Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: The Unforgiven By Metallica

Let's first start off with the price. The two disks together as a set will cost you $40 bucks, whereas if you buy them individually, you'll end up paying $50 bucks ($25 each). I kind of like this model. It doesn't force you to buy both disks but offers you an incentive to do so.

Overview

Anthony Asimov is a very likable guy and fun to watch (both in performance and explanation), so you'll likely enjoy the DVDs from an entertainment perspective. Between both DVDs you'll get 9 effects. Most of the material is relatively familiar. However, Asimov has a decent skill for putting an interesting spin on things. For example, his Skulls of Anarchy routine is a matrix like you've never seen before. It uses Tarot cards and miniature human (ish) skulls. It has a nice feel to it, and it's probably THE most motivated matrix I've ever seen. Vernon's Queen's Soirée is a close second or even tie for first.

Asimov really puts a lot of thought and himself into his magic. There's much to learn from his way of thinking. Further, much of his material was inspired by guys like Jeff McBride, Larry Hass, Tommy Wonder, etc. That's always a great source of inspiration.

The Effects

Pretty much everything on this set is meant for the stationary performer (i.e., not strolling from table to table). Asimov has the luxury of working behind a table that has all of his "secrets" well laid out behind the table. However, the props used and everything together (other than the table itself) would likely fit into one carry on bag, so the show is still pretty portable.

There are a lot of very magical moments in pretty much all of his routines. Rather than singling out any particular effect, let me point out some of the "moments" of magic you'll experience throughout his act. A borrowed, and thoroughly examined hat is empty, then seconds later three named cards are found inside (no palming). How 'bout the Gypsy Thread where you restore two different colors of thread into one piece and the spectator's choose the colors. One of the cleanest and fairest card to impossible location (walnut) effects you'll ever see. And so much more. There is very likely stuff that you'll add to your repertoire when you watch this set.

Complaints

This next comment is going to be hard to explain without tipping the method of one of the effects, but it is important to note. For the Gypsy Thread, he does a great job explaining how to properly set everything up and so forth, but then he neglects to teach you how to manage the props during performance. For this particular method to work, this is crucial. I know that's vague, but saying much more may tip part of the method. The point is that there were a couple places where the instructions were quickly glossed over and the much needed details were completely eliminated.

Also, there is at least one effect shown in the performance segments that was not taught on the DVD because it's a marketed item. To be fair, that item was not mentioned in the ad copy, but it was a bit of a bummer to not be able to have method taught.

Final Thoughts

Taking the good (lots of it) with the bad (not very much of it) and you've got a very good DVD set with a lot of powerful, yet very doable magic. Further, the effects each have that "something special" that makes them . . . well . . . special. Material aside, there's a lot to be learned from Anthony Asimov, and I highly recommend you do it by saving the ten bucks and purchasing both for $40 (rather than each for $25).

Final Verdict:
4 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem