This is an excellent DVD set for advanced manipulation of cards, billard balls, and cigarettes. I
have read the negative reviews, and strongly disagree. The color, camera angles, and method of
instruction all all excellent. This is a DVD set for the experienced manipulator, viewer must be
familiar with the basics of fanning, palming, and presentation.
One of the most remarkable
things about Romaine is the size of his hands, he has small hands with short stubby fingers. This
should be an inspiration to everyone who has ever used the excuse of small hands to not learn a
particular manipulation. Practice and presentation will overcome all physical limitations.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
I guess I'm just not ready for some of the manipulations, but he went through the tricks so fast.
Camera angles were poor and half the time I couldn't see what was going on. A good example is in the
'interlocked finger production', one I wanted to learn a lot, but half the time I couldn't see what
was going on! I would have gave it a lower rating if it weren't for the billiard ball DVD. I love
that section! If you want to get into card manipulation, don't get this. If you want to get into
billiard ball manipulation, this is excellent!
2 of 3 magicians found this helpful.
The information on this DVD is fabulous, but the produciton value leaves something to be desired.
Particularly early in the explanations, many of the moves are out of frame when demonstrated. Some
moves -- particularly card production from folded hands -- really could have used over-the-shoulder
shots and hand closeups.
Also, the entire explanation section really could use some color
correction. It looks like it was filmed in a light fog.
Given all that, the information is
invaluable. The moves can be learned (with copious use of pause and rewind), and the perfomance is
great to watch. Note, though, that the performance on the card disk is idential to the performance
on the balls disk.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
I have not purchased these dvds yet, but I have spent much time with Romaine himself.
I
used to be a member of the same IBM ring as he was. I spent much time with him and the best part
wasn't even his magic but just listening to his advice as well as his tales of other amazing
magicians of the past, like the one and only Slydini.
Romaine has been around for some
amazing things and he is a fountain of knowledge. Learn from him.
That's all I can say.
gdwgdw
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
These DVD's contain some excellent material for those interested in card and billiard ball
manipulations. You should probably think twice about using it as your first introduction to the
subject, as the nuances of the sleights being used are often left out. However, it is a great
complement to a good book on the topic of card and billiard ball manipulation.
The problem
with these dvd's is the production quality. It is almost as if the people involved in production
have no formal training whatsoever. The angles are terrible. The camera is completely static,
sometimes not properly framing the subject. The video quality is horrible. The sound quality varies
from OK to terrible (in one part sounding like someone is handling the microfone by hand). Its as if
no direction was given and no editing done.
1 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
I got these DVDs for one cent through the penny arcade and it sure is entertaining. I finally
decided to pop a disk in not knowing what to expect. The performance itself was mind blowing and I
will be watching it over and over again. Stage Manipulation isn't my style of magic but I would go
here if I wanted to learn it. Romaine is a true master and I am so glad I was able to discover him
because of penguins great deals with the penny arcade.
loved the dvd,, lot of good imfo
very good, detailed explanations, technical old school, no innovation .But The Incomparable ROMAINE
is no longer so young
This is a great DVD for anyone that would like to learn how to do a professional routine. The
instruction is clear and complete. I suspect that the people that had issues with the production of
this DVD are used to the new flashy televised street magic. No freaks here only high-caliber
presentation and manipulation.
This DVD does not lie when saying that Romaine is the monarch of manipulation. The performance is
still entertaining to watch even after you know the secrets. The instructional sections of the
dvd's are very well thought out and clear to understand. I would like to warn young magicians that
this material, like any other manipulations, will take practice practice practice. Don't get
frustrated and have fun with it.