Anyone who says this DVD/effect isn't worth it or it has angle problems should watch the DVD again. The only way this effect won't work or fail to impress is if one isn't willing to put in the required practice time. If you make the necessary effort and develop a good presentation, then you'll have one of the best impromptu effects ever in my experience!

I posted a short video in the Discussion forum of the first phase using practice straws. It was shot from a nearly straight-on angle to show how convincing it is.

I like it so much, I'm having a set of cigarette size polished titanium rods machined for my regular presentation.

Buy > practice > amaze :)

ok i bought my copy from another site and i have to say when i first watched the dvd i didnt like it , then i watched it 4 more times and decided to give it some practice and i grabbed 2 straws , played with it for 3 to 4 hours , and i have to say its something that takes practice but after 3 days of straight practice i can almost do it as perfect as the demo video , and i tried it for a few people and they couldnt figure it out , one of those perfect little miricles to add to your impromptu magic , plus its great when your on the spot just find 2 cigarettes or 2 straws which are easier to use or anything and your good to go

This is a difficult illusion. It has taken me a couple of weeks just to learn to handle the cigarettes. Take it slow, don't be in a hurry and keep the end goal in mind. I cut down a couple of pens down to size to practice with. I also found nice wooden rods that work for this but at with shipping they are not for everyone.

Even though I am clumsy the illusion is there.

Keep at it. This is well worth it!

Best to start with cigarette length straws, it's easier and if you try with smokes, you'll go through a packet in no time without taking a puff. I found I got the basic moves in the first night, but the art with this trick is natural movements and subtleties. These can only be mastered with sustained practice.

The great thing is you'll find these movements therapeutic and it won't take long before you'll be fooling yourself. Anyone can learn these moves in very little time, but very few will get this little miracle to the point it's done well. It's a lesson in mastery, patience and subtle co-ordination.

Somehow this entire DVD presentation ended up on the Internet free. I believe in supporting the artist, so I'm fine to have paid my dues. It's Information only, but money still well spent.

I call it the illusive obvious. The concept is so incredibly simple once you learn how this is done, but no one will ever figure it out if you do it properly. It will take some practice to get it down however. I’m all for practicing because that’s what separates those who will blow people away from the mediocre.

The next morning after I received my DVD, I tried it and baffled my father. My handling was somewhat crude, but even with a little practice, you can look half way decent. I wouldn’t recommend showing it to anyone until you have it pretty well mastered because with some tricks—and this is one of them—a half baked trick can do more harm than good.

Yes, this really does work with other objects. I don’t smoke or carry cigarettes so I used two pencils cut to size. You start clean, you end clean with no gimmicks to ditch.

The DVD is a bit different. There’s no speaking but rather captions. Akira shows multiple angles in the DVD which covers more than enough information.

I would say get the DVD and practice, practice, practice. If you can master this, you will definitely stand apart from the crowd and be remembered for a long time. I can see spectators down the road requesting that you “do that thing with the cigarettes again”.

The technique for this is simple, but requires some practice to perfect. Took me about 4 days to get it up to performance speed, but it look as good as the demo video. It can be seen from the front or from behind, and you can even use borrowed cigarettes. This effect is amazing. Go out and buy a cheap pack of cigarettes (if such a thing exists anymore) and dedicate at least a couple days to perfecting this trick, and it will treat you well indeed! Highly Recommended.

I've been buying from Penguin for years now and this is the first time I've done a pre-order for a trick that had no reviews. I was completely sold on the video Penguin had posted and had probably watched it 30 times trying to figure it out. My suspicions were correct but I'm still glad I purchased the trick. Unlike a lot of people who try and scour youtube to find a revealed video, I believe in supporting the magician and creators. This dvd is a bit over priced for the quality of production, but as another poster remarked.... you're buying the information... and it is clearly explained (visually and with on-screen text, there is no verbal explanation). It's short, quick and to the point. I believe anyone can do this, all be it, some may need a little more practice. For those who don't wish to perform this with cigarettes, you could perform it with other similar size/shape objects. All in all I was very happy with this purchase and was happy to see that the illusion is EXACTLY as you see it in the demo video. Great job Akira. I look forward to seeing more from you.

This is seriously one of the best you can get on penguin.
I just love it, and you dont have to do it with cig, you can do with straws, pens, anything in that general shape.

The dvd may not been well taught, but it is good enough for you to learn it.

really a trick that is worth while and definitely worth over 30$

Get it! you wont regret it, once you get it down, there is no angle problems (and it is almost impossible to be caught by any spectator too.)

Wow, this is one of a class. Simple and to the point but with smoothness and caress. When I received this DVD I was excited and when I played it I could not believe on how simple and amazing the performance was but don't be fooled, it will require lots of practice to get it down smoooooooth.

I love the fact that the slower your motion the smoother and magical it looks. Even on the explanation I was fooled at times. AMAZING. Buy Buy Buy, you will not regret it, I promise.

I am not a smoker and I do not support this habit but I found out that this can be done with straws too.

I will definitely add this to my routine, Thanks Akira!

This is a really great trick to use anywhere at anytime! Yes it takes a while to make it look legit but its worth the time and practice. Buy this dvd and you will not regret it.