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MaxfieldsMagic Inner circle Instead of practicing, I made 3009 Posts |
Once you start learning your favorite effects on this set, it's worth it to go back and re-watch the "discussion" portions again, then repeat as needed. I've done that a few times now, and learned something new upon each reviewing.
Now appearing nightly in my basement.
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afknight Elite user 499 Posts |
Fantastic dvd set.. I'm almost finished the 2nd dvd and my head is spinning with the amount of usable effeects I've seen thus far... KUDOS to Lee!
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BMWGuy Inner circle Texas 2563 Posts |
Just ordered these.
I should get them on Thursday. I will let you know my thoughts. Alex
PRESET by Alex Alejandro & Dan Harlan now available for a special introductory price!
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BMWGuy Inner circle Texas 2563 Posts |
Well I received these today.
I concur with everything my fellow magicians have said about your DVDs Lee. Very very good stuff. Lee, Where did you learn Key to Amazement? when I saw it on the DVD, I recognized it as the same exact effect I do, that I learnt soooo many years ago from an old magic mentor, which I have killed laymen and magicians alike.. I am glad its on video now. Anyways, this DVD is jam packed with usable items. I have only seen the performances, but right now my favorites from both videos have to be Bold Business-----being a mentalist I love this!! You Keep Mine Walkaround 2 cards to Pocket ----Ollie Mealing switch is genious! Third Degree----very nice way of using audience mgmt and psychology. Business Lunch---- I will use this with my SAW wallet, nice! Just Think---mentalism again And Fifth Element I liked as a pickpocketing routine, and finally the lighter routine is very very good, as is the performance of Coming Together! Lee you have a winner on your hands, and cant wait for your next release! Alex
PRESET by Alex Alejandro & Dan Harlan now available for a special introductory price!
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BMWGuy Inner circle Texas 2563 Posts |
Lee and everyone who has bought this DVD.
Please contact me, as I believe I have a sublety to make the Ollie Mealing move better, and more invisible, as I have already tried it with my roomate, and it worked like a charm.........maybe some of you do it like this, but I found it easier, even thought Lee explains it clearly I added my own touch to it, which makes it a lot better IMHO. Please contact me and I will fill you in on the details, but you must own the DVD. Thanks Alex
PRESET by Alex Alejandro & Dan Harlan now available for a special introductory price!
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Rpascual Special user USA 667 Posts |
Hi guys, this is yet another review of the Step System by Lee Smith (both volumes). Lee sent out copies to see some thoughts on the volumes from different people and I’m one of them. I have never met Lee just talked to him a couple of times through PM so don’t think this will be one of those biased reviews . I will be completely honest in my review; of course any questions just let me know I’ll do the best to answer them. Lee did not ask me to do a formal review but I feel it’s the least I can do after watching this great set.
Title: Lee Smith’s Step System [Simple Tricks Extraordinary Power] Vol. 1 &2 Format: DVD Price: Single DVD: 35 Both DVD’S:70 Shot: This is HI-Definition 16:9. This is crystal clear you can’t ask for a better camera. The one used is great, really appreciate it keep it up . Comments before I begin: All the performances are in a live bar/ restaurant setting with real people. This is a great as we get to see Lee work, something I appreciate a lot about rsvpmagic. Teaching is from a left handed point of view. If you are a beginner and is right handed (hold deck in dealers position in left hand) then this might confuse you a little. I recommend if you want to learn the moves go to another source although Lee does a great job of explaining, you might have to make the modifications of the hands for the moves to work for you. I received the DVD’s probably a week ago and have already started to use some of the routines and well they have received tremendous reactions! Volume 1: This Volume starts out with the teaser trailer for the set and later greeted by Ravi Mayar, and Lee Smith himself and well it is basically a introduction on to how the DVD will be set-up, talks about the first effect (ice breaker) and why he uses it, an opener, the 15 second approach, heckled, body language, “likeability factor.” Great advice from both really helps if you are starting to perform magic and approaching other people etc. Ice Breaker: This is a three phase card routine. It is Lee’s opener and I can tell why. In this opener it establishes you as a pro. There are cards transposing, visually changing into other cards. Awesome I have already started to use this as an opener and it really fries people. It keeps them wanting more, that is exactly what you want in a routine. At first you might think, duh I could have thought of that but