Title: NameTag
Creator: Agus Tjiu
Publisher: Tjiu Magic
MSRP: $ 45
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 43 minutes

Type of effect: multiple card prediction utility

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Introducing, the latest in magician gear. A new must-have item for all performing magicians. Great and unlimited effects in a seemingly innocent item. A prop that can be handed out for examination before and after the routine. ESP prediction, Card Prediction, Card transformation, Card transposition Magician's imagination is the limit, Gimmick can be personalized with your own picture and your own name, Easy to modify, Step by step instruction on the DVD

How accurate is the ad copy? "Easy to modify" means "easy" to personalize with your name and photograph. You won't be able to make your own predictions. The add also seems to imply that there are endless and unlimited possibilities with this gimmick - I don't agree. You are "limited" to the predictions that Agus gives you.

What's in the box? DVD, gimmick and lanyard + four Bicycle printed prediction cards:

1. Hand written ESP prediction card (all symbols)
2. Printed ESP prediction card (all symbols)
3. Hand written card predictions 8C, KH, 6D, 3C, 5S
4. Card Face predictions 8C, KH, 10S, 7D, QS, 5H

Key points: The DVD is in Korean with broken English subtitles

How are the production values: Lacking, the flashy wipes and graphics are meant to distract you from the fact that this is just the performer standing against a blank wall with a tripod setup. The DVD has no live performances, or any performances with spectators.

Is it well made: It's incredibly well made and with care could last you forever. You purchase either a red or blue backed gimmick, but for the money it's the difference of 2 cards, it would have been nice to include both red/blue for each performer.

Is it well taught: Again, it's in Korean with English subtitles. There are no other special angles given.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

Storage? Does it "pack flat?" It's only the lanyard which hangs around your neck.

Does it "play big?" The idea that it can reveal "any" spectator's selection, even after they change their mind is a great effect.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Yes it can be done in the real world with some practice with the gimmick. The gimmick has a technical aspect that will require some familiarity.
 
How original is this idea? This "technology" has been used in a few tricks I've seen on the market lately.

Overall score: 8/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1_mcbswSaw

Title: Indigo
Creator: Omni Ved
Publisher: Beautiful Mind
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 1 hour 15 min - gaff tutorial 50 min

Type of effect: card prediction

Manufacturer's Write Up:

4 Predictions, 1 Revelation, Unlimited possibilities. Indigo is your Ultimate-Unlimited Prediction Effect!!

Imagine 4 different spectators each have a card freely selected. The cards are then switched as many times as the spectators want. Once the spectators are satisfied, you turn over the prediction that has been in FULL VIEW since the beginning. The prediction shows the EXACT selection chosen and who will end up with EACH CARD!

USE LITERALLY ANY PREDICTION (Card, Bill, Anything that fit in the gimmick).

No stooges! No switching! No writing! 100% Self Working! and it's EXAMINABLE

How accurate is the ad copy? The trick uses a gimmick that is NOT examinable. You will need to "ring in" a prediction card that is examinable

What's in the box? A plastic bag with the "contents" to build the gimmick and a code for the download.

Key points: The prediction is on the table since the beginning and remains untouched until the trick is finished.

How are the production values: Poor, to begin with the performance video cuts from a live performance and jumps to the middle of an explanation (???) Whereas I normally appreciate lots of content, this is a one file download that is over an hour long, so it's hard to navigate to the parts you want to watch - especially when the English is hard to listen to - it doesn't make for an enjoyable learning time.

Is it well made: You are supplied with good materials, but you get to build your own gimmick

Is it well taught: English is not Omni's first language and the English is very hard to decipher and follow.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): The tutorial to build the gaff is also almost an hour long. You only get one shot the entire time and Omni's English is poor. I would have rather paid $40 and received a gimmick I didn't have to build.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?" Yes, nothing else is needed besides the deck of cards and the gimmick prediction card.

Does it "play big?" A mental prediction always plays well where the prediction is made in advance. But most magicians can vigorously make that happen without the means of a complicated gimmick. Sure this allows the spectators to change their minds and swap cards, but remove that one element and any skilled magician could do this trick with a borrowed deck a sharpie marker and an index card.

How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) I don't like it. I think the gimmick has angle and noise issues that eliminate the possibility that this is a single thin card.

How original is this idea? The gimmick is using a very old technique to secretly skate from one written prediction to the other.

Overall score: 5/10
 
* this looses a ton of points for me as it's $30 and you literally get no DVD and no workable gimmick. You're paying $30 to build the gimmick yourself and then painfully navigate the long video to figure out what to do.
 
+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG8DZWCmXFM

Title: Awesome Self Working Card Tricks
Creator: Big Blind Media
Publisher: Big Blind Media
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: Beginner

Type of effect: Sleightless Card Magic Tricks

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Join your hosts Liam Montier, Cameron Francis, Dave Forrest and Steve Dela and prepare to learn some of the most powerful and useable card tricks EVER INVENTED!

These powerhouse routines have been specifically handpicked because they absolutely slay audiences, yet do not require a single sleight or move. Yep - these are 100% sleight free. You will positively cackle when the innovative and imaginative methods are revealed to you, and you can rest assured that audiences will be floored by each of the eleven routines on offer.

From the ridiculously clean double card location of 'Double Salto' to the totally impromptu memory feats of 'Wayneman' to Dave Forrest's mind exploding ACAAN 'Route 1', this is a collection of material that you WILL USE!

Awesome Self Working Card Tricks - amazing magic without the sleights!

Here is what I thought of each trick on a scale of 1-5

Your Thoughts Are Mine (John Carey) 4/5
Compatibility (Wayne Dobson) 3/5
Wayne Man (Wayne Dobson) 3/5
The Future Deck (Jack Vosburgh) 4/5
Automatic Ace Triumph (Kuniyasu Fujiwara) 5/5
Emotional Reaction (Dai Vernon) 5/5
Power Of Thought (Paul Curry) 5/5
What A Turn Up (Kaymar Magic) 5/5
Route 1 (Dave Forrest) 4/5
Double Salto (William B Gibson) 4/5
Further Than That (Stewart James) 4/5

That center block represents the strongest effects on the DVD, mostly because they are pretty much impromptu and strong magic visually. I will be adding those effects to my every day repertoire!

How accurate is the ad copy? Ha ha, apart from the purely subjective words like "slay" "powerhouse" and "floored" I think you will certainly find a good handful of tricks that you will enjoy performing.

What's in the box? DVD with 10 effects

Key points: Shot on the same location (at the same time) as Cameron Francis "Slightless" DVD using the same beautiful models.

How are the production values: Great studio and performance shots. You can't go wrong with Big Blind Media.

Is it well taught: Absolutely, these guys have stripped these tricks down to the bare essentials and built them back up with very strong convincers.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?" Some packet tricks, but all you need is a deck of cards.
 
Does it "play big?" As the add copy suggests, some of these tricks are "AWESOME"

How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) All of these tricks are practical, some require advanced prep and deck "adjustments."

Overall score: 10/10 

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6URhyQ8wUI

Title: The Trojan Horse
Creator: Steven Himmel
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 48 min

Type of effect: card "hiding" utility

Manufacturer's Write Up:
The Trojan Horse is a genius utility playing card gimmick that will allow you to: Transpose a selection, card, bill or billet. Change the face or back of a selected card.

Quick, easy and powerful mentalism routines. Produce currency or small objects! Place a selection, very fairly, in between the two jokers. And with no funny moves the card vanishes only to reappear anywhere you want. 

1) Horse of a Different Color (color changing back)
2) A Horse with No Name (Mystery Card)
3) Wells Fargo (Card to Coin Production)
4) Horse Whisperer (Thought of Card Sandwich)

How accurate is the ad copy? I wouldn't really call the fourth trick a "mentalism routine." And no other "routines" were included. Steven recommended that you could use the gaff to hide or swap billets and I suppose that's true, but those examples are left for you to create. Also don't assume that the utility "produces" small objects. All that means is you could use the cards to "cover" items you can already naturally palm (like a coin).

