Price$24.95
Media TypeTrick, One-Trick DVD
CategoryClose Up
Date AddedDec 18, 2011
Vertigo
Lax, Rick
Theory 11
(Based on 3 reviews)
Vertigo is a mind-bending, logic-warping demonstration of skill. You remove the cards from the box. You show the box empty. Delicately, you set the box on the edge of the deck.
Slowly, you release your fingers. The box remains suspended.
That's not the end. It's only the beginning. You set the cards - all 52 of 'em - on the edge of the empty box. Once again, you remove your hand. This time, the ENTIRE deck remains suspended.
It looks impossible, but it's easy-to-do once you've mastered the secret.
Perform Vertigo standing up or sitting down. Use your favorite pack of cards. No threads, no wires, no magnets. Self-contained. Instantly reset. And the best part is, when you're done, you can hand the cards out or go right into your favorite card trick or cardistry demonstration.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Overview
This comes as an envelope with the gimmick and the DVD. While I haven't yet done so, I intend to work this up and show some people soon. The instructional video is the right balance of simple but polished. The instructor covers some critical handling nuances that are worthy of attention. It isn't perfect...the box is VERY "dirty", but there are some tricks to swap out the box for a ungimmicked box discussed on the DVD. You need this trick!Effect
Balance an empty card box on a deck of cards held vertically then balance the deck of cards on the empty card box. That is exactly what you are taught to do!Method
While there is a tiny bit of "arts and crafts" work required, the whole business is pretty simple, from building standpoint.Product Quality
The production quality of the DVD is absolutely fantastic! Great camera work, lighting and audio... very well done! The included gimmicks are also 97% of everything you will need.Ad Copy Integrity
Pretty much spot on. Doesn't really "over promise". The trick you learn is pretty much exactly what the ad copy promises.Final Thoughts
An outstanding effect. The gimmick can come across as a bit bulky, but if one pays attention to the handling tips, this is totally workable.(Top ▲)
I have to begin with two disclaimers. First, I was asked by the creator if I wanted to review this. Second, I watched the demo and decided it was "my kinda thing." I wouldn't have said "yes" if it didn't appeal to me on some level. I have some affinity for balancing effects. However, I will do my best to be completely fair and impartial.
The basic routine has two phases, each with a different method. You can see it in the video. The first phase has the box balancing on the deck of cards. Then the cards balance on the case.
As the demo and description say, there are no wires, threads or magnets. It's all self-contained. The package comes with the "special bits" that you'll use to make the gimmick. And making it isn't hard, so don't worry. Plus you can replace it when it eventually wears out without having to buy any more stuff from Theory11. Those "special bits" will last forever.
As is usual with Theory11, the DVD is basically perfect. The teaching segments are clear and complete.
The deck of cards is real and ungimmicked, so they can be used in any other effects in your set. The structure of the routine allows for ample space to ditch or swap the gimmick, just in case your audiences tend to be "grabby." Of course, you could probably fix that problem by fixing your performance style (I'm just sayin').
The basic routine has two phases, each with a different method. You can see it in the video. The first phase has the box balancing on the deck of cards. Then the cards balance on the case.
As the demo and description say, there are no wires, threads or magnets. It's all self-contained. The package comes with the "special bits" that you'll use to make the gimmick. And making it isn't hard, so don't worry. Plus you can replace it when it eventually wears out without having to buy any more stuff from Theory11. Those "special bits" will last forever.
As is usual with Theory11, the DVD is basically perfect. The teaching segments are clear and complete.
The deck of cards is real and ungimmicked, so they can be used in any other effects in your set. The structure of the routine allows for ample space to ditch or swap the gimmick, just in case your audiences tend to be "grabby." Of course, you could probably fix that problem by fixing your performance style (I'm just sayin').
(Top ▲)
Full Disclosure:
Rick Lax is a subscriber and fan of my reviews. He personally asked me to write this review. He sent me this DVD and asked me to give it an honest review . . . and so I have.
Well . . . (sigh) . . . here's the ad copy:
Mind-bending? No.
Logic-warping? Maybe.
Demonstration of skill? Probably.
Let me start by saying that, regardless of the method, I think that the effect itself is not that earth shattering. It seems more like a puzzle to me, something to be figured out. Additionally the ad copy seems to imply that balancing the cards on the box is even more impossible than balancing the box on the cards . . . not really. However, I understand that not everyone has the same taste in effects. Remember, I'm the guy that doesn't like Card Warp.
So let's put aside the fact that I don't really like the trick. Let's, rather, look at the product quality. After all, if you watched the preview and you liked the effect, you're asking yourself (or you're asking me) if you should spend your hard earned dollars on Vertigo.
WYSIWYG:
The effect you see in the video preview is exactly what your audience will see. The trailer is honest and accurate with one exception. The text on the screen during the preview says "Additional Handling and Multiple Routines." When a phrase like "Additional Handling and Multiple Routines" is used, I think the expectation most people have will be greater than what you get here. "Multiple" sounds like a whole lot more than what you get.
Method:
The method is simple, deceptive and very practical.
Production Quality:
Solid and simple menu. Easy to navigate. Top notch editing and lighting. No issues here.
Presentations:
Two presentations are shown, one for stand up and one for sitting at a table. Although I don't like the effect all that much, I have to admit that the presentation used by Rick for the table version was actually quite clever and has a lot of potential. If I did this effect, I would definitely use the table version . . . very smart idea.
Teaching:
Not so much . . . I mean the camera work was good, and it was easy to see everything. The explanations were clear enough for sure, and you'll definitely be able to learn the effect without a problem. However, there were too many places (particularly during the "bonus" section) where Rick just glossed over how to do it. For example, he offers two optional handling ideas that make the box examinable at the end. However, he only talks about one of the methods never showing it. And the other method, he shows it, but doesn't explain how to get in or out of it.
Bonus:
In the bonus section, you learn two fun little balancing stunts with ordinary objects (coin, glass, forks, dollar bill, etc). These are fun and can add a little life to the routine. On the downside, however, you are shown a way to modify the card box so that it looks a bit better when first opening the deck. To me, it only adds suspicion because it makes the box look funny and bulgy. Rick claims that you can show this modified case very briefly because if not, the audience might see something suspicious. So basically, he then says that you can only show the modified-to-look-normal box for a brief moment. If that's the case, why bother modifying it in the first place. I think you're better off NOT messing with the case. It safe the way it is.
Final Thoughts:
This is a tough call to make. In a nutshell, if you like the effect in the demo, this very short DVD will teach you exactly how to do exactly what you saw in the demo, and for $25.00, you get a well produced DVD and the needed gimmick, so it's probably worth it . . . if you like the effect.
In the preview, Rick mentions that he always gets good reactions to this effect. I believe him. I just personally would not perform the effect. However, I can't dock points because I don't like the plot. I can (and will) however, dock points for the skim-teaching and the overly hyped ad copy and overly dramatic video preview. But that's not enough for me to put this in the pile of rubble. If you like the effect and you think you would do it, then I'd say it's worth taking the plunge.
If you're just curious about the method, don't bother. If you don't like the effect, don't bother. Assuming you're interested in the effect, $25 isn't a horrible price to pay for what you get, especially when you consider that it does come with (albeit an inexpensive one) a gimmick.
Final verdict 2.5 stars with a Stone Status of gem (with a small g) . . . if you like the effect.
Rick Lax is a subscriber and fan of my reviews. He personally asked me to write this review. He sent me this DVD and asked me to give it an honest review . . . and so I have.
Well . . . (sigh) . . . here's the ad copy:
On the edge of reason. On the edge of logic. There is Vertigo.
Vertigo is a mind-bending, logic-warping demonstration of skill. You remove the cards from the box. You show the box empty. Delicately, you set the box on the edge of the deck.
Slowly, you release your fingers. The box remains suspended.
That's not the end. It's only the beginning. You set the cards - all 52 of 'em - on the edge of the empty box. Once again, you remove your hand. This time, the ENTIRE deck remains suspended.
It looks impossible, but it's easy-to-do once you've mastered the secret.
Perform Vertigo standing up or sitting down. Use your favorite pack of cards. No threads, no wires, no magnets. Self-contained. Instantly reset. And the best part is, when you're done, you can hand the cards out or go right into your favorite card trick or cardistry demonstration.
Mind-bending? No.
Logic-warping? Maybe.
Demonstration of skill? Probably.
Let me start by saying that, regardless of the method, I think that the effect itself is not that earth shattering. It seems more like a puzzle to me, something to be figured out. Additionally the ad copy seems to imply that balancing the cards on the box is even more impossible than balancing the box on the cards . . . not really. However, I understand that not everyone has the same taste in effects. Remember, I'm the guy that doesn't like Card Warp.
So let's put aside the fact that I don't really like the trick. Let's, rather, look at the product quality. After all, if you watched the preview and you liked the effect, you're asking yourself (or you're asking me) if you should spend your hard earned dollars on Vertigo.
WYSIWYG:
The effect you see in the video preview is exactly what your audience will see. The trailer is honest and accurate with one exception. The text on the screen during the preview says "Additional Handling and Multiple Routines." When a phrase like "Additional Handling and Multiple Routines" is used, I think the expectation most people have will be greater than what you get here. "Multiple" sounds like a whole lot more than what you get.
Method:
The method is simple, deceptive and very practical.
Production Quality:
Solid and simple menu. Easy to navigate. Top notch editing and lighting. No issues here.
Presentations:
Two presentations are shown, one for stand up and one for sitting at a table. Although I don't like the effect all that much, I have to admit that the presentation used by Rick for the table version was actually quite clever and has a lot of potential. If I did this effect, I would definitely use the table version . . . very smart idea.
Teaching:
Not so much . . . I mean the camera work was good, and it was easy to see everything. The explanations were clear enough for sure, and you'll definitely be able to learn the effect without a problem. However, there were too many places (particularly during the "bonus" section) where Rick just glossed over how to do it. For example, he offers two optional handling ideas that make the box examinable at the end. However, he only talks about one of the methods never showing it. And the other method, he shows it, but doesn't explain how to get in or out of it.
Bonus:
In the bonus section, you learn two fun little balancing stunts with ordinary objects (coin, glass, forks, dollar bill, etc). These are fun and can add a little life to the routine. On the downside, however, you are shown a way to modify the card box so that it looks a bit better when first opening the deck. To me, it only adds suspicion because it makes the box look funny and bulgy. Rick claims that you can show this modified case very briefly because if not, the audience might see something suspicious. So basically, he then says that you can only show the modified-to-look-normal box for a brief moment. If that's the case, why bother modifying it in the first place. I think you're better off NOT messing with the case. It safe the way it is.
Final Thoughts:
This is a tough call to make. In a nutshell, if you like the effect in the demo, this very short DVD will teach you exactly how to do exactly what you saw in the demo, and for $25.00, you get a well produced DVD and the needed gimmick, so it's probably worth it . . . if you like the effect.
In the preview, Rick mentions that he always gets good reactions to this effect. I believe him. I just personally would not perform the effect. However, I can't dock points because I don't like the plot. I can (and will) however, dock points for the skim-teaching and the overly hyped ad copy and overly dramatic video preview. But that's not enough for me to put this in the pile of rubble. If you like the effect and you think you would do it, then I'd say it's worth taking the plunge.
If you're just curious about the method, don't bother. If you don't like the effect, don't bother. Assuming you're interested in the effect, $25 isn't a horrible price to pay for what you get, especially when you consider that it does come with (albeit an inexpensive one) a gimmick.
Final verdict 2.5 stars with a Stone Status of gem (with a small g) . . . if you like the effect.