The tricks: This is a very fine collection of card magic, with some genuinely strong tricks. Sometimes a collection only has a couple of standouts, but with Effortless Effects it's hard to pick just one or two "best" routines. I think the first five are all super strong, with "Forget to Remember" being one of my personal favourites. The fact that Penguin Magic has been selling "No Hassle Hof" as a separate digital download for $10 gives you some indication of the strength of the material here. The effects aren't all just variations of the same theme, and there's plenty of variety to choose from and work with. Despite the relative simplicity of the methods, there's really nothing here about endless counting and dealing, and all the deception lies in Ryan's clever thinking.

The GAP principle: If there is a common thread through this particular video, it is the GAP principle which Ryan teaches and applies to most of the tricks. Magicians will know that it's usually a bad idea to string together as part of a routine multiple tricks that have the same structure or presentation. Fortunately that's not the case here. You get enough variety in the types of effects that you could combine several of these tricks into a nice little routine if you wanted to. But "under the hood" there is very nice principle that he works with and uses, and it certainly is something that you can get mileage out of in many other settings as well. This can really help make your magic seem more powerful, because in your spectator's mind their selection will be far more random, free, and fair than it actually is.

The presentation: What I love about most of the tricks on this DVD is that they really allow you to have fun as a magician. Of course magic needs to be entertaining for your spectators first of all, but performing has to be enjoyable for us too. Tricks that are fun for both spectators and the performer tend to be ones with good presentation. The presentational approaches of many of the tricks in this collection allow a lot of scope for acting and engagement, e.g. lie detector test, reading poker tells via body language, pretending a card is "invisible", and muscle reading. I love these kinds of presentations, and you get some good variety in this collection.

The difficulty: The ad copy goes a little overboard in suggesting that there are "no sleights to worry about". Beginners will be able to manage with some practice, but these are not completely self-working tricks. Despite the title, they're not entirely "effortless", and you will have to put in some effort - as is the case with nearly all magic. But they are certainly in the category of "Easy Moves". If you can hold a break and know the very basic card handling fundamentals, you'll have no problem at all. Some of the tricks rely on pencil dotting and key cards, which even beginners can manage. New magicians will certainly find several tricks here they can do, so it is a video that most people will benefit from.

The teaching: Ryan is highly regarded for his skill in teaching magic. After coming across his work, I did some reading up about his credentials and reputation, and found that he is consistently applauded for this. I was pleased to discover that the general consensus of opinion is that the teaching sections of his video are clear and concise, while remaining as detailed as necessary. I also like the fact that with several of the tricks he offers two different ways of handling each routine, with an easier method and also a more advanced method for those with more experience.

The production: Effortless Effects was produced by BIg Blind Media, a top producer of instructional magic videos. While BBM makes everything as effortless as possible for us as viewers, it's clear that they put in an enormous amount of effort themselves with the production! As with all their videos, the visuals, lighting, and sound is all top notch. So is the format of the DVD itself, which is easy to navigate and sensibly put together. I especially liked the "Bullet explanation" feature employed here, where for each effect you get a brief run-down on the key elements of how to perform a trick. This is very handy if you just want a quick refresher without sitting through the entire teaching section, and I wish more magic videos had this!

The fact that these tricks are extremely light on sleights, and are very easy to perform means that this collection will have a wide appeal. While being straight-forward to do, the actual "magic" will seem quite impossible in the minds of your spectators, and of course that's exactly what you want. There's also a solid range of different tricks, with some very fun presentational possibilities and plots. And the teaching by Ryan is excellent. Finally, it all comes together in a polished package from Big Blind Media, with top notch production values.

This DVD has some great effects that are great for fooling your fellow magicians. When I first viewed the performances I couldn't figure out how the hell he was pulling these effects off. After watching the explanations I has a big grin on my face and couldn't wait to perform them at my next ring meeting. The quality is also very high, but no surprise it's big bling media.... And the teaching was very detailed and to the point. Def grab this one!!

Lou

I'll be 100% honest, I was given a copy to review but I'm also 100% honest with myself too. I really value whatever reputation I have. This means, if I think something sucks, I don't talk about it.

In this case though Ryan's new DVD Effortless Effects kicks SOOO much ass.

The editing here, Owen has gone above and beyond AGAIN. The footage is super clear, looks awesome and just rocks (literally). I think that's something we except from the BBM crew.

This is different from Ryan's other work and it shows a LOT of growth from him as a creator and performer. It's not self-working but if you can hold a break you'll be able to perform everything in here. There are also advanced sleights for a little of a direct approach and nearly self-working approaches for those just starting out.

If you haven't guessed it, I like almost everything on here. Here are my couple highlights:

The GAP Principle:

This is was the whole DVD seems to surround. The ability to force cards EASILY and fairly. It's basically making the classic force accessible for everyone. The classic force is basically the ONLY thing it can be compared to that I've found while still being drastically different.

With the techniques also taught, it's impossible to back track pretty much everything on the DVD.

This is something I'll be applying to my own card magic and the main reason this DVD is insanely good.

No Hassle Hof:

This is my new favorite version of Hofzinser's Aces, It's clear, direct and ends with a crazy good surprise. It goes along with the same level of fairness as the other tricks, super easy and looks like crazy sleight of hand.

I almost can't do it justice, as clique as it sounds you need to see it.

Clearly See Through:

This is the trailer effect posted up. It's a really entertaining trick, simple to do and when you see how much mileage you can get off the "GAP" principle here it's going to blow you away.

Forget to remember:

This one may pass by some people. I'm thankful for that. There is some REALLY nice thinking in here and you will like it. There is a small set up but it's really haphazard so it only takes a moment (if you can cull it's every better.

The end result is really freaky to lay audiences. With a prediction that's been on the table the whole time.

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Of course there is a BUNCH more on there that kicks butt but I really enjoyed this a ton.

If you work in the real world, there is a BUNCH you can add in right away.

If you are new to magic, there's a bunch in here you'll be able to do and fool some knowledgeable magicians. Lay people don't stand a chance.

If you are the casual performer… I'm sure you'll love it too Smile

I hope this review isn't too positive. Ryan does make me hate him a little bit because he's super talented… But that's the only thing I can think of. I really love the releases from the BBM team, they always really go above and beyond.

Awesome job Ryan!

The GAP idea will be something standard in a few years. You will NEED to know this, it's that good. I can't wait to see what other people do with this idea it's a really exciting time in magic. It's VERY rare when something this good comes out. This is the type of thing that stays hidden in the underground for a LONG time before ever thinking of surfacing.

Great effects and well taught - here is my video review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFvYoIjWeno