So you have both a new dvd/vcd of magic tricks do you watch the trick again and again, then try to decipher how it was done? After success or frustation you then move on to learn the trick, how it was really done. What are your insights about this?

I prefer to see once or twice, from time to time taking notes of my thoughts as I see it, but not see it five times, stopping it, looking if it was in this moment when it makes the move etc because now I am more interested in how it is perceibed by spectator

Nice idea gonzalo!!! very good one... I might do it as well
while what I am trying to do is to improve my analysis of such or a problem...
after much thinking I then compare my solution to the real solution for the trick.
So in that process I might be able to practice my analysis so someday I might be able to make my own effects hehehe...

I usually watch the trick a couple of times. More to see if it's practical for me than anything else. If I can't use it I don't bother to learn the workings.
I also prefer to learn the given method before looking for any changes I might make on the assumption that the teacher has gone through several stages and the result has been tested and refined.

Another good point, Eddie. I might do it as well to see if it's practical for me Thanks.