Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Cuts Like a Knife by Bryan Adams

You want my individual insight into this project? Simply stated . . . don't bother getting it. I'll give you a list of reasons regarding the quality of the product in a moment. However, consider this: even if the product quality were much better than I'm about to explain, is this really an effect you need in your repertoire?

Obviously, I can't answer that for you, but let me give you some things to consider. First, you'll need to carry around a gimmick along with the two joker-hole cards. That already loses points for my own personal criteria. However, I'm quite aware that I don't speak for everyone. Second, the effect is very visual at the magic moment (I think - the lighting was pretty bad), but the handling up until then is quite fishy, and the 'presentation' (I use that term very loosely) is very weak to say the least.

Putting aside my personal performance preferences and my critique of Eggink's style and mannerisms, the product itself is a bomb. The only positive thing I've got to say about the product is that unlike so many DVDs I review, this one actually has a decent DVD menu setup, but that's where the good gives up the ghost.

The lighting is terrible. It's shot outside in a park at what appears to be noon. Much of the effect is obscured by the bright light and bad shadows. Because of the lighting, you won't be able to see the effect that clearly. You also won't be able to learn it that clearly. You are not taught or given any presentational ideas, and my gimmick broke, literally, the first time I tried it. I was following along with the DVD with gimmick in hand, and BAM it broke. The DVD has a section where he teaches you to make a new gimmick . . . I guess he knew that it was going to break.

You are supplied with the 'special something' that you need to reconstruct your gimmick. I tried to watch the gimmick construction portion of the DVD . . . it was one of the more painful 11 minutes and 32 seconds of my life. You'll need about 10 things (most of which can be found in your local office supply store) to make a new gimmick - scissors, tape, glue, and a bunch of other stuff like that. Also, he makes reference to what he refers to as a 'punch pad or something like that.' I'm not sure what that is, but you'll need one.

When I buy a one trick DVD, I'm expecting a solid gimmick that will last a lot of performances, not one that will break minutes after opening the package. I also expect to be able to see the trick and see the explanation; additionally, I'd like to be somewhat entertained by the teacher, and since we're only talking about one effect, a nice bonus would have been some presentational ideas and/or alternate approaches/ideas. None of my expectations were met.

As an occasional creator of product myself, I get that there are people who feel about my product the same way I feel about those I criticize in my reviews. I get it, and I respect it, and I rarely defend my position when my products are criticized. My general attitude is that everyone is entitled to his opinion, so take my review for what it is . . . just one man's opinion.

My opinion, based on the many reasons listed above is that this is a waste of your money.

Final Verdict:
1 Star with a Stone Status of Rubble.