Is a DVD that teaches only one move worth its purchase price? When it comes to Ellusion’s Shapeshifter, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Shapeshifter is an amazing, visual color change that is astounding to watch. And the DVD provides good instruction and a foundation upon which to master the tricky move.
Shapeshifter is the flashiest, most visual color change that I have seen. When done correctly, the card appears to simply change right in front of spectators’ eyes. The setup is fairly straightforward, and with a simple move, you’re left apparently clean. The move is taught here by Marc DeSouza, the genius behind the move. And Brad Christian lends some helpful ideas to perform and use the move, which rounds out the DVD.
DeSouza does most of the basic teaching. He takes time to provide history behind the move and credits Oscar Munoz with providing him with a concept, which became the basis for Shapeshifter. DeSouza provides good, clear instructions on how to setup and perform the move. An over-the-shoulder camera view would have been helpful to view the action from a different angle. I also think that DeSouza could have offered a few more tips on the handling, which I slowly discovered myself as I learned the move.
DVD Extras
In addition to a basic setup, DeSouza presents his slick Dribble Double, an elegant way of using a card dribble to get into and perform Shapeshifter. Beyond Shapeshifter instructions, DeSouza provides two more color change moves: the Cover Change and his New Theory Classic Change, both of which are useful, although Shapeshifter is clearly the best of the bunch.
DeSouza presents a short color-change routine, and instructions on performing the LePaul Sidesteal and Erdnase Diagonal Palm Shift-both excellent utility moves. The last two moves feel out of place on the DVD as they don’t relate to color changes or setting up Shapeshifter. While DeSouza does a decent job of explaining the Sidesteal, his instructions on performing the Diagonal Palm Shift lack depth.
Brad Christian provides helpful insight into learning Shapeshifter and another good way of setting it up. Christian’s segments provide the helpful reverse camera angle that I felt was missing in DeSouza’s presentation.
Christian also provides a trick, the Gypsy Burn Effect, which makes innovative use of Shapeshifter. I perform a similar signed, color change effect in my strolling gigs that relies on a DL. Christian’s use of Shapeshifter is a brilliant adaptation that I think results in a cleaner effect. This is something I’ll definitely be trying.
The DVD has excellent production values-the best and most visual I’ve seen on an instructional magic DVD. The introductory segments blend slow motion with sepia tones, and there’s edgy music and flashy title graphics. This one is a pleasure to view.