I really give Lee credit. The structure is pretty much perfect. Something I will definitely keep using this. (Remember the advice given in the introduction?) Well we can see it put to use in here when Lee introduces himself to the people in the bar to perform the trick). Walkaround 2 cards to pocket: This is well basically a two card to pocket but not the usual way you would perform this. Two cards are selected one and found then they swap places all in one pocket. This is a quick, nice, fast trick that will impress anybody. This utilizes the Ollie Mealing “Switch Trick.” The glimpse is great and easy to do. With some practice you’ll be doing this very soon. There is one bold move which is done right in front of them so you have nothing to worry about. Trans-box-ition: This is probably the favorite in this disc for a lot of people. This also utilizes the Ollie Mealing switch trick. Card goes under box twice when even escaping a spectators hand and an alternate phase is the deck under box. I really like this. I have been using this for the past two weekends and can tell you that this is the one they remember. (“Man how did you do the card when it goes under the box?”) Amazing really, the alternate phase for deck under box I have only done it once and well let’s just say the reactions are out of this world. In one part of the routine Lee uses a nice touch of James Brown’s routine “Box Clever” and very nicely credits him which is always appreciated! You keep mine: You can read the description somewhere else for the effect, not something I really want to use. For a business card to be handed out I prefer to use it in a routine so it is much more magical. This just looks to set-up. Like you always had in plan to hand out business card. Not to magical for me this routine. Bold Business: All you need is a couple of business cards and a marker and a willing spectator. This effect will make you look like a real magician/mentalist. Great stuff although the explanation is on the notes? I don’t have this explained in the DVD. I wonder why? I understand it is “worth the dvd” but why can’t it be explained on the video? Okay, well anyway the explanation in the notes is well explained and the effect is very easy to do. Really liked this. Third Degree: I remember somehow, someway somebody told me about this trick. He told me about the effect but I did not understand it. Now I see that this is Lee’s effect and in the video you can see the gasps of the spectators after doing the trick. One thought of cards two other selections and a whole lot of magic. This is something I personally tried out and well people loved this. One tip I can add, you should emphasize, don’t forget to emphasize the thought of card when performing this. This is something that you will either like or won’t like. I’m betting you will like it. Not sleight heavy at all. Well basically this is a review of Volume 1. To be honest my expectations were high with rsvp thanks to the James Brown set but I can see that this lived up to my expectations. This is a great dvd plus it even includes the lecture notes you can not go wrong with the set. If you are a move-monkey and is looking for some new moves this is not it. This is good, solid practical magic that you can use. I will be posting a review of Volume 2 soon. Ricky |
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russ stevens Special user Russ Stevens 571 Posts |
Hello Ricky,
Many thanks for posting such a detailed review. Additional thanks to all of you have been so favourable in your comments about this set. Lee and Ravi worked extremely hard on this project (watch Lee at the end of Volume 2 to see just how hard!) and they deserve all the great comments so far. It's also nice to see that people do appreciate the effort that we go to in making the quality of our DVDs the best that they can be. Thanks guys. Best, Russ |
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Lee Smith Elite user 420 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-03-28 06:14, russ stevens wrote: I did look lke a zombie by the end of the project, it was non stop magic, performing, and explaining. We made sure we included as much as possible on the set, and thanks again to Russ, he really does a great job making sure his DVD's are top quaility and full of info. And as Russ says above thanks again to everyone who has put up their thoughts and great reviews, it really makes all the hard work worth it. Many thanks, Lee.
www.walkaboutmagic.com
www.facebook.com/walkaboutmagic Effects. STEP SYSTEM vol 1&2, iCandy, iPhone 10, strike 2.2 and lecture notes. All available on my site. |
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Roger Kelly Inner circle Kent, England 3332 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-03-27 18:16, Rpascual wrote: Be careful here when ordering so not to be disappointed. It may well be shot in HD as the packaging cunningly states. The output to DVD is unquestionably broadcast quality - but it is a standard DVD and far removed from HD in its true sense. Any moves towards 1080i/p Blu-Ray Russ? |
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Lee Smith Elite user 420 Posts |
I have not a clue Roger.
