Magic Video - The Lost Tapes by Earl Nelson

Rediscover a Lost Legacy

Earl Nelson stands as a true titan in the world of sleight-of-hand, celebrated for his meticulous technique and profound understanding of card magic. A close confidant and student of the legendary Dai Vernon, Nelson's distinctive style—characterized by slow, deliberate movements and utterly baffling, poetic effects—has inspired generations. In 1984, he unveiled four groundbreaking videotapes, meticulously detailing material from his acclaimed book 'Variations,' his invaluable notes 'The Workbook,' and offering thoughtful instruction on some of card magic's most vital sleights. Filmed within the hallowed Parlor of The Magic Castle, these tapes immediately became classics, earning numerous mentions in Darwin Ortiz's 'The Annotated Erdnase' and remaining, for many, the pinnacle of instructional magic.

The Miraculous Reappearance

Tragically, in 1994, the devastating Northridge earthquake struck Los Angeles, destroying Earl's home and, critically, the masters for these cherished tapes. Production ceased entirely, transforming Nelson's videotapes into highly coveted, underground artifacts. For decades, they commanded exorbitant prices among the fortunate few who managed to unearth a copy. The story seemed destined to end there, a lost chapter in magic's history. Yet, fate had another trick up its sleeve. During a recent move from California, Earl painstakingly excavated and repacked countless boxes of long-forgotten magical items. Against all odds, nestled amidst the debris, he discovered them: the 'lost masters.' Dusty and slightly darkened by time, but remarkably intact. It is with immense pleasure and historical significance that we now present the re-release of Earl Nelson's legendary 'Magic Video - The Lost Tapes.'

What You'll Master: Volumes 1 & 2

These digital downloads offer a rare opportunity to learn directly from a master.

Volume 1: Foundations of Flawless Card Handling

Dive deep into fundamental techniques with unparalleled clarity. Discover 'The Pass,' demonstrated through a captivating performance of 'Cavorting Aces,' followed by detailed instruction on the Classic Pass, a unique Vernon rip, the Wrist Turn Pass, Turnover Pass, Jiggle Pass, and Stanyon Cover Pass, concluding with a full explanation of 'Cavorting Aces.' You'll also explore 'The Double Lift' and 'The Palm,' examining various techniques including the Dribble Double, Push-off Double, Topping the Pack, Erdnase Bottom Palm, the 'After the Riffle' technique, and the elusive Diagonal Palm Shift.

Volume 2: Acclaimed Effects and Advanced Insights

Elevate your repertoire with stunning effects and deeper magical theory. This volume features 'Highlights of Variations,' teaching 'Reset, Reset,' 'Haunted Card,' 'All Backs, Sleeve Jacks,' 'The $1.50 Vanish,' Clifton's and Earl's Ring Moves, and 'Hit and Run Aces.' From 'The Workbook,' you'll learn the mesmerizing 'Triple Spellbound,' the impactful 'Ultimate Packet Trick,' the deceptive 'Pseudo MacDonald Aces,' and a powerful 'Ace Production Sequence.' This collection provides not just tricks, but the deliberate, thoughtful instruction that makes Earl Nelson a true icon.

Original Specs

Earl Nelson is widely regarded as one of the most skillful sleight-of-hand performers of this generation. A close friend and student of Dai Vemon, Earl's slow, deliberate handlings and showstopper effects are pure poetry.

In 1984, Earl released four videotapes covering material from his acclaimed book, Variations, