On Mar 21, 2018, latentimage wrote:
I was going to wait for the release of the physical DVD's of this project, but ended up going with the digital downloads right before the end of the option to purchase the season pass. I'm slowly working my way through the first disc, and here are my impressions:

First of all, the quality of the actual video is excellent. There are four effects here, and they are all great. The teaching is extremely well done, and Sansminds decided to have someone sit in while Armando teaches, and learn along with you. I've always liked this format, since the person learning quite often has the same questions I would have if I were taking the lesson in person. Each effect is complete with a wonderfully written script, and a detailed analysis of not only what you need to do to accomplish the effect, but also why you need to do it. In other words, the psychology and choreography behind why the effects work, and how to use all of this to your advantage. For anyone who knows Armando or is familiar with his work, this shouldn't be a surprise.

My two favorites so far from this release are Taco and The Ascension. I think one of the best tricks in card magic is Armando's Empanada, and Taco is basically another version of this effect that can be performed by regular human beings (with enough practice). Empanada itself is only covered in private lessons with Armando, which I haven't yet been able to attend, so I was quite excited to see this version on here. For me personally, this one effect was worth the entire price of the downloads. Basically, any card named by the spectator unexpectedly appears between two cards that have been set aside before the effect begins. This effect, as with all the others on the DVD, includes moves that you can use with many other effects. I wouldn't say that Taco is "easy" to do, but it is well within the grasp of any competent magician who is willing to put in the work. Once it's ready, this is something I will performing for the rest of my career.

The other effect that I will tell you a little bit about is The Ascension. Out of the four, this was the one I expected to be the least interested in, since I've always really hated the Ambitious Card plot. After watching this version, however, I not only enjoyed the performance of this plot for the first time, but I was also inspired to learn it. The script that Armando includes helps a lot, as it gives a meaning to the effect which really resonates with me. Beyond that, the moves that he includes in this routine are some that I have never seen before, that I feel elevate the piece to an entirely new level. For the average magician, this one may be a little difficult to learn. It certainly is for me, but I'm positive it's going to be worth the effort. I don't perform a whole lot of card magic, so it might be a little easier for you if you do. Even if you already do an Ambitious Card, there are bits and pieces here you can add to any routine to make it better and more interesting.

I should also mention that I particularly enjoyed the end of the video where Armando talks about performing magic for a camera. In this discussion, he covers a lot of different things, including the difference between practicing using a mirror, and practicing using a video camera. I really hope there are segments like this at the end of each of the upcoming downloads. I guess we will see.

In conclusion, for me at least, this is the best video on card magic that I have ever bought. I would give this first part of the release a solid 10/10. This might not be the same for everyone, since the information that's on here is very different than your typical magic DVD. If you are looking for quick tricks to do while walking around at a party, this probably isn't what you are looking for. In order to perform this stuff well, you are going to need to take the time to perfect it, work on a script (either the ones that are provided, or one of your own) and polish everything. You won't be able to put this stuff into your show tomorrow, and for me, that's ok. If you aren't familiar with Armando's work, think Ricky Jay level stuff. You really can't compare the two in a performance aspect, since it's sort of like apples and oranges, but my point is that obviously pieces like this are not learned overnight. This is well choreographed, close-up theatre that happens to use playing cards.

A lot of people like to toss around the term "Master Class" these days, but that's really what this is. For the perceptive student, the information here will not only help you make these tricks great, but will also elevate other areas of your magical performance. I'm primarily a stage magician, there is no doubt that the deeper lessons can be applied there as well. For anybody that wishes that they could study with a real master like Armando in person, this really is the next best thing.

On Mar 21, 2018, Jon Hackett wrote:
Hi thanks for the review. So where the scripts included separately? Or just what Armando said during the video?

What I mean to say is, did the download include anything beyond the video?

Thanks again for an excellent review- perhaps you might like to tell us about all the effects in the video and what else Armando discusses.


Jonathan Hackett

On May 4, 2018, Shikina wrote:
Have people who purchased the Season Pass already received their physical dvds? I bought the pass when it was first offered in February and have yet to receive the physical copies so I would love to know if I am alone in that regard or if that is the general experience.

On May 4, 2018, Christopher James Rose wrote:

The Season Pass is a digital product only. No physical disks will be sent to any Season Pass holder.

On May 4, 2018, Shikina wrote:

Quote:

On May 4, 2018, Christopher James Rose wrote:

The Season Pass is a digital product only. No physical disks will be sent to any Season Pass holder.

SansMinds seems to have removed the product description of the season pass since it is Out of Stock. Can you clarify for me what benefit the season pass gave over individual downloads? I thought that physical dvds were part of that benefit but if not I’m struggling to remember what the perks were.