http://www.pacmagic.com/products.htmlFirst ImpressionsThere are many pass videos out right now--On The Pass with Richard Kaufman, E's own Ninja 1, and The Pass with Randy Wakeman. I've seen them all, and I have to say, my favorite video on the pass is Peter Cassford's Pass With Care.
In the beginning of the video Cassford gives his opinion on several myths concerning the Pass, such as the much debated topic of whether or not it's an efficient card control or not, and whether or not the pass is a move that needs to be performed with great speed (which Cassford debunks by performing a 10 second classic pass). He then focuses on teaching--in great detail--the classic pass with rock (owners of Ninja 1 will recognize the pass with rock as the invisible pass). Near the end he goes over a few variations (jiggle pass, riffle pass, and dribble pass) and teaches two tricks.
Here's the Chapter Index:
1. Intro
2. Myths of the Classic Pass
3. 10 Second Pass
4. Give Me a Break
5. Mechanics
6. Angles
7. Flashing Points/The Rock
8. My Variation of the Rock
9. Layer of Misdirection
10. Variations
-Riffle Pass
-Jiggle Pass
-Dribble Pass
11. Speed
12. Building Confidence
13. Practice Routine
14. Live Performance
The TeachingHe doesn't have the teaching personality of Brad Christian or Jay Sankey; in fact Cassford's teaching style is a bit robotic and rehearsed--but it's very effective. He teaches the pass slowly, from every angle, inside and out, over and over again until you have a complete understanding of the move. He goes over the mechanics, the angles, and even how to perform the pass when completely surrounded (which he demonstrates on the streets).
In short, Cassford teaches you, in great detail, how to perform the classic pass (while someone is burning your hands) as a real world, efficient, and reliable sleight.
DifficultyThe pass is not an easy move to learn. I've watched several videos on it, read several books discussing it, and talked with many magicians about it. All improved my understanding and helped my progress, but it was this video that finally nailed the move for me.
I know several magicians who have practiced the pass for a year or more and still don't use it when they perform because they don't feel they have it down well enough. After a little less than a month with Cassford's video, I am now using the pass regularly in my card magic.
Cassford completely breaks down the pass (the grip, the move, the cover--everything) and makes the move as simple and easy to understand as possible.
Practice LoopsThis was one of my favorite parts of the DVD. As a bonus to the feature, Cassford has included practice video loops for the classic pass, the rocking pass (invisible pass), jiggle pass, dribble pass, and riffle pass. They're shot close up from an exposed view. Once started, they play until you stop them. This is a great practice tool for learning the pass. You can put a loop on for an hour or two and just practice, practice, practice. No pausing and rewinding needed!
TricksThere are only two tricks taught on this DVD, but both have gone straight into my repertoire as they are fun to perform, pretty easy (once you have the pass down), direct, hard hitting effects. Cassford gives a couple street performances of each, and then teaches them in the studio.
ProductionThis DVD will not be remembered for its great production. The production is mediocre. It doesn't make it easy or hard to watch. The production accomplishes what it needs to and nothing more.
PriceThe video is $30 with no S&H charge. If you want to learn the pass, this video will teach you everything you could possibly want to know. In my opinion, that's a great price. To put it in context, many single tricks are $30 or more. This is a diverse move you can make into several tricks, or use to make other tricks you already know more direct.
ClosingI give it a strong 10/10 rating. Why? Because this DVD accomplishes its intended goal to perfection--it teaches you the pass and gives you the confidence to perform it.
If you want to learn the classic pass and be able to use it as a regular move in your repertoire for real world performances, or if you're having trouble getting it down, Peter Cassford's Pass With Care is for you. Cassford shot the DVD from the best angles, goes over everything in extreme detail, and leaves none of your questions on the pass unanswered. I give it my highest recommendation. This was easily one of the best magic videos I ever bought.
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Mat
