Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Eagles Fly By The Red Rocker Himself . . . Sammy Hagar

It's always fascinating to see another person's point of view on any one subject. It's interesting to see how different people can see the same thing in different ways. That's one of the cool things about the 'World's Greatest Magic' series by L&L Publishing. While on one hand it feels like a way to recycle product and make a few quick sales, on the other hand it's good to have all the best minds on the same plot.

If you read more reviews from me regarding the 'World's Greatest Magic' series, you will find that they all start with these first few sentences so that each review will have the same background and foundation. So on to this particular DVD: Anniversary Waltz.

'That's How I got it!!!!!!!!!' Really . . . all of you just had to use that stupid joke. I'm gonna barf. Now that that's done, if the card fusion plot intrigues you at all, then this is worth your while, especially at the asking price. However, let me point out a few things.

First, the crediting isn't very thorough. Each magician seems to give credit to a different source for being the creator of the plot. Some of the versions require a very involved set up, and most of the performers don't explain some of the moves that they are using. Granted the moves they 'skip over' are pretty common ones, Riffle Force, Cross-cut Force and a few others. Some of the versions were frankly pretty lame in their performance and had no patter. I think, presentationally (I know that's not a word) speaking, Doc Eason's was the best. However Garrett Thomas's handling had a couple of really nice 'convincer' moves. I also especially like Jean-Jacques Sanvert's version. It's a bit of a setup, but the cards can easily be palmed in. Also, the handling is a bit tricky, but there are some beautiful magic moments.

I think my least favorite is Carl Andrews's version. There is a huge discrepancy in the handling that is too obvious to overlook. On the other hand, however, he did get a strong reaction from his audience and his version does not require any special cards.

Etienne Pradier's version was tough to see and was over way too fast. The performance was very unfocused and scatter-brained. Also, he leaned way over the table placing his body right over the food on the table. I didn't really find his version all that compelling. Overall, however, the DVD is good quality and there are some great ideas and even utility moves that you'll learn.

Final Verdict:
4 Stars with a Stone Status of gem.