Magic Tricks

Past Midnight is one of those DVD sets that seems to get the mix of entertainment and instruction really right. It is impressively produced and the packaging and finish is all top-notch. The amount of content is a good reason for the price. I've had it for a while now and I can be honest to say that I am still working through it (I'm halfway through the second DVD). It's the kind of set that you pick up, watch a routine, spend ages working on that one routine, put the DVD away and move on. Then a few days, weeks or months later, you come back and look for more.

A few notes: These tricks are not for beginners. The handling is not easy and the sleights are intermediate. His teaching style is thorough but he has a matter-of-fact style that makes you feel kinda stupid when you don't get things down instantly - "it's done like this..see.." and you're like "no..I..hang on..wait..crap..dammit..rewind".

The only reason I will give this 4 stars out of 5 is because of the repetitive music through-out the entire thing. Oh my goodness. I have not watched this DVD for a few months now and I can hear the tune in my head as I write this. If only there was a way to watch it without the "spooky beats". A small side point.

Overall - Buy this. Yes, it's pricey but you aren't investing in one trick - you are buying a collection. Think of it this way: If my calculations are correct you are getting 44 routines for $75. That's roughly $1.70 per routine. Come on!