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I have to say that the editing and sound effects are superb, as expected of De'vo's products However, I believe that not many are that interested in my reviews on the soundtrick :!!: so i shall proceed onto the contents
Well, Like the name say, its really really mainly for the beginners.
There are 5 chapters to this DVD.
Chapter 1: Things to Know
Well, this chapter tells u what is XCM. It seems to have placed a lot on emphasis on the fact that XCM is NOT to be associated with magic and Gambling stuff. It is a pure art by itself......etc. In my opinion, its debatable, but i shall not go in further on this issue
Under this chapter, there are some finger exercises by Greg Irwin. Nothing really spectacular, some exercises are quite tough while some u would be able to master the first time u see it. Sorry, just received this DVD not long so i cant comment on how useful it makes my hands when doing the moves.
In addition, this chapter also goes on to tell you how to tear away the cellophane from the box - Yes nothing special here. Use the red string and tear off the top!! Slight attempt at humor here in their variaition of tearing the Cellophane (get the DVD to know what i mean). In addition, they teach u how to use your nail to cut the sticker!!! oh well, as i said, it is called "XTREME BEGINNERS". After which, they give u some ideas as to how to react when u drop cards (surprisingly, references to magic is made here) and how to pick up cards from different surfaces. I have to admit, some really cool ways other then just using your hands to pick them up. Great ideas can be found here in this chapter once u skim through the starting few bits which i feel anyone can achieve without watching a DVD (opening a box??)
Chapter 2: Basic Moves
Here is where the fun starts. Many of the moves are already found in the Encyclopedia of Playing cards flourishes and also performed in the companion DVD Vol 1. For those who did not buy the book, this is a good reference to a tiny bit of what you can get inside. However, the explanations in the DVD is indeed clearer, with behind the hands view and commentry on tips given by Jerry, which are not found in the book. Most people would not even bother to watch some of the moves, like charlier cut, pivot swing cuts, etc as it is really taught the way in which we are already doing it. (Yes, frustrating but refer to the title when u wonder why these are placed inside :rolleyes: )
The most important sections which i find in this chapter are the Utilities, Perching concepts and special moves by De'vo, Daryl's Hot shot and Jeff McBribe. Oh by the way, the card shooting which i used is called "vertical spin" which can be found in the special moves section. Some of the moves here are really difficut, like Jeff's Card Roll (Yes! Coin roll done with a Card!!).
However, please note that other than a few cuts, most are really taught for the sake of the beginners so its really not that difficult to learn. Some done on its own do not look impressive but tips are given to include them in "combos" so as to enhance them. This is whats important.
Chapter 3: Fanning Workshop
This was actually the main reason as to why i purchased this DVD. However, although detailed, it does not turn a person who can fan, into one that can fan as well as Jerry. I started not being able to do a pressure fan, i watched and ended still not being able to do one. So do NOT expect a miracle after watching this. PRACTISE PRACTISE PRACTISE :lol: Oh, just a side note, not much was spent in teaching the pressure fan. A lot was done on the thumb fan tho.
Chapter 4: Performing XCM Pro Tips
Mainly ideas, only for those who are seriously wanting to use XCM to earn money or perform on stage. Teaches things on what to do when u are idling on stage, where to place the deck, why do that, etc.
Chapter 5: Q
This is interesting. The scenes are done like an interview. You watch Q speak to you about the difficulties he faced, how Jerry, De'vo gave him tips to improve, etc. Quite an interesting movie to watch as they are spilt into 5 sections, week 1, week 2, etc. Interestingly to note, the tips which he mentioned, are usable to most people as we do commit the same mistakes. So this section does help as a sort of "Pro Tips" section too.
To conclude, I felt that most of the moves taught here are really very common stuff that most people are already doing (Save for a few special moves which, is really not worth the price of the DVD if u only want to learn these). Even the tips given althou useful, are not really in my opinion worth USD$40+. The moves taught althou sounds impressive at the website, arent really that spectacular when u actually watch it or do it (buy it and understand) Even the G-force flipback looks kinda weird to me and not at all cool. :!!:
However, if u are just beginning to get into XCM (flourishes or whatever u would like to call it), this is definitely something worth considering.
Anyway, hope i dint bored anyone with this kinda long review. Its just my thoughts on this DVD. Please feel free to differ or comment.
Thanks!! ^_^