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Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 7th, 2006, 11:13 am
by Guest
Or you could actually read the book, like great card men have done over the last hundred years. The dover edition is like 10 bucks.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 7th, 2006, 11:54 am
by Jim Maloney_dup1
Originally posted by Terrence:
Let's see - I can buy a relatively quick knock off of ECT from Magic Makers to save a few bucks...
Having witnessed some of the several months of preparation, I can assure you that this is not a "quick knock off".

I can get a version from a student of Marlo - one of magic's best cardmen ever ?
I'd consider Wesley James one of magic's best cardmen. He learned from Vernon as well as many other NY greats. So I'm not sure you're statement above is really that relevant.

While I'll agree that Magic Makers doesn't exactly have a great reputation, I think you're mistaken in this case.

-Jim

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 7th, 2006, 12:14 pm
by Guest
Although "a few weeks" seems to have morphed into "several months" - it is the timing that concerns me.

And you're right Jim that I may be mistaken - but for myself it's not a difficult choice.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 7th, 2006, 12:25 pm
by Jim Maloney_dup1
Nothing's morphed...the filming was a few weeks ago. The preparation began several months before that.

Given that Magic Makers has already made videos of Royal Road and Modern Coin Magic, I don't think it's much of a surprise that they decided to tackle Expert at the Card Table as well. I wasn't privy to the decision-making process, though, so I can't really comment on the timing of the release. However, if they've put in the effort to make a quality product, and what's eventually released is a done well, does the timing of it really matter?

You're certainly entitled to make your own choice. I just think that you may be dismissing one video in favor of another based on incorrect assumptions.

-Jim

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 7th, 2006, 5:11 pm
by Geno Munari
Wrong Jim
All Rob Stiff can do is copy. He has nothing original. He thinks it is ok and so be it. The real market place will decide what they want to purchase.

I welcome Rob's video.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 7th, 2006, 5:48 pm
by Guest
Originally posted by Jim Maloney:


While I'll agree that Magic Makers doesn't exactly have a great reputation, I think you're mistaken in this case.

-Jim
Jim:

Do you really believe your own post? Doesn't the copycat behavior, which could negatively affect the financial rewards of Allan's original project investment, bother you?

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 7th, 2006, 6:14 pm
by Guest
I would love to see a 4 camera shoot go to a DVD where the viewer can change the angle! And,I would like to be the guy who edits and formats that DVD. I want no beef with Wes, but let the television guys do television, let the card guys do cards...guys.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 7th, 2006, 10:03 pm
by Guest
Dooooooomed.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 8th, 2006, 12:14 am
by Guest
forget the arguments.

all i got to say is this: Allan Ackerman vs: Who?

... oh wait who cares, Allan Ackerman gets my vote.

im looking forward to it.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 8th, 2006, 6:27 am
by Jim Maloney_dup1
Originally posted by Steve Hook:
Jim:

Do you really believe your own post? Doesn't the copycat behavior, which could negatively affect the financial rewards of Allan's original project investment, bother you?
As Geno said, the market will decide what they want to buy. If he's not bothered, why should I be?

Mainly, I just wanted to come on this thread and correct a few assumptions that were being made about the production of the video (i.e., that it's not something being slapped together by some kid who knows nothing about the material).

Then again, maybe Joe Pike's right.

-Jim

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 8th, 2006, 9:30 am
by Guest
Originally posted by rage1:
forget the arguments.
all i got to say is this: Allan Ackerman vs: Who?
Stunned by that one.

Let's see... if you are doing a version of the Cannibal cards or an Ambitious Card routine you are likely using something where Wesley has contributed.

As to the project being well timed...

Since youtube and magic video depot and the L&L videos by Tommy Wonder et al, it seems obvious to do video versions of classic texts.

I'm surprised we have yet to hear of a project to bring The Dai Vernon Book of Magic onto DVD.

But as to this Allan versus Wesley thing, that is IMHO simply nasty. It puts two competent and well intended magicians at odds in the minds of the mean spirited.

Best to both Allan and Wesley.

Any Vernon students out there up to taking on the first of the Ganson books?

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 8th, 2006, 10:02 am
by NCMarsh
Originally posted by rage1:
forget the arguments.

all i got to say is this: Allan Ackerman vs: Who?

... oh wait who cares, Allan Ackerman gets my vote.

im looking forward to it.
Wesley James has been a major force in 20th Century card magic. If you haven't been exposed to Wesley's work (and, as Jonathan points out, the odds are overwhelming that you have been exposed to it but aren't aware of it), you are in for a treat. I highly recommend Wesley's hardcover from Hermetic press. Take a gander at Hermetic Press and choose "Enchantments" from the drop-down menu.

Wesley is a superb card man who is more than qualified to create this project. Unfortunately, he has chosen Magic Makers as his publisher; and that is a disappointment. I would have expected more of him.

Best,

N.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 8th, 2006, 10:20 am
by Guest
True, i didnt know who Wesley was.

I just know how good Ackerman is and how bad magic makers were the last time.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 8th, 2006, 12:51 pm
by Ryan Matney
You could probably benifit by watching both dvds if you were serious about card magic. Wouldn't it be nice to compare instruction and technique? I need all the help with the DPS I can get.

Jonathan, I'd like to see Johnny Thompson do a Stars of Magic dvd. he could probably do the Vernon Book of Magic justice too.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 8th, 2006, 1:38 pm
by Guest
James may have been active in magic for a long time, but he's not the first (or even ninth or tenth) person who springs to mind when you think of someone who is an expert on EATCT. Same goes for Lovell.

And then, as some have already noted, the notion of piggy-backing on someone else's idea just isn't the gentlemanly thing to do.

Still, one thing's for sure, neither Lovell nor James are likely to make much dough out of this. They're both bound to get stiffed by Stiff.

Joe

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 8th, 2006, 6:22 pm
by Terry
What most have missed and others have stated is that the U.S. of A. is a free market society. The Ackerman fans will buy his DVDs and the James fans will buy his. Some may buy both.

Either way, it seems neither of the gentlemen mentioned have lowered themselves to argue about it on a public message board.

Maybe a lesson there?

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 8th, 2006, 6:47 pm
by Guest
Originally posted by Joe Pike:

Still, one thing's for sure, neither Lovell nor James are likely to make much dough out of this. They're both bound to get stiffed by Stiff.

Joe
A couple of comments here. Regarding Joe's post, this isn't the first project Simon has done with Magic Makers. He wouldn't have gotten involved with another project with Stiff had he had problems the first time around. I've heard that Stiff compensates everyone very well.

Originally posted by Geno Munari:
All Rob Stiff can do is copy. He has nothing original. He thinks it is ok and so be it. The real market place will decide what they want to purchase.

I welcome Rob's video.
However, what Geno says is correct and Geno has the right attitude because Geno has confidence in his product. It's the same with L&L's Royal Road. Louis Falanga didn't have a problem with a side-by-side comparison, although Rob Stiff did. Will he with this new set? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Stiff should have learned by now that he has a better chance of a fair review in the magazines than he does online.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 8th, 2006, 7:14 pm
by Dustin Stinett
I cant speak for Joe Turner or any other reviewers, but I would love the opportunity to do a side-by-side review of these projects. I couldnt do it for Royal Road for two reasons. First, Genii was only was provided the L&L edition. Second, I was completely unaware of the MM edition until well after I wrote the review, other wise I would have begged to borrow a copy. If I get the opportunity to review Genos edition of ECT, perhaps Ill be begging for a MM edition.

Dustin

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 8th, 2006, 7:44 pm
by Guest
Dustin,
We had hoped to do a comparision review for MUM but were not provided a review copy for the Magic Makers version of Royal Road To Card Magic.

As I have noted before, it was a bad choice on Magic Makers part because I found things I liked about BOTH versions. But I'm not about do give them a free quote if they don't have faith in their own products.

I'm very much looking forward to both versions of Expert...

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: July 8th, 2006, 7:47 pm
by Guest
Originally posted by Ryan Matney:
I'd like to see Johnny Thompson do a Stars of Magic dvd.
Ryan,
You should pick up his Classics Of Magic set from L&L. Much of the material is from Stars (including the ACTUAL handling Vernon used for Triumph, not the one that was published for "the masses").

Johnny Thompson is a national treasure.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: August 15th, 2006, 3:19 am
by Guest
Is there any NEW NEWS on the Ackerman Version of The Expert at the Card Table DVD collection?

tcb

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: August 15th, 2006, 11:03 am
by Guest
im not sure if i like the thought of all the classic books coming out on DVD, i think i'll pass on this, unless erdnase does it himself.

i think not revealing the magician who is doing it, would keep with the history of the book.not for me though, cheers, brian.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: August 15th, 2006, 12:19 pm
by Guest
i myself look forward to both versions of the dvd.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: September 30th, 2006, 12:57 am
by Guest
Watch the master in action, have fun:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9OsxP2Whic

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: September 30th, 2006, 9:34 am
by Guest
Was it just me, or did those cards really change from blue to red, and back to blue again?

T.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: September 30th, 2006, 12:32 pm
by Guest
Indeed, around 1:10 the cards are red. They probably did two takes of the routine with different coloured cards and cut the clip together from both sources?!

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: September 30th, 2006, 12:57 pm
by Pete Biro
That's as good as you will EVER see the 10 card poker deal.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: September 30th, 2006, 4:34 pm
by Guest
Anyone know where that Ackerman footage is from?

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: September 30th, 2006, 6:46 pm
by Guest
I have to consider myself lucky to see both men lecture and spend a little time with them. I'll tell you that both Wesley and Allan have a great love for magic and an incredible amount of skill to go with it.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: October 1st, 2006, 3:38 am
by Guest
Originally posted by Bobby Plaut:
Anyone know where that Ackerman footage is from?
I think I remember seeing it in a multi-part German TV-Series called something like "Magic Las Vegas". There were a lot of acts (both stage and close-up) and some interviews. I remember seeing Ackerman doing a version of "Multiplex Reset" and Daryl doing the Jumping Knot and a Colour Changing Knive routine among other things. Somewhere I have it all on tape.

Denis

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: November 16th, 2006, 2:13 am
by Guest
Well, now that the dust has setteled from the last torrent of discussions where do we stand with Geno's Edition of Ackerman on Expert at the Card Table.

Can anyone provide some updated information?

tcb

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: December 27th, 2006, 8:15 am
by Guest
I cant wait for this dvd. Allan is by far the finest card magician in the world... and geno has put out some excellent dvds like the mike skinner series the brother john hamman dvd and the jinx and phoenix cd roms all are top of the line. I look forward to watching Allan do the dps, erdanase shift, and two handed color change first method just to name a few. I have had the honor of Allan and Geno teaching me magic over the years and am such a better magician and person for it.

CHRIS RANDALL

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: December 28th, 2006, 9:34 am
by Guest
From what I've been able to garner from Allan the release will most likely be in Late Spring 2007 and will consist of between 6 to 8 DVD's. It's sure to be an instant classic.

tcb

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: February 11th, 2007, 11:02 am
by Guest
Never thought I'd ever see Mr Ackerman do the playing card tie thing.

Certainly looking forward to seeing his DVD set. I love his relaxed manner and natural handling. A thing of beauty always to behold.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: February 15th, 2007, 11:41 am
by Guest
Geno, with the new Magic Makers "Expert" DVD with Wes coming out soon, you might want to give folks some accurate ideas of what's happening with Alan's disc, and when we (realistically) will be seeing it.

It would be a shame to lose sales to MM for lack of information on the AA disc.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: February 15th, 2007, 8:52 pm
by Geno Munari
I welcome Wes's video adaption on the Expert at The Card Table. His and ours are two seperate projects.

Our delay is in being accurate. Alan wants everything accurate and not a "Table of Contents" video. We have shot more than 50 hours and counting.

The real judge of the production will be the consumer and their acceptance of the project. Hopefully they will enjoy it and its long term success will be the marketplace and outlets where it will be sold.

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: March 23rd, 2007, 6:15 pm
by Guest
Hey Geno,

Do you have any updates for us all on the Ackerman EATCT DVD Series. I bet its tough with classes going on. Perhaps some time can be garnered over the Spring Break to wrap things up.

tcb

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: March 23rd, 2007, 6:58 pm
by Geno Munari
Everything is wrapped up.
A major announcment will be forthcoming.
Thank you all for your support and patience.
Allan is really the "Expert's expert".

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: March 24th, 2007, 3:40 am
by Matthew Field
This is a project all serious card students shoud be very excited about.

Great news, Geno!

Matt Field

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Posted: March 24th, 2007, 4:55 pm
by Guest
Great News! I look forward to getting the ENTIRE DVD collection.

I'm certain that even the book worms are smiling, I know I am!

I appreciate all you and Allan have done to make this project a reality! It's bound to be the Top Seller for 2007.

Thanks again!

tcb