These videos feature effects, for the most part, that are still just as valid today as they were then (almost 30 years ago). There are a few things that are sort of impossible to do today because the props don't exist or are nearly impossible to find. For example, the soda pull-tabs necessary for Pull Tab are no longer around. As a side note, Ammar mentions in the video that the prop is such a common item that it will be a long, long time before we live in a world where you can't readily get your hands on one. The day has arrived.

You'll also find it tough to get your hands on salt and pepper 'blister packs' that can be used in the context of the routine that Ammar teaches as an opener at restaurants. Additionally, you'll find a much less refined and a much more nervous and stiff Ammar along with an awkward Gary Ouellet (host).

Putting all those quirks aside, these DVDs are still loaded with Gems. As awkward as Ammar was back then, he was still as great of a teacher then as he is now. There is some excellent work on the side-steal, the Gallo Pitch, Coin in Bottle, The Topit, and a TON more. These DVDs are worth owning for many reasons. They're great archive footage, if nothing else. You get to see Ammar in action (always a good time). You get to learn from an excellent teacher some of the greatest basics of magic and some of the greatest secrets in magic. Highly recommended GEMS!

However, for the sake of completeness (and keeping my job as a reviewer for My Lovely Assistant), let's examine the specifics of this volume, Volume II: World Class Close Up -

Beanie Weenie (5/5)

This is an excellent interpretation of the solid cup idea in a cups and balls routine from Paul Harris. Ammar's performance of it is smooth and magical. The surprise kicker ending is just amazing, and the whole routine seems to flow and even has some semblance of logic and rhythm . . . something so desperately needed in cups and balls routines. You also get some excellent insight into David Williamson's Striking Vanish
The Yeast Card (5/5)

Sure most people do ambitious card, but do you do The Yeast Card? You know, the one where it rises to the top . . . Yep. This is just another take on Ambitious, but it's so much better. There are some excellent built in gags, moves, etc that really make this routine. Plus you end with a kicker effect of the signed card inside a folded book of matches that is used for a very cool visual moment in the routine. Perfect.

Card to Matchbook (5/5)

This is the above mentioned closer to The Yeast Card. It's perfect.

Coins Across (3/5)

Basically, this is more of a demo-of-how-this-cool-move-called-the-Gallo-Pitch-works. If you aren't familiar with The Gallo Pitch, I challenge you to find a better place to learn it than this DVD. You also get some great practical applications for the move, but I just felt this part of the DVD was more of a 'walk through' than a presentation and explanation.

Card on Ceiling (5/5)

Classic Ammar - I use this exact same handling, routine, patter, everything and have been for years. If you don't do a card on ceiling effect, you need to own this DVD. If you do do (heh, heh, I said 'do do') a card on ceiling effect then you should still check this out to learn Ammar's take on the plot. It's very much a routine you should consider studying.

$2 Bill into 2 Ones (4/5)

This is a Super Visual Illusion. I like the effect a lot, but one of the bills cannot be handled by the spectator, and that can make for an awkward moment. However, I will say that Ammar's structure definitely decreases the likelihood that you'll have to confront the issue. The effect is that you tear a $2 bill into 2 $1 dollar bills. It's pretty and it's logical; it just has that one quirk I mentioned.

Gary Ouellet's Ambitious Card (2/5)

I'm sorry to say this, and I know I'll be burned at the stake for doing so, but these DVDs would have been much better without Mr. Ouellet. I felt he added nothing, and the tricks he performed (one on this volume and another on volume IV) were inferior to the quality of magic being shown to us by Mr. Ammar. This ambitious card was nothing too amazing, and ended with a really crappy and rushed display at the end that was so fast and not-smooth that you never really saw the card he was showing you.

Coins Through Silk (5/5)

This is one of the most beautiful effects ever. I've seen Ammar do this live, and it looks like real magic (as does most of his stuff). Three coins visually penetrate a see-through silk. What's more magical than that?

Overall, I really like this DVD. As with the other 3 in this series, you get so much more than just the explanation of the effect. You get a ton of utility moves taught in depth; you get some excellent theory, psychology, and even some commentary about what type of effects you should perform and master.

Just the effects by themselves rank at 4.25 as an average. However, if you ignore the Ouellet effect, then you get an average of 4.7. Add in the extras you get in the explanation along with the joy of seeing Mr. Ammar's gloriously thick head of hair, I'd have to give this DVD . . .

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