GT Speedreader DVD
Kozmomagic Inc.
This new design is truly revolutionary. It gives the magician an unprecedented advantage while performing card magic.
Featuring Garrett Thomas.
Chapters:
- Intro to the deck
- Designed for Magicians
- Working with a marked deck
- Cut Force
- Classic Force
- Dribble Force
- Sloppy Dribble
- Dribble Peak
- Riffle Peak
- Palm Peek
- Corner Peek
- Edge Peek
- Spread Peek
- Stacked Deck
- Twisting the Aces
- The trick that can't be explained
- The Right Tool
- Magic Improv 1
- Magic Improv 2
- Magic Improv 3
- Magic Improv 4
- Magic Improv 5
- Magic Improv 6
NOTE: GT SpeedReader deck sold separately.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Man! I'm exhausted . . . for $20 bucks you sure get a heck of a lot of stuff.
This DVD covers every conceivable scenario, situations, event, happening, venue, topic, angle and thought regarding marked decks, particularly the Speed Reader Deck. I've personally used the Speed Reader Deck (which does not come with this DVD), and I love it. It's very easy to use, and it has a lot of advantages over other marked cards.
So I'll first say that if you don't use marked cards, after watching this DVD, you'll change your mind. Thomas pointed out so many situations where a marked card just gives you that little extra edge that can really push you magic into a completely different realm. You end up being able to take advantage of "happy little accidents" (thank you Bob Ross . . . God rest his soul). These accidents, mind you, are ones you are oblivious to if you don't use marked cards.
We were shown 6 different performances of Thomas just sort of "playin' around" with some spectators, and in almost every case, had a happy little accident that move the magic into the miracle category. There are so many things that I would guess you never thought of when it comes to marked cards.
So if you don't use marked cards, you should (and you will after watching this DVD). But what about you folks who already use marked cards or have your own preferred marking system, etc.? That's fine. You should still watch this DVD. Much of the material applies to marked cards in general. I'd say that maybe 25% of it requires the Speed Reader Deck. However, you may even reconsider the system you're using once you see the Speed Reader Deck in action.
Though the teaching is a little dry in quite a few spots, the bottom line is this: if you do card effects of any kind, you should own this DVD.
Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM!
(Top ▲)
First off, I want to retract a statement I made in my review of the deck. I commented that the only fault was the price. I'm not sure what was going on that day, but the only thing "wrong" was my point of view. $25 for a custom-printed deck like this is completely reasonable. If you're an amateur, you're probably not doing enough shows to wear one out that quickly. If you're a pro, I assume you're getting paid enough that buying a new deck every so often isn't going to be a problem.
On to the DVD...
First, I love Garrett Thomas's introduction. He makes it clear that this is a tool to be used to enhance your magic. It is not a replacement for the hard work necessary to create a great piece of magic.
One thing I didn't know is that these cards are cut to Richard Turner's specifications. If you don't know what that means, get one of Richard's Gold Seal decks and work with alongside a standard Bicycle or Mandolin deck and you'll immediately notice the difference.
Another thing I learned is that the Jokers are marked, as is the double-backer included with the deck.
The position of the markings, which I found odd, has also been explained. Most marked decks have markings in the upper-left corner. This is great for gambling applications. But the Speedreaders are built to be easy to work with in entertainment situations. And they're absolutely right!
I've already said a lot and we're not even into the meat of the DVD material. Most of it is spent showing how to use the deck for various forces and peeks. Garrett also talks about the benefits of using the Speedreader deck in some classic effects including Twisting the Aces and The Trick That Can't Be Explained. Finally, there are a series of "Magic Improv" segments where Garrett performs in real situations using the deck and then talks about how he used it.
Not only does this deck have the capability of making some of your routines easier or cleaner, ringing in a marked deck is usually a sure-fire way to fool the pants off of magicians.