Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: One Day Too Late by Skillet

The Social Deck by Soma Review:

One DVD, One "new concept" for a Deck of cards, a whole bunch of routines and $50 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.

Effect/Method

This is another one of those products that doesn't have an effect per se. What you're getting is a new idea. Basically, imagine a deck of cards that doesn't have numbers or royalty on it. Rather, it has common social media icons and images. For example, a generic FaceBook profile looking icon, or an image gallery, or a "like" button icon, etc.

The idea that Soma has come up with is to use these icons combined with relatively standard card moves to create more "modern" "card tricks." As far as the methods are concerned, it's pretty standard stuff: DL's, Card Changes, etc.

What's clever about this is that if you already are a decent card handler, you'll have no problem transitioning to doing effects with this deck. Tons of ideas, effects and routines are taught on the accompanying DVD; plus you'll create your own once you've spent some time with the deck.

I have no complaints about method. It's all pretty straight-forward and pretty standard stuff.

Ad Copy Integrity

Unfortunately there were a couple issues in the ad copy. The main one is the fact that the DVD only contains 12 effects (which is a lot) but the ad copy claims that the DVD contains "19 different routines explained in detail. I'm not upset that there are "only" 12 effects on the DVD. I'm upset that the ad copy claimed there were 16 plus the bonus material which would be a total of 21 effects. Instead, you get 17 total, including the bonus effects.

The other (minor) issue I had was the claim that card tricks don't make sense, but finally, your card magic will make sense. I think it's a bit over the top to claim that essentially all card tricks are senseless. Further to claim that though "Aces finding Jacks" is senseless but that a picture of social icons is the solution to all is a bit dramatic.

I don't think they're wrong about how relate-able these icons are. But I do think they're wrong about how relate-able the playing cards supposedly aren't.

Product Quality

The DVD is well produced, well lit, well shot, well mic'd, detailed and in depth. No complaints here. Further, you get access to an incredible website with tons of content: cheat sheets for the effects requiring a set up, printable templates for making your own cards, 5 bonus effects, the entire contents of the DVD, a mini documentary-ish section about the "making of the deck" and more.

Combining the deck, DVD and site, and you're definitely getting your money's worth.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a solid product, and the price is reasonable considering what you're getting. Putting aside the fact that they're all but saying this will replace your playing cards, all the other claims are pretty realistic. Had this come with the 16 effects on the DVD plus the bonus as claimed, It would easily be a 5 star product, but . . .

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