Red Mirror

This has it all. A brilliant performance, detailed, thoughtful explanations of all of the routines, notes on creation and subtleties of the routines, in-depth examinations on his handling of particular sleights (Stuart Gordon, Ascanio Spread, etc) and then lecture comments, easter eggs, and more.

Helder puts so much thought into everything he does. Read "Reflections" and you will think about Magic in a different way. The same thing is true with Red Mirror. You will approach your study and thinking about magic in a completely different way.

The only downside is that every other magic dvd you have will seem a little bit disappointing in comparison.

Basically, this is an amazing DVD. The material taught is incredible. Although most of it is difficult and will demand some practice, it is entirely worth the time and effort. In all my collection of DVDs (trust me, I have a lot), this is hands down my favorite. The quality it what you would expect from Dan and Dave, which is incredible and flawless.

That's pretty much it and what Derek DelGaudio say pretty much sums it up: "Watching Helder will make you a better magician."

First, I had heard from the Bucks a few years ago that they were working with Helder Guimares on a DVD. We saw the downloads, and the first thing that jumped into my attention was what I’ve come to call “the Spanish style of magic”. In case you don’t know, Spain is very strong in card magic and heavily influenced by Ascanio, Pepe Carol, Tamariz, Miguel Gomez, and many other great magicians. You can tell, by the handling of the cards, the style of the structure of the trick, and generally the way the trick is executed, whether or not the Spanish style is implemented. Just watch and you’ll catch it. Trust me, it’s there and it’s beautiful.

Secondly, I feel that the world of magic has too many people who are putting out nonsense tricks out there. I would rant about this, but you know what I mean.

That being said, I am incredibly happy to know that products like Red Mirror exist. This is no bull, this isn’t here to hype some cool new trick, and is something that I think we should use as one of the examples on “what you should come close to or surpass if you are putting out a product”. It has Helder’s style and techniques that card magicians will really appreciate. More importantly, it has the thoughts behind every single trick, focusing in the details that make magic powerful (again, something influenced by the Spanish school), and many funny moments that makes this DVD a must-buy.

If you get this DVD, watch it with time and study it well. There’s gold in here, but you have to take your time to consume it all as there is plenty of great things in it. Again, take your time.

So, let’s start:

The first thing that you get when you play the DVD is a note on the screen that basically says that this material is from Helder’s own show and that it is his wishes that you find inspiration in it but not do it exactly like he does. Personally, I think from now on ALL DVD’s should include that!

The second thing, is that the tricks in this DVD are set in a way that you could perform it all as a show itself. Starts with an opener and finishes with a closer. So you are going to get a bit of everything that you need! It comes with the full performance in front of an audience of the entire thing. But, like the first thing I mentioned above, you should do it exactly like he does. Instead, find the inspiration behind it.

The DVD includes interview questions with Helder. His thoughts on structuring, his advice in magic, his history in magic, rehearsing, theater, classic plots in magic, and why he got into card magic.

It also has extras, such as footage from his lecture and Easter eggs. The eater eggs are really nice and one is just absolutely hilarious.