Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Jar of Hearts By Christina Perri

Finally, a DVD for about $30.00 that has more than 1 effect on it (12 to be exact), plus his work on the second deal, the one hand top palm and Curzon's Convincing Control. The DVD quality, audio, video, lighting and overall production quality is pretty solid.

Briefly, you'll get a solid collection of effects that range from self working to extremely difficult. Speaking of difficult, Mr. Curzon is really hard to watch. He never cracks a smile. His presentation (if you can call it that) is boring at best.

If, however, you can put that aside, I think you'll find a nice collection of material on here that has something you'll find interesting and even worth pursuing.

One last comment before taking a look at the individual effects. Much of the material is Curzon's take or handling on other people's material. In fact, you're probably familiar with some of the routines from the originators already.

On to the effects. You'll find a brief commentary and a star rating (1 is worst; 5 is best).

Cutting the Kings (2.5 stars)

This is a convoluted version of Martin Nash's Title Bout. It's a good effect, but I think Trost's is much better.

Rise, Rise, Rise (4.5 stars)

A very pretty color change of the face card on a deck that seems pretty darn impossible.

Surprise Aces (4 stars)

Not easy, but very effective and powerful magic, with the worst possible presentation. Ignore the presentation and learn the effect.

Variations Variant (2.5 stars)

The effect has potential, but he handling is ridiculously contrived and very fishy.

Joker Sandwich (3 stars)

I don't buy the switch at the end of this routine. However, I learned about a particular tool that has many applications for other things, and it can be purchased at a stationary store.

Pseudo Centre Deal Routine (2.5 stars)

A kind of boring gambling routine where you claim to to Center Deals, but really you're doing second deals.

Deck Reverse Supreme (3 stars)

A decent effect where the whole deck magically appears to be face up . . . essentially this is a color change effect with a few extras.

Coincidence in Millions (4.5 stars)

I think this is my favorite routine on the DVD. Only reason I didn't give it 5 full stars is because he didn't quite fully explain (in enough detail) how the calculator works. This is a prediction effect that seems impossible, and essentially, the spectator is the one who makes the prediction. You'll need a scientific calculator for the routine, and the best part . . . it's self working.

Wipe Out Queens Routine (2 stars)

Again . . . a killer-ly boring presentation . . . But an ok "find the four queens from a shuffled deck" routine with the usual . . . oops that's a nine, not a queen, so I'll count nine cards down . . . blah.

Erdnase/Miller Colour Change (4 stars)

This is very pretty, but it's not the Erdnase change . . . it's something else combined with the Miller Change. That aside, it is a beautiful color change of two cards at the exact same time. Very pretty.

Vernon's Cutting The Aces (3 stars)

Decent one handed cutting to the aces routine.

Thanks to Vernon - 4 Ace Production (3 stars)

Same as above but using both hands to do a one handed cut to the aces routine simultaneously. Not bad . . . but a bit sloppy looking.

The average rating of the effects is 3.2 stars. Taking the good price, the horrible presentations, the "lots of good ideas to pick from", and the solid production quality, I think I can give this one . . .

Final Verdict:
3.5 stars with a Stone Status of gem.