No one seems to have mentioned anything. Just out of interest how bothered are people about this sort of thing? if the quality is very good, (Which all of RSVP products are) does it make much differnce for a magic DVD? I could understand this sort of thing on major Hollywood blockbuster, but a magic dvd? as long as the material, quality and teaching is clear. Maybe whan Russ said shot in HD he meant Hitchins Destination which is where we filmed the project
www.walkaboutmagic.com
www.facebook.com/walkaboutmagic Effects. STEP SYSTEM vol 1&2, iCandy, iPhone 10, strike 2.2 and lecture notes. All available on my site. |
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Rpascual Special user USA 667 Posts |
Hi guys, this is a review for Volume 2. I have taken quite a while to get this down because of a small vacation, but time was not wasted I was testing out these new effects.
Just think: This is just such a very nice thought of card reveal (really thought of card, not “suggested”) and you well “read their minds” and find their card, then you do it again but in an even cooler way in the spectators hands. If you see lee performing it (which you will in the performance) you can see the spectators reactions. Now the first part might not come out as planned but it still works. You still reveal the thought of card as the one taken out the deck. You can miss and it will still work. I personally have failed like 2 out of 10 times and it was my fault (I had not practiced my fan) but the reactions were the same. The second phase is one you need because it complements the first phase so well. I just really think this is a great structured routine. The teaching is tremendous in detail, but remember the teaching (fan) is done from a left-handed persons perspective, you can mirror what he does or do what I did just learned to do a fan with my right hand. There are a couple of small tips, which will help you even more to not miss in the first phase. The second phase is a never miss in which the spectator “finds” the thought of card. This is definitely one of my favorites. It would have been helpful if we saw a performance in which Lee missed (although I’m sure that rarely happens to him at all) the first phase, then we could see how he reacts, I’m sure it would be the same but just saying. After performing this a couple of times definitely the second phase is the most killer for them since it is done in their own hands. They just drop the card and scream. This is really the best effect for me. Business Lunch: Lee’s version of the Out to Lunch principle. In the first performances I just did not like it. I don’t know why, some things might not have seem motivated for my POV but nevertheless a good effect. I have not performed this since I don’t keep my business cards on vacations but judging by the reactions Lee get’s this is really cool. There are two versions taught, one of which is with a assassins wallet from Alakazam. There are different performances in different setting so we see how Lee adapts to the different situations and people. Very nice. Will be trying this later. Key to Amazement: Wow! I can’t believe I just fooled my buddy’s with this. Definitely self-working. In fact it is very hands of and uses one of those principles, which we really take for granted as magicians. I have performed this to layman and magicians and well I get more of a kick with magicians. Very easy all you need is a shuffled deck. People really like this one. Not much else I can say. Oh one thing I recommend table space for this one. Relatively easy to do but you have to be clear with your instructions. Not really my favorite of the set but something I will keep using when situations permit. Crazy Cuffs: “A classic of magic explained.” Borrowed ring jumps onto the band for a kicker ending. We get to see Lee performing this in conjunction with as first phase, crazy man’s handcuffs, second phase in their own hands and last but not least with the ring jumping in between the band. I liked this one, this is a cool, nice addition to the crazy man’s handcuffs. I’ve never been one who is into rubberbands that much although for the usual effects. So something new for me in here although for most they will probably already be doing their own type of rubberband routine with a ring kicker. I’ve been playing around and well people get this “WTF” moment in their mind, I love this. Fifth element: This is basically lee’s take on the Whack my pack” plot and it is very good. I love this routine as it is one of those “quickies” for a show me a trick that I really like. This is very cool and all moves are basically justified. No hard sleights just a couple of convincing dl’s. The card reveal at the end is just amazing and Lee provides different ways of getting the card revealed if