Big Blind Media really knows how to get the job done. They find the talent, convince them to perform great tricks and divulge the secrets. This DVD is another example of a job well done. George McBride is a great card handler. He knows his stuff and in this project he teaches 17 routines.
All the routines are performed in the BBM studio to a spectator, sometimes Liam Montier, and then taught to a fellow magi. The magic is really strong and the teaching is excellent. Some of the material is easier than other material and some of it will require some practice, depending on your level and amount of time your spend with cards in your hands.
Some of the tricks are so good that they just seem totally impossible. I would say that there are a few magician foolers included, but most of the tricks are better for a lay person. For many of the tricks, the magi among us will know what he is doing and the moves he is employing, but will still enjoy the structure of the routines.
The DVD is structured with four sets of tricks. The first set contains different lie detector tests, all of which I enjoyed. The remainder of the sets did not have a readily apparent grouping as the first, but there are some real beauties contained in each set.
The ad copy states:
“Once you watch this DVD, you’ll understand why I believe George is among the best in the world.” – Steve Friedberg Scotland’s own George McBride is widely known amongst the underground magic fraternity as a card handler of superlative skill. A contemporary of Roy Walton, Gordon Bruce, Jerry Sadowitz and Peter Duffie, he is a master technician and renowned for his ingenious trick construction. George McBride’s McMiracles With Cards is the definitive collection of all the routines George has developed and refined over the last decade of obsessive work. Avoiding overly complex and unnecessarily labyrinthine structures these tricks are honed into laser focused, streamlined masterpieces. Everything on this project is a trick you WILL WANT TO PERFORM! Over a staggering 2 hours, George unleashes 17 routines, carefully structured into 4 ‘sets’. The material ranges from incredibly easy to do, right through to ‘that is something I want to do when I grow up’. The wealth of knowledge squeezed into this project is breathtaking. Technique, construction, overlapping method, awe inspiring sleights – it’s all here! And you can learn the lot! PRAISE FOR McBRIDE’S McMIRACLES WITH CARDS: “The aptly named McMiracles With Cards is a DVD featuring a variety of top-bracket card routines. The methods are clever and totally baffling and will suit all skill levels; from self-working to advanced. Fans of George’s previous work can expect excellent trick-construction along with careful attention to fine detail. This is a collection of card magic not to be missed.” – Peter Duffie “George has been very generous in explaining some of his finest creations. His technical skill and use of misdirection should be studied by every aspiring card handler.” – Andrew Galloway “George handles cards beautifully and is a man at the top of his game. Card enthusiasts around the world are going to love this collection.” – John Carey “I had the pleasure of attending George McBride’s lecture and hanging out with him at a convention in Buffalo, NY a few years ago. Based on that weekend I happily and heartily recommend anything he puts out – sight unseen!” – Paul Cummins “George’s, ‘Cards to Pocket’ ALONE is worth the price of this DVD. But there are many, many more treasures to be found within this collection.” – Gordon Bruce “George McBride is one of the most gentlemanly people you’ll ever meet. Do not let that fool you; his card work is devious, well thought-out, and will absolutely astound your spectators. I’ve had the honor of watching him work in person. Once you watch this DVD, you’ll understand why I believe George is among the best in the world.” – Steve Friedberg SET #I Vanishing Lie Detector Polly’s Graph Royal Marriage Universal Joker Nippy Knaves SET #II Blow Palm Change Blend & Split Tom, Dick & Harry Two Tonne Triumph Double Swap Mystery SET #III Campbell’s Caprice Remember & Forget Jack’s Gem Triola Mystery SET #IV Cards to Pocket Card to Card Case Woodfield Torn Transpo”
Although the ad copy lists the names of the tricks, it does not give a description of them and due to the fact that there are so many routines, 17 of them, when you get this you can have a look for yourself. I believe that the DVD is well priced for so much great card magic.
You will likely not be able to get through and digest the entire project in one sitting because of the length of the DVD and the amount that is taught. After I watched it through over the course of a week or so, I went back and re-watched all the performances in a row, to decide what tricks I wanted to work on.
This DVD has packet tricks, full deck tricks, some set-ups are required at times, there is a gaff used in one trick and there is a great diversity of card magic. I am really impressed, and thoroughly enjoyed this very great collection of McMiracles. I highly recommend this project. You won’t be disappointed!
