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The Double Lift Project by Liam Montier Reviewed
One DVD, a whole bunch of tips, pointers, tricks, etc., Liam Montier, Big Blind Media and $35 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.
Effect/Method
The method (Double Lift) is the focus of this project. You are taught the ins and outs of the Double Lift. This was another one of those projects where I thought it was going to be "a whole bunch of stuff that I already know." As is usual, I was wrong . . . again. Within just a few minutes of watching this DVD, I was exposed to simple things that I never knew when it comes to the DL: How to properly hold the deck, how to get a proper break, when to get it, different techniques for getting it. Things like the Pinky Count were demystified.
Further, there were multiple techniques taught for turning over the double. Many of these were ones I was unfamiliar with. However, I understand that just because I was unfamiliar with some of this stuff, it doesn't mean that you are. Yet, I'd be surprised if even the most advanced cardician did not learn something that would improve his/her technique.
Once you've learned how to hold the deck, how to get a break, how to pick up and/or turn over the double, etc., then it's time to apply your knowledge with some excellent examples of classic, powerful, stood-the-test-of-time effects that employ this sneaky sleight.
You'll learn classic effects from David Solomon, Peter Duffie, Alex Elmsley, Mike Skinner, and much more. This are all effects that are simple and powerful and use the DL. Once you master the DL, the methods are very simple and very doable.
All of the effects, grips, counts, turnover, techniques, etc. are pulled from some of the greatest magicians of our time and before. Larry Jennings, Paul LePaul, Brother John Hamman, and so many more will be channeled by your host Liam Montier. There's no question that the material is solid, and the presentation of the material by Liam is excellent to boot.
Ad Copy Integrity
The ad copy, as is the standard for Big Blind Media, is absolutely accurate. The claim that the DL is one of the most essential sleights in card magic is true. The claim that the effects taught are some of the greatest tricks ever created is true. Granted a claim like this is an opinion. However, the high majority of educated card folk would absolutely agree with this claim.
Product Quality
Ahhhhhhh . . . Owen "The Man of Titanium" Packard . . . I'm sure I've mentioned before that I'm a fan of the famed goat-bearded wonder worker who is Owen Packard. His Big Blind Media team is a top notch team of brilliant artists who know how to make a solid product with proper lighting, audio, camera angles, easy to navigate DVD menus, etc., etc., etc. 100% top notch quality here.
Final Thoughts
I think most people would agree that the DL is one of the most valuable tools in a card worker's repertoire. So the question, likely, is not whether or not you do a DL, but rather, the question, likely, is how good is your DL? I dare say that no matter how good it is, it'll be better after you apply what you learn in this DVD.
The only question you need to resolve is whether you want to stick with your same old same old DL, or do you want to grow as a magician and truly master this powerful tool. If you fall into the latter category, $35 bucks is a small price to pay to achieve mastery. If, however, you fall in the former category, you should stop reading my reviews and start reading Dale Carnegie to improve your attitude.
Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem.
17 Comments
This is one of my favourite card magic DVDs that I own, and I have a lot of them. The reason I liked the project so much was there is so much meat on the DVD. The DL is such an underused and under-appreciated move. An effect as simple as a card control, showing the double then changing it into their selection is one of the most powerful (and simple) effects in card magic. Don’t get me wrong, I love learning new and difficult, knuckle busting sleights, but nothing is more important and powerful as a simple DL. This DVD was a real eye opener for me. Spot on review Jeff!
@James – Thanks for the post. I really think that Liam and BBM have done the world of magic a huge service by providing this for us. You mentioned that the DL is underused. I disagree. I think it’s used a lot, but it’s used poorly quite often. This DVD will, hopefully, be a wake up call to all card magicians.
Jeff,
I’m new to your site and magic. Everything you do on here is awesome, it’s a huge help with beginners like me.
btw, my wife is getting this collection for me as a Christmas present.
@David – Welcome to the site. I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Make sure you enter your email address here to be entered into the free monthly drawings.
Enter Here: Free Magic
@David – Congratulations! You won a free copy of The DL Project! Shoot me an email and I’ll send the DVD out to your right away.
I am never disappointed with Liam’s products. However I was on the fence with this one since it is such a commonly use move that I didn’t think it warrants a full 1hr+ DVD. It seems that I am wrong after reading your review, there might be hints and tips that I can pick up from this gem. Thanks for the review.
@Kevin – There are definitely some tips that you’ll pick up for sure. I was very happy with what I learned, and it’s extremely well done.
I’m sold. Only thing I have from BBM is Ultimate Self Working Card Tricks (something like that) I think it is great. Going to have to put this on my already long Christmas list. I first learned DL from Daryls Ambitious Card DVD (thumb count and buckle) never seemed natural to me. Then I learned the strike double from Sankey, which when done well is beautiful but I can only hit it about 7 out of 10 times.
@Jay – Those Self Working DVDs are very good. I think I’ve reviewed all three volumes somewhere on the site.
This was on my Christmas list for sure, but you never know I might get a freebie from you. I’m tapping the screen with my magic wand in one hand while I type with the other.
A subscription to Reel Magic is definitely on the cards too after reading your revue,- the onscreen links seem awesome.
@Donald – Thanks for the post. Yep . . . Reel Magic Magazine is awesome, and you can’t beat the price.
The double lift is such a utility move I use it so much. The other day I did a quick set for this girl at work on break, and her mind couldn’t handle. In did wave the aces then Dailey’s last card trick and the ambitious card. All of which use the double lift I hope I win I’m always looking to improve my card magic. Just when you think you have all the answer about a move you have to eat some humble pie. I do John Bannon’s version of Dailey’s last card trick. Wave the Aces Brad Christian on the inside magic DVD ellustionist.com. Ambitious card a mix of Brad Christian, Jay Sankey.
@Jason – Amen. A huge part of most repertoires use a DL. It’s such a critical move to master.
Thanks for this great review of definitely a great product. I too was rather stuck on one method, and was happily surprised to see the many variations and applications. A thorough, spot-on review with valid points, and I especially appreciated what almost comes off as a challenge: referring to your statement about not staying with your current DL technique after watching the video. Dale Carnegie indeed! Thanks!
@Daniel – Thanks for the comment brother. I’ve been very impressed with the BBM “project” DVDs.
As have I, Jeff. They’ve taught me a lot. I’ve also got Elmsley Count and False Shuffles & Cuts, and they were much more than I expected.
@Daniel – dang ol’ . . . dadgum . . . tell you whut . . . yup.