Hi Folks,

What do people think of the various Essentials DVDs for the ID/St*****r etc. I think they're hosted by Daryl, who is a great teacher. I notice that they're at a very decent price, but in a way that worries me. Anyone got them? Any good for a beginner?

A very good choice for new magicians. Daryl is a great instructor and teaches both the fundamental elements as well as strong effects. This is a very good way to learn about Sponge Balls and so on. I really like the clear instruction coupled with effects that are real practical tricks that will get strong reactions. A great buy, don't let the price deter you, it is filled with great ideas.

Anything that Daryl has produced, written, whatever, IS worth three times the asking price. His teaching style is superb and the man is recognized as one of magic's best performers. You simply cannot go wrong with Daryl.

They've been great, mostly.

The card dvds, LOVED the Linking Rings DVD.

Disappointed in the Cups and Balls DVD, though. The entire DVD was very much oriented to a beginner, so in that respect, it takes a much different approach to the other DVDs in the series that I have seen. In those, there stuff for beginning and experienced magicians. There was no history of the effect in this DVD (one of my favorite aspects of these EOS DVDs); the routine was about as simple as a C&B routine can get. He made reference a few times to a 2nd DVD on the Cups and Balls where more advanced things would be undertaken, so it appears that he is using 2 DVDs to cover the C&B ground.

For what it is, it is a very good DVD. I bought it not realizing it was as entry-level as it was.

Daryl is a wonderful teacher. To answer your question, I believe the Essentials DVDs are great for beginners....

Sounds like a big thumbs up. Thanks guys

I have a few of them and they're all excellent. Daryl is one of magic's best teachers. The production values are top notch. I was amazed at how long these DVDs are considering the price. They're the best bargain in magic.

For the price you can't go wrong.
Highly recommended!

Are any of them better than the others, or are all about the same quality?

They're all of a high quality. Some may be more appropriate than others for you.

Since many of the titles have been posted on, you shouldn't have trouble finding information. Just do a search.

Can anyone compare these Essentials DVDs with the Handpicked Astonishments downloads? Are they the same sort of thing, or a different animal? Which is 'better' and for whom?

I've got the ID DVD and it was my first exposure to Daryl; I think he's great. I learned a couple of handlings I didn't know and they came with a nice history lesson about the effect. I definitely plan to check out some of his other stuff. I hadn't heard about Handpicked Astonishments, looking forward to hearing more about that one.

Pog, asks a great question, looks like hand picked astonishments and EOS hit the the same core areas, has anyone tried both?

Tony

Between those two projects, only one currently overlaps, that being the invisible deck.

Of the two on the ID how do they differ?