What's in the box? DVD and one gimmick

Key points: With something as simple as one gimmick you'll have an infinite number of tricks at the ready. Saddle up and prepare for the Trojan Horse.

How are the production values: all shot in HD, lots of environments and there is plenty to watch.

Is it well made: I guess. I mean it's made with items you have in your house right now. It's "well made" for what it is, but I wasn't impressed when I opened the box for the first time - and you might not be either. My first reaction was "that's it?" But you warm up to the ideas as you watch the DVD.

Is it well taught: Absolutely, it's evenly paced, and you get both studio and live performances with real spectators. Steven explains all the handlings and sleights involved. In fact, there are some great controls included on this DVD that a beginner could use for the rest of their life.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that Steven included all of the construction of the gimmick With a simple $10 purchase you could easily begin to make more gimmicks for all your favorite designer decks.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?" The gimmick is flat and will fit in your card box. You can see the gimmick in plain sight in the advertisement.

Does it "play big?" With this gimmick you are able to do some crazy tricks with practically zero effort - very minimal sleights involved.

How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) I think so, the gimmick has some "visual clues" as to its construction so those will need to be hidden in performance. It might be better to use this in "darker" light and as an opener where you could move on to more card tricks.

How original is this idea? This is a re-introduction to an old idea. In fact, I did a review back in April of 2015 (Hacked from Brian Kennedy) that uses a very similar gimmick.

Overall score: 8/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLopHHcpyZ0

Title: The Examiner  
Creator: John Graham
Publisher: Paul Harris Presents
MSRP: $ 90
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 86 min

Type of effect: Torn & Restored Newspaper

Manufacturer's Write Up:

The 100% Examinable Torn & Restored Newspaper!  EXPERTS BAFFLED BY NEWSPAPER TEAR THAT'S 100% EXAMINABLE! 

OPTION FOR NEWSPAPER TO BE EXAMINED BEFORE AND AFTER!

Works with a normal newspaper. No Glues, No Wires, No Magnets, No palming or pulls, Nothing to ditch into pockets or clothing, Performer can mark with spectator's initials before the tear, No special clothing requirements. FEATURING PRECISION ENGINEERED MARK ALLEN GIMMICK. 

How accurate is the ad copy? As with most write ups, the ad copy is very specific with their wording to tell you exactly what it "isn't" while cleverly disguising what it "is."

What's in the box? DVD and special gimmick with a few pieces to repair the gimmick if needed.

Key points: STAGE AND STAND-UP PERFORMERS REJOICE OVER SUPER EASY 30 SECOND SET-UP / RESET WITH A NORMAL NEWSPAPER! EXAMINE EVERYTHING WITH THE EXAMINER!

How are the production values: Shot in HD, with multiple angles - beautiful sets and elegant ambient music.

Is it well made: The gimmick is awesome! Even comes with replacement parts should you need them!

Is it well taught: John Graham is a very clear teacher - the DVD covers everything you need to know + tips, alternate handlings and even alternate patter. Care and repair of gimmick is included, Plus my favorite part the behind the magicians shoulder teaching, You get a full live performance and so much more!

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I love the routine even without the gimmick! This is a great newspaper tear!

Storage? Does it "pack flat?" This effect is best suited for parlor and stage magic

Does it "play big?" It's a classic of magic that always gets a huge reaction.

How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Again, this is a stage effect, best suited for an audience, but with some practice can easily be performed in the real world.

How original is this idea? Gene Anderson and Al Baker were the inspiration behind this effect.

Overall score: 10/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83niAmptf20

Title: Reloaded
Creator: Dani Daortiz
Publisher: Essential Magic Collection
MSRP: $150
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 10 hours

Type of effect: Full Course in Card Magic

Manufacturer's Write Up:

DANI DAORTIZ RETURNS WITH A NEW SELECTION OF ASTONISHING MAGIC!  Dani DaOrtiz reveals the real secrets of professional card magic. From self-working miracles to psychological mysteries. Dani's routines are renowned for their entertaining plots and ingenious methods. A true card star.  Dani DaOrtiz RELOADED is an Spanish language 4 DVDs Box Set, subtitled in English, Spanish, French and Japanese. Shot in HD at the Estúdio33 in Portugal by Luis de Matos Productions. 

DISC 1 | 100% DAORTIZ 
7 routines (performance in Spanish, explanations in English) 

DISC 2 | FASCINATIONS
Extensive chapters and multiple routines on: HANDLING THE DOUBLE, TRIUMPH
MY STACKED DECK, C10 SYSTEM (pdf inclued) and GENERAL CARD magic.

DISC 3 | PSYCHOLOGY
Divided in four major parts: EXPECTATIONS, FAN FORCE, FISHING & the MAGICIAN'S CHOICE 

DISC 4 | SEMI-AUTOMATIC
9 STUNNING SELF-WORKING CARD TRICKS & 7 NEW FAVOURITE ROUTINES. All self working tricks you never thought were possible.

How accurate is the ad copy?
Does not do it justice - you get all this and so much more.

What's in the box? 4 DVDs

Key points: 30 routines, new astonishing magic, real secrets, entertaining plots, ingenious methods,

How are the production values: Top notch. Multi camera angles in live performance and explanations. Dani even changes his shirt on each disc, so you always know which disc you're watching.  Explanation videos have spectators and even multi window shots. Well filmed, well microphoned.

Is it well taught: detailed multi camera explanations, four languages with interviews and fantastic extra content (including two massive PDF files for offline reading)

 My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

 I went into this thinking that I would not be able to do a lot of the magic on the discs and while it is true that Dani's skill is far superior to most living humans, there is a lot here for all skill levels. In fact the very first card trick Dani does - is he shows you how to force a card onto 5 different people - and yet the card is literally not in the deck and all you have to do is riffle the edges of the deck!

 My favorite two discs were the "Psychology & Semi-Automatic" DVDs. In Psychology Dani explains magic theory which is the "why" behind his performance style. On this disc Dani explains so much of his posture, deck handling and even his patter which is so extremely helpful and I will be adopting much of this to my own routines.

 The Semi-Automatic DVD is one of the best self-working card magic discs I have ever seen and is worth the price of the entire set.

Overall score: 11/10

 + If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2qvxcHJZjs

Title: Ultimatum Deck
Creator: Steve Brownley
Publisher: Alakazam
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 1 hour and 42 minutes

Type of effect: Trick deck / forcing deck

Manufacturer's Write Up:

The Ultimatum Deck is easy to use yet allows for some world class card effects including:
- Repeat Card At Any Number (The holy grail to many and now you can perform it with 2 spectators)
- 3 Choice Cuts (3 Cards are selected and lost back in to the deck. Now take a step back as a forth spectator cuts to all 3 selections!)
- Luck And Intuition (This one is a mind blower, 2 spectators cards are found. The first is at a freely chosen number and the second is found by a spectator tossing a card in to the deck and you dribble them on to the table)

How accurate is the ad copy? Accurate

What's in the box? The ultimatum deck along with the download code for the teaching video

Key points: The Ultimatum Deck comes complete with custom deck and online video instructions. Awesome card magic that's easy to do and totally mind blowing!

How are the production values: Moderate, this DVD isn't anything special, but it gets the job done.

Is it well made: The deck is a standard bike deck (with some built in features)

Is it well taught: It's chiefly Steve Brownley talking to Mark Elsdon through the first 3 effects at a table with a curtain in the background (that's the first 40 minutes) The next half of the download is the original video that was first released before this deck was sold by Alakazam. This half of the video was shot in a backroom at a magic shop with dim lighting. Both videos have multiple angles and teach through the "conversation method" where the teachers work it out by talking to each other. The later video is considerably longer has more tricks and more tips and handlings.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked how easy it was to pick up and begin to use. This is an "entry level" product than can do "expert level" magic.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?" It's the size of a deck of cards

Does it "play big?" You can do some seemingly advanced card work that teeters on the edge of "wow." Ironically this deck plays BIGGER as a Magician-fooler than lay people, because you can literally do things that don't make sense.

How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely, I think with a little practice, anyone could get comfortable using this deck.

How original is this idea? Granted there is not a lot of new ideas in card magic, so this deck is based on an older principle, but with a new twist.


Overall score: 9/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=287wZ_O7JXo

Title: Vernon Seminar
Creator: Roberto Giobbi
Publisher: Vanishing Inc
MSRP: $45
DVD Run time: 3 hours

Type of effect: three hour lecture on Dai Vernon

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Dai Vernon is, arguably, the most influential magician of the 20th century. Yet the man and his material remain largely misunderstood. In this unprecedented two-disc, three-hour seminar, Roberto Giobbi explores what makes Dai Vernon's magic so special.

Recorded live in the UK, Giobbi will discuss Dai Vernon's tricks, techniques, presentations, theories, and how they have changed the way magicians look at magic. Along the way you'll learn more about the personality of Vernon through amazing and amusing anecdotes. Studying Vernon is a fascinating and enlightening way of studying the essence of artistic magic. With The Dai Vernon Seminar, you will look through the eyes of the kind of figure who comes along once in a century and changes the way magic is understood and performed. This set also includes rare footage of Vernon himself, with commentary by Giobbi.

Who better to take us on a journey into the mind of Dai Vernon than Roberto Giobbi? Giobbi, greatly respected for his incomparable Card College series, is also a truly erudite lecturer, who has become one of the most sought-out voices on magic in the world today. This live Vernon Seminar is the culmination of a lifelong study, and has been delivered to magicians around the world for over 15 years. This is your chance to step into the front row. 

What's in the box? 2 disc DVD box set

Key points:
Also included: are  an 80-page PDF of Dai Vernon: Life and Work, a full-length book on the magic and life of Dai Vernon.

How are the production values: It's like you're actually there, watching the lecture live

Is it well made: Strong production values, beautiful packaging

Is it well taught: The lecture is well taught, Roberto Giobbi has studied Dai Vernon's material and in this highly acclaimed lecture (which has only been delivered a few times worldwide), Mr. Giobbi will speak about Vernon's life, the Vernon "touch," and how Vernon thought through his best ideas.

 Giobbi will then perform and teach rarely-seen gems from Vernon's vast repertoire, and break down the construction of his classic Cups and Balls routine.

 This gripping, life-changing seminar is your chance to spend time with one of the most celebrated living magicians, and at the same time gain an appreciation for THE most celebrated close-up magician of all time.

 The DVD contains full live performances from Dai and other greats that he influenced, but for the most part Roberto performs most of the effects, some are explained rather quickly but he always tells you which book to find them in if you are interested.

 Some of the tricks that are covered are:

• cups and ball routine
• the mental card miracle
• variations on a coin and a glass
• the banana trick
• triumph effect
• a dice routine
• plenty of card handling tips and tips on the second deal
• a poker demonstration and the linking rings

 
...but it's more than just "how to" most of it is "why" in other words the lecture is heavy on magic theory (in other words the principles on which the practice of magic is based) The watcher gets an inside scoop on how Dai crafted his routines to get the most punch.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and would recommend it to any Dai Vernon fan.

Overall score: 10/10
 
+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0rtb2T8yG4

 

Title: Sophisticated Sorcerer
Authors: Scott Penrose and Stephen Short
(based on the original writings of Alan Shaxon before he died)   
Publisher: self-published
MSRP: $60
Skill Level: intermediate / advanced
Page count: 197

Type of effect: Magic Book and Biography of Alan Shaxon

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Alan Shaxon and Anne entertained and mystified audiences all over the world with their magic act billed as "Sophisticated Sorcery". They met when they were young children and in 2006 celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. During their career together Alan and Anne made many friends in magic and won many awards in the USA as well as the UK.

Scott Penrose and Stephen Short have completed this book, which Alan had started before he sadly passed away in 2012.

Alan's life and career has been augmented by Stephen with many photographs and anecdotes from family and friends. Alan's friendship with Robert Harbin has been detailed.

Scott has updated and added clear and detailed illustrations to Alan's effect's including trademark effects such as The Hydrostatic Glass, Ultimate Nudist Deck and Aerial Fishing, which Alan kept secret from magicians during his career. Confabulation, which Alan created, is also explained in print for the very first time. In total there are more than 25 effects and routines from Alan's repertoire.

Key points:

This book is a wonderful addition to a magician's library who wishes to entertain with close-up, stage, cabaret or children's entertainment.

Is it well made: Beautiful hardbound book with photographs and easily readable illustrations

Is it well taught: Not everything was as clear as I would like it, but I have to consider that the author was from an older generation than myself - and that the editors were coming into the project late and with no instruction from the author.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):
Alan's most popular effects were: most popular tricks: aerial fishing, thumb tie and confabulation.

The first 100 pages are auto biographical about his life, great photographs and stories about the glory days of magic. The remainder of the book are tricks from his personal repertoire. Yes, a lot of them are tricks for stage, or tricks that are more suited to an age and era that is long since gone - but that's not the reason you would get this book.

You would get this book because Alan's name belongs next to the other greats of magic whose shoulders we all stand on. Plus it is an enjoyable insight into Alan's  life and magic.

If you'd like to learn more you can visit alanshaxonbook.com

Overall score: 8/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C-osF1hjsg

Title: Screen Test
Creator: Steve Dimmer
Publisher: Alakazam
MSRP: $ 46
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 50 minutes

Type of effect: Movie Poster memory trick

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Screen Test by Steve Dimmer is incredibly deceptive with a cheekily simple method. 
Your spectator is handed a bunch of classic movie poster postcards (Each movie is different). 

While your head is turned your spectator mixes and selects any one of the movies (totally free choice) and puts the other postcards away (out of sight). 

You now state that written on the back of the chosen movie is a list of all the movies included in the set. You ask them to read the list out in any order they like, while you try to pick up on vocal cues to determine which movie they are thinking of. 

As they read the list you apologize, stating that you are not picking up any changes in their voice so you are going to try it another way. 

You ask them to start imagining the movie, now while your back is still turned you start to reveal exactly what movie they are thinking of. 

Also included on the streaming video is a bonus section packed with additional presentation ideas including Peter Nardi's 2 spectator presentation, Where the theme tune to a thought of movie plays as your phones ring tone! 

How accurate is the ad copy? It says "No Memory Work Required" and this is technically true, you could use a visual "crib" but it's probably best if you do the extra leg work and memorize the cards.

What's in the box? High Quality movie post cards and download code for video

Key points: No Fishing, No Peeks, May Be Repeated, Plays For, Close Up, Walk A Round or Stage
Resets Instantly, Comes Complete With Beautiful Full Color Movie Poster Postcards & Full Online Video Tutorial

How are the production values: Shot well, microphones well, nice location. Pretty much a single steady shot as there is no need for sleight of hand or magician's perspective angles.

Is it well made: These are well made cards

Is it well taught: Steve Dimmer & Peter Nardi cover all the bases and give you plenty to consider

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

Storage? Does it "pack flat?" Not exactly and even though the add copy says it plays for walk around and close up, I would argue that this is more of a stage or parlor effect

Does it "play big?" I think it has potential. I am not in love with the method, but there is a way around it.

How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely.

How original is this idea? This appears at least in presentation to be similar to another effect called  "Cinema Verite" by Jim Kleefeld

Overall score: 7/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeW3OOkKOz0