etc. that are on Volume 1. In those situations, he still goes over the moves, but not in as much detail as the first DVD. The object here, of course is to get you to buy the first DVD. I have no problem with this in this case, because a) he covers things enough detail that you could learn it from this DVD and b) often, a different move can be substituted.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line on this one is that for $35 bucks you get a half-dozen practical routines with solid deceptive methods. Some methods will take longer than others to master, but I have no problem with that. You need to invest in your magic.

Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem.