If you are a beginner to magic, and you are too lazy to read the Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic, then this DVD is for you.

Everything on this DVD can be found in just about any beginner's book such as the one mentioned above, and I would certainly recommend Wilson's course over this.

However, this DVD is a good introduction to various aspects of magic, and it might help the beginner better decide what type of magic s/he would prefer to learn.

There are 13 effects taught by real live working pros (Jeff Hobson, Joseph Gabriel, Katalin, Losander, Max Clever, Jason Baney, Dan Sperry, and Roy Shank).

All of the performers did a great job performing and teaching, and they appeared very relaxed in front of the camera... that's what happens when you actually perform for a living.

Much of the basics that most magicians are familiar with are found here, but I even found myself picking up a couple of cool ideas from the DVD. Here's a sample of some of the stuff found here:

* Torn and Restored Paper
* Cigarette Vanish applied to vanishing a pen
* Coin through silk
* Shalt Shaker through the Table
* The old cut and restored newspaper trick (think baby powder)
* The paddle move

As you perform a few of these effects, you'll learn lessons that are critical to a magician... misdirection, timing, etc.

You'll also see a couple of classic plots at work:
Magician In Trouble, Sucker Bits, etc.

All in all, this is a pretty solid product if you're a beginner. For a veteran, it may be of value for you to watch it just to see other pros perform, but likely you can skip this one and not feel too bad.

Summary:

* Beginners - Get it. Gem.
* Veterans - Skip it - Rubble.