you are uncomfortable with a certain move. For a pumped up version of this (or bigger group) I have been using the “Triple Whack” by James Brown for this type of effect which gets equally the same reactions. This is definitely one of my favorites. Strike two: I have seen this performed and well I am stunned even after the explanation this is such an awesome effect that gives a lot more than the usual “WTF” moment. The lighters at the end handed out for examination is just so cool. I have not performed this because I don’t have this as smooth yet as Lee’s and well I think I will mess it up. Almost done practicing. I will take this out soon. All you need are two similar lighters. I believe this plays very good for small to larger group as long as they can see the lighters obviously. I hope to take this out soon though and I’ll let you know. Coming together: I had read this in the lecture notes before and liked it but it was nice to see it on video. No explanation so I was not to pleased with that. I really don’t understand why performances only? Just don’t put anything at all or as “Roger Kelly” mentioned “ Use the valuable space for another trick that s explained please.” Which is something I’m sure most would have appreciated but nevertheless it is explained in the lecture notes in disc 1 so I guess it’s not so bad although you would have to buy the other volume to get the explanation? Wow nice marketing. Bonaces: This is considered as a sort of BONUS effect because of it’s set-up I believe and doesn’t fit in with the category of impromptu. Nice ace routine you can add to your four ace reveal but not really my thing. Relatively easy to set-up and perform. Didn’t care much for this although some people will like ths! That’s basically it for my review. I preferred this Disc over Disc 1 because we see other types of effects and different objects coming into play other than cards. I fell like I have personally learned from Lee everything he had to offer of this set. This was so much more than usual performance in studio then brief explanation then their done. Real work was put into this and I don’t mind spending the $70 for this. These guys worked real hard to bring us the set and I really appreciate that as most people do. This is really one of my favorite sets of the year and well I think it will stay there. I keep on going back to them to review or hear some of Lee’s and Ravi’s advise which are really helpful. I recommend getting this set if you liked what you read and/or the demo. The demo gives the actual reactions YOU will be getting after performing these effects, it has been a pleasure reviewing this set and testing out the material. Really appreciate Lee for giving me the chance to see and review some of his work. Anything else you’ll be releasing, be sure I’ll be one of the first in line. I’ll let you know of any updates of performing the material . Ricky |
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kryptonite76 New user 99 Posts |
Reviews have been covered pretty extensively up this point so I'll only add that I LOVED these dvds! Straight forward, hard-hitting magic!
Incidentally, Lee mentions that he always knows how he's going to start and finish an set. I assume he always starts with his Ice Breaker but he doesn't ever mention how he closes. It must be strong because he "always" does it. Lee, if you're reading this, I'd be interested to know what your closer is. Also, I purchased this set from RSVP. Man, Russ Stevens is a super nice guy and great to work with! |
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Lee Smith Elite user 420 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-04-08 17:58, kryptonite76 wrote: Hi, I am so pleased you enjoyed the DVD's, great question, I was suprised no one asked yet? I do always start with Ice breaker, and I do have few different closers, it depends on the crowed which one I do. One is a one coin routine with a jumbo coin production, another is a variation on an ambitious card routine with an impossible ending (maybe for a later project) and my favourite which is another ending or a stand alone effect is without a doubt David Stones Cell. (I love it) the reactions to this are unreal. I hope you get plenty of use from the routines on the STEP SYSTEM and enjoy performing them as much as I have. Many thanks, Lee.
www.walkaboutmagic.com
www.facebook.com/walkaboutmagic Effects. STEP SYSTEM vol 1&2, iCandy, iPhone 10, strike 2.2 and lecture notes. All available on my site. |
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Iain Moran Special user Manchester, England 693 Posts |
I've had these for a few weeks and to say I like them, is an understatement! It wouldn't surprise me at all, if these ended up as some of the best DVD's of the year - yes, they are THAT good!
Lee Smith is the kind of magician I enjoy watching - his style is very laid back, he is extremely likeable and performs the kind of magic that totally devastates laypeople. These DVD's contain lots of very powerful magic - much of which happens, in spectators hands and we all know how strong that can be. None of the material is difficult and I'd hazard a guess that most people will get several effects from the DVD's - I know I did! I'm not going to comment on individual effects, as others have already done a great job of this - but I've used Walkaround 2 Cards to Pocket and Trans-box-ition at a few gigs recently and am looking forward to using Third Degree, Business Lunch, Fifth Element and Strike Two in the near future. If you are looking for effects to baffle your magic friends with, these are not the DVD's for you, but if you want to really fool (and entertain) laypeople, I can't recommend these highly enough. Sure, I can do difficult moves, but when I work in the real word, I want strong, direct and practical effects - Lee's DVD's contain lots of them! Iain. |
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Roger Kelly Inner circle Kent, England 3332 Posts |
Lee - all I meant was that the DVD may have been 'shot' in HD with HD capable cameras - but the final product is not HD. Some less aware purchasers may be attracted to the "shot in HD" as meaning it can be viewed in HD. It cannot. But to answer your question - nope - it ain't important in a magic tutorial DVD. But then again, any "Hollywood blockbuster" on regular DVD isn't HD either.
Let's not even begin on 'upscaling'... |
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puggo Inner circle 2022 Posts |
I picked this set up a week or so ago, but did not want to add a comment until I tried something from the set under fire.
At tonight's strolling gig, I performed 'walkaround cards to pocket' a few times, and it went down very well. I also tried 'Icebreaker' once (except I used Shawn McCree's excellent 'Coldcut transpo' for the third phase). Again, very good response. If you are reasonably experienced, there are several things you could pick up and use quite quickly. An excellent set (usual top RSVP standards), with some quality FASDIU material. As others have noted, some bits you could use very quickly, others will take time. I plan to give Strike two some prolonged practice, as (when Lee does it) it just looks fantastic. One of my best buys in the last year. Good stuff indeed. Charlie PS I picked up the 'Session' DVD when it came out and played with (Mr Mealing's)the switch trick - and left it at that. Lee's interpretations has shown (me) what a powerful move / sequence it really is. |
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Joe Mauro Inner circle 1133 Posts |
Thanks fore the reviews. Hope to get this soon.
~Joe
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Christophe Rossi New user 59 Posts |
Thanks to everyone !!!
After reading all the nice review I decided to give a try and I LOVE it .... Thanks Lee for giving so much workable material.... It s the type of magic I like, simple to follow and to do, always ready no set up, great impact on audience... Lovely, lovely... Ravi did a great job again, very easy to follow the explanations, very well made as always with rsvp ... Thank you ! Christophe |
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Adam Paul Veteran user 332 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-04-09 07:02, Iain Moran wrote: High praise indeed coming from The Cullfather! AP. |
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Amit Badiani New user 13 Posts |
Hey Guys,
I also own the STEP System and I must say it is a fantastic DVD set. The reason I like them so much is because Lee is a worker he is out there performing these very tricks/routines day in day out. As Ian quite rightly said above Lee is a very likable person whereby he is into the magic and blowing peoples mind before they know it. I would also like to mention Ravi Mayar I think he did an absolute sterling job his input, views and discussions with Lee made them really enjoyable to watch, a great team indeed. On a further note Lee came to Leicester Magic Circle yesterday to present his Walkabout Lecture, some of what he presented was routines from the STEP System but also spoke about his views on the approach to magic & spectators, him being a worker he new exactly what he was talking about and it made perfect sense. Lee really does have some fantastic ideas and thinking behind magic and the after session once again proved that. Lee is defiantly assets to the magic community if you haven’t got the STEP system get it and if you haven’t booked him for a lecture for your society book him . Many Thanks Amit Badiani |
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