My Review
Okay folks, I wanted to toss my two cents into this mix. I purhcased Exiled three days ago and have had the weekend to work with it.
First off let me say that the potential for creating an incredable moment with magic in this effect is worth the price of the DVD. However, there have been some things about it I found lacking. I'll go over everything from start to finish.
First off the overall effect:
Without spoiling how it is done I want to say it is creative and original. Props. If done right, this will leave your spectator speachless. Also the effect is more of a multi-tool really. The X moving around is just one application. If you sit down and really think about it, this effect can do so much more.
The DVD:
I'm not a huge fan of the DVD. I'd give it a 7 out of 10; 10 of course being the best possible score. The DVD opens with a live presentation for a spectator and then goes into discussing the gaffs and the how-tos. The DVD follows a pretty strait forward plot. It goes into their handeling and an alternative version. As far as explenations are concerned this DVD is great. You really are clear on how to do it. But I think the DVD really could have used a Trouble Shooting section. Maybe a discussion on the types of rubber erassers that could be used, or other possibilities for inking. Other than that I'm quite pleased.
Patter:
The DVD doesn't really give you much in the way of patter. This is probably a good thing, since I would prefer to create my own anyways. Then again, this is the kind of trick that really doesn't NEED patter. It's all visual.
Props:
I never like having to pay X amount of money for a new trick only to get it home and realize that I need to go out and spend X more on the necessary supplies and then have to build the trick myself at home. I'm not handy with building stuff, and I suck at trying to interpret a blue print. This effect does have some assembly required. The good news is if I can build it.... anyone can!
Real World Execution:
This effect would be killer if I could get the X's to come out consistant on the mark's hand. I've tried a few times with myself and friends, even subjecting my co-workers to "another magic trick" over the course of the weekend and my results haven't been reliable. The X's on my marks hands come off weak, if at all and it doesn't look as crisp and clean as on the DVD or the Blaine special.
I know I'm not the first person to question the real world reliability of the working of this effect. I'm open to suggestions.
Over All:
Over all I think this effect is going to make the owners a lot of money. Every little Blaine Wanna Be is going to rush to the magic store to own this effect just because they saw David Blaine do it on TV. The good news is that the effect is easy enough to learn and perform so they will have some fun amazing their school yard buddies. Better yet, the potential for truely spellbinding moments in magic in this effect yeild greater possibilites to the real students of the art. In the hands of a skilled performer this effect could be next to godly.
Over all I give it a solid A.