Ok, I have not performed this effect, this is a review based on watching the dvd, constructing the gimmick, and practicing the effect.
DVD and Teaching: In a way, I was very dissappointed with the DVD for this effect. It is short. Very short. There are no street performances on the DVD and there is only one in studio performance. To me, it feels like the DVD was thrown together very quickly and it also feels like Theory 11 assumed everyone who was buying the DVD had watched the David Blaine special. This DVD covers the very basics of how to construct the gimmick and perform the effect. If you are an experienced magician you will not have a problem with this. However, if you are a beginner this DVD will not explain enough for you to do this trick properly.
The Gimmick: The gimmick was very easy to construct. Some of the supplies are different than the ones shown on the DVD but you get a nice little card explaining in text what you need to do. I had no problem with it and I am by no means a master at Arts and Crafts. Once you get it constructed, it works great.
Performance Thoughts: This effect can be as easy or as difficult as you want to make it. If you stick with what is on the DVD it is fairly easy to perform but in my personal opinion, not very deceptive at all. If you have some magic experience it will be easy to turn this into a real stunner with a couple of basic sleights. The effect does require some pocket space and some pocket work but if you know a little bit about magic it will not be hard. One thing that I did not like is that you absolutely have to use the supplied materials. Do not expect to be able to borrow anything and perform this effect. What they send you is what you need.
Afterthoughts: I view this as more of a utility than a single effect. The concept used for Exile can be applied to many different things if you use your imagination. No doubt, you could find a ton of things to apply this concept too. It is a great effect, unfortunately I do not feel that the DVD gives beginners enough advice or instruction to make it as great as it could be. I will not carry this around with me on a daily basis but I will perform it regularly. Overall I would give it a 8/10.
DVD and Teaching: In a way, I was very dissappointed with the DVD for this effect. It is short. Very short. There are no street performances on the DVD and there is only one in studio performance. To me, it feels like the DVD was thrown together very quickly and it also feels like Theory 11 assumed everyone who was buying the DVD had watched the David Blaine special. This DVD covers the very basics of how to construct the gimmick and perform the effect. If you are an experienced magician you will not have a problem with this. However, if you are a beginner this DVD will not explain enough for you to do this trick properly.
The Gimmick: The gimmick was very easy to construct. Some of the supplies are different than the ones shown on the DVD but you get a nice little card explaining in text what you need to do. I had no problem with it and I am by no means a master at Arts and Crafts. Once you get it constructed, it works great.
Performance Thoughts: This effect can be as easy or as difficult as you want to make it. If you stick with what is on the DVD it is fairly easy to perform but in my personal opinion, not very deceptive at all. If you have some magic experience it will be easy to turn this into a real stunner with a couple of basic sleights. The effect does require some pocket space and some pocket work but if you know a little bit about magic it will not be hard. One thing that I did not like is that you absolutely have to use the supplied materials. Do not expect to be able to borrow anything and perform this effect. What they send you is what you need.
Afterthoughts: I view this as more of a utility than a single effect. The concept used for Exile can be applied to many different things if you use your imagination. No doubt, you could find a ton of things to apply this concept too. It is a great effect, unfortunately I do not feel that the DVD gives beginners enough advice or instruction to make it as great as it could be. I will not carry this around with me on a daily basis but I will perform it regularly. Overall I would give it a 8/10.
