OK, I have these tapes and have had them since they came out, I was just wondering how many of you have this set and what you think about it!
I find it a bit cheezy but there is some good stuff

I recieved a set for Fathers Day a few years back. There are about three effects on each tape that I really enjoy. For an impromtu effect Electrostatic Toothpicks has been quite effective. My all time favorite (I forgot the name) is the one where you take two bills cut them in half and then immediately show them restored. That has always been a killer for reactions.

Jake

It's good, clear explanation, suitable for beginners yet there are still some useful stuff for the intermediate learners.

I've found that most of the tricks are just filler.

For someone just starting, I think they were pretty good. Heck, the Hanunted Bill was worth that tape alone.
:dancing:

Their is a few good things in them but only one thing I use for my shows and it is not a trick.

I don't want to give it away but it get great reactions and double takes. They just don't believe you when you pull the (Something)out. Its great!!


Best,
Brad

While it's true this video set doesn't represent what's considered "main stream" magic, there are certain elements that can be gained from this set.

One specific effect from the set I use when I'm in a setting with a high noise level is Never the Twine Shall Meet. (it can be done with hand motions only) It's a C&R string handling. While the set up/creation of the string has been included in earlier books, this video reminded me of how convincing this effect can be, even when the spectators are burning your hands.

Keeping the fact in mind: "Presentation makes the effect", this set has selective elements which have potential value, in the right hands. (sometimes we need to get away from the magician's mind set and consider the spectator's)

Corny, cheezy, and more than obviously staged? Sure, but again, watch it for potential and odds are you'll see material you can use.

I bought the set a long time ago and paid something like $39.95 for them. "Buy now, and you'll get the bonus miracle deck!!" Great, a non-Bicycle Svengali deck...back then I didn't know how useless that would be. I had a friend of mine who's into magic borrow them about a month ago, and he was pleasantly surprised. Yeah, there are some (as Ron Crumley noted) cheezy and corny effects, but I recently watched them again and have used a couple at the dinner table. They're good for a few laughs, and the one I still use is the self printing business card. You can buy the whole set on ebay for six bucks now, which is a great buy even if you only use one trick out of the bunch.

Greg

I got those some time ago and my son still asks me to bend spoons...

Personally, I like a few tricks off of each tape as well, but what I really liked was his care of the 'special' coin off the volume of the same name.

I hadn't seen anything that covered the use of the gimmick that well until then (even if the routines could have been better).

Deerbourne

I have had the set for quite some time now and I consider them to be a excellent quality set. Sure the tricks are so called "beginner" level but many working professionals use beginner level tricks interspersed with more difficult ones to great effect and advantage.

I'd say if you can't find one or two "keepers" from each of the four tapes, then you're just not using your noggin.

I wonder if Crazy Man's Handcuffs had been presented as a Jaw Droipper trick rather than having been shown on national television by DC if it would have carried the same respect it does among close-up and walk-around performers.

I have seen top names do things I've later found in "magic for Dummies". Now there is something to ponder.

Sometimes it is in "beginner,s" and "cheesy" videos and books that we actually find forgoten gems.

Rannie you are correct. I went down to the library to check out the tape and can see some possible things I may use.

Sincerely, secret

Man, isn't that the truth!!!