"Colossal Blizzard" DVD by Anthony Miller
Suggested Retail USD$20.00
Available from your favorite dealer
In a Blink: 9 Out of 10

"Colossal Blizzard", a new release by Anthony Miller, is a great combination of two neo-classics with the end result being a practical, powerful piece of magic.

The effect couldn't be anymore straightforward: a deck of cards is shown and a spectator names a color, then a suit, and then a number. This card is found in the deck by the performer and given to a spectator. The deck is then shown to be completely blank, with the selected card being the only printed card in the blank-faced deck.

Yeah, it's a take on Dean Dill's "Blizzard" -- let's be clear about that right up front -- but it's also "Blizzard" with a few differences, thanks to some thinking by Kenton Knepper (notably "Kolossal Killer"), Bob Farmer, and Luke Jermay, all beautifully blended by Miller into a slick, streamlined routine.

It's hard to talk about methods with this one because I've got to watch and make sure I don't expose three effects for the price of one, so I'll just say the ad copy is completely correct: this is entirely self-contained, there is no switching, there are no gimmicked cards, and the sleights (what little there are) are extremely easy -- we're not even talking as questionably difficult as a double-lift. Also, you'll need to supply your own blank deck and regular deck in order to make this one up (so you're into a little bit more of an expenditure to get going with "Colossal Blizzard").

Long story short, this is a great piece of work that lives up to the hype and then some: this one plays very, very well.

The big thing is going to be the natural comparisons between Dill's "Blizzard" and "Colossal Blizzard". Really, when it's all said and done, the difference is this: with Miller's "Colossal Blizzard", you gain pocket real estate at the cost of ending clean.

That's it. Anything else is getting farther down into details than we can in a review without also getting into exposition territory.

Me, I love Miller's take. I love only carrying around the single "one-use" deck. I love not worrying about the dirty work. And honestly, this one is so open and clean in appearance that the dirty ending just doesn't even come up in a spectator's mind (if you're concerned, though, a little thought will have you being able to let a spectator examine the deck at the end -- it's just a little clunky but, hey, we all need our security blankets). With the advanced handlings and thoughts thrown in, "Colossal Blizzard" is worth a look and, for my money, holding onto.

This one I recommend if you like the plot but you're put off by some of the requirements of the original "Blizzard". "Colossal Blizzard" is a very worthy take on the theme and one that can leave a mark on spectators.

"Colossal Blizzard" DVD by Anthony Miller
In a Blink: 9 Out of 10

Material: 10
As a fan of Dill's "Blizzard" and Knepper's "Kolossal Killer", this combination of the two just tickled me. It's good, fast, simple, and plays extremely well. This one's a keeper.

Practicality: 8
Other than needing to pack around a one-use deck and ending dirty, this one is very practical with an easy set-up and an instant reset.

Quality of Production: 9
This is a great production, with great production values. A couple of camera angles needed some help, but otherwise this is nearly perfect.

Quality of Instruction: 10
Oz Pearlman is doing the teaching here, and he's his usual thorough and professional self. I still say he's one of the best instructors in magic and, with everything he explains here, he lives up to the title.

Presentation: 10
With a perfect illusion of freedom, an open handling, and an unexpected (and open-to-interpretation) climax, this one scores huge.

Shane

Available direct from your favorite dealer. Dealers, please contact Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc. toll-free at 1-800-853-7403 or visit Murphy's Magic Supplies website.