I don't usually write reviews for 2 reasons :

- There are already a lots of reviews for the products that I bought at PM over the last 10 years and I don't think that my 2 cents would make a difference for future buyers.

- I sometines feel lazy when it comes to write in a foreign language (French being my mother tongue)

But today I'm making an exception because I can't believe there's no review for this wonderful release by Pipo Villanueva, a magician from Spain that I discovered a few weeks ago thanks to his wonderful Chop Cup routine.

I bought the download for the Chop Cup routine alone, but ended up being impressed by all 6 routines that he teaches. Three of them will go straight to my repertoire (Chop Cup, Silver/Copper/Brass Coin routine and a new take on Paul Harris' classic Reset). Pipo puts a lot of attention to details and passion in what he does. His teaching is easy to follow (however I wouldn't recommend it to beginners). I also appreciate the fact that most (if not all) of his routines end clean and are auto-resettable, which is perfect for walkaround or table hopping.

Pipo also gives a bunch of hints and advice that go well beyond the 6 routines that he teaches. I think that anyone here would become a better magician just by watching Pipo perform and listening to his way of thinking. Overall, the production quality is top notch. This download is undoubtly one of my Top 5 purchases that I've made over the last decade on Penguin Magic – and I'm so glad that I did!

On a side note, just to mention that I had to contact Pipo a few days after I bought the download. I had a question about the props that he uses in one of his routines and I got a timely response from him within 24 hours. That's great customer service!

I purchased the download to learn his cup and balls routine and it is excellent. But there are a couple of other things that got my interest as well. Good purchase I think.

Magic for the Shortsighted is well worth the $25 price tag. All the routines are very clever and well explained.

Definitely not for beginners, you'll need a solid understanding of cards/coins/balls before learning some of these.

10/10 would buy more!

The magic and thoughtful insights this brilliant fellow offers here are so far above what such DVDs/downloads usually deliver (even the quite good ones), it is difficult to say how inspiring he is. He can be philosophical about his art in the best sense; so be prepared.

The material is taught at a pretty high level (serious amateur at least, I would say, although there are things for most everyone), but for anyone who truly wants to consider the best that magic can be, this is refreshing.

The routines are great (Atomic Coin!), the performances are classy but relaxed, and the teaching is very good.

Every routine is money in the bank. Highly recommended. Not for beginners that’s for sure.