Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Without You by Harry Nilsson
Eight effects from a clever guy named Mark Wong. Overall I like this DVD.. There are a lot of unique and original methods, moves, sleights, etc. found on this DVD. Everything is taught in extreme (the term "Ad Naseum" comes to mind) detail. Maybe too much detail. My biggest complaint on this one is that quite often, the method taught is NOT the method used in the performance. This is a bummer because there are few cases where the method taught is inferior to the method presented, but that method is not taught. That's a big deal in my mind.
With the exception of the above mentioned flaw, watch the trailer and if you like what you see, you'll be happy with your purchase. This stuff ain't easy and will take some effort on your part which is usually a good thing. I do take issue with one part of the ad copy:
Ad Copy: Ei8th is a stunning and brilliant collection of some of the most baffling card tricks ever invented!
Really . . . "ever invented!"? Over-hyped for sure.
Effects:
Let's look at each effect. You can read the effect in the ad copy. Below is my brief commentary.
Ambitious Aces (3 Stars)
This is one of those that I mentioned earlier. The demo version is different from what's taught. The demo is better. The taught version is "Ok" but not as magical looking as the presenation shown.
Apparition (2.5 Stars)
This effect is a bit long-winded and not nearly as revolutionary as some of the other material.
BoomerBand (2.5 Stars)
A minor modification of a pretty well-known (maybe even "standard") rubber band and deck effect. This has a nice visual element to it, but again it's a minor variation.
Claymore (3.5 Stars)
An interesting take on the open prediction style of effect. It's kind of combination of open prediction and a "paradox" card style plot. This one's pretty good and pretty doable.
Equator (4 Stars)
This is a straight forward sandwich effect with no funny add-ons, etc. It's pretty clean though a bit angle-sensitive. If you can do a one-handed top palm, you can pretty much add this to your repertoire instantly. The appearance of the selected card between the two jokers is pretty magical feeling.
In Your Face (4.5 Stars)
I really like this effect, and it's probably the easiest and possible the strongest effect on the DVD. It's very visual . . . a bare-handed (and empty-handed) production of a chosen card. The one draw back is that the card cannot be examined.
Pick-Pocket (2 Stars)
This one is a bit risky. In the performance section on the DVD Mark Wong literally had to push the spectator's hand away, several times, because of the structure of the routine. Had he not pushed him away, the effect would have failed. The handling and the gimmick used for this lend themselves to suspicion, and you run a huge risk of getting caught.
SCP (Spring Card Production) (4 Stars)
The only reason I did not give this one 5 stars is because the method for the color change that is taught is different from the one actually used in the performance . . . annoying. But I can't deny the power and beauty of the effect as taught (even though it doesn't match the method used in performance). This is a very difficult move to master, but it's so beautiful. During the springing of the cards from hand to hand, one card flips over and lands face-down sticking out of the now squared deck.
Final Thoughts
The overall effect rating is 3.25 . . . not bad when you consider that at least 2 effects are pretty low scoring. Considering the price, the number of annoying things (i.e., the missing explanations), it's safe to say that though I'd be ok Without You (Thank Youy Harry Nilsson) Mr. Ei8ht DVD, I do feel it's a worthwhile purchase just to get a look at some interesting ideas and moves.
Final Verdict:
3 Stars with a Stone Status of gem (little "g").