Ninja 1 and 2 Ellusionist DVD by Brad Christian
False. Ninja 1 spends an enormous amount of time on Pass variations which is not beginner stuff. Ninja 2 is more advanced and therefore also not at a beginner level.
If you want to go with E, Crash Course 1 isn't too bad. You'll learn about jogs and shuffles, the erdnase color change, and some nice basic tricks. Still, let's do a comparison.
Crash Course 1: $25, and 13 effects/sleights according to E. About 2 bucks/effect or sleight. A poor deal considering much of what's learned (mentioned above) can be found *free* in Expert at the Card Table.
Royal Road to Card Magic - $60 on penguin, 5 discs with well over 5 net hours of instruction covering enough stuff that will keep you occupied for years. I can't even approximate a $/effect ratio because there is so much.
If we go by $/hr, pegging CC 1 at one hour (overestimate) and RRtCM at 5(underestimate)...
CC1 = $25/hr
RRtCM = $12/hr
I've done the math, you just need to make the correct decision.