Bought this DVD just before Christmas for my 11 year old granddaughter. By the end of February she managed to put on a 20 minute magic show at her aunty's birthday party. She thinks the DVD is brilliant and easy to follow.

I think this is one of the best beginners DVD's that I've seen. Unlike most on the market, this isn't just aimed at kids, but suitable for all ages and teaches some really good magic. The production is very slick and the explanations are clear. Highly recommended.

I mostly enjoyed this DVD... there was one effect which was taught too quickly or in not enough detail for me to pick up.. however overall I have performed some of the tricks and fooled quite a few people so I must have learned something. I understood the knife swallow routine fine, and the trick I most enjoyed was the last trick which I made up myself with help of the file on the DVD with celebrities names instead and it really knocked them dead!

Unfortunately, this is not a good DVD. For example, there is a knife swallowing effect. The demonstration of the effect (not the explanation) has two parts. The first part is to cover the knife with both hands and demonstrate what he is about to do with the knife hidden behind both hands. The then places the knife on the table and says "Wait a minute, I need to add some salt." He sprinkles some salt on it, than apparently does the same moves, but this time, the knife apparently vanishes down his throat. Unfortunately, in the first part, it is clear he is holding a knife under his hands with his thumb (which he is). However, in the second part, it is clear he no longer is holding the knife as his thumbs are extended. Anyone watching this would clearly come to the conclusion he is no longer holding the knife, unless his hands are magnetic. It is really poor form. So, not only are the effects not strong ones, his form is very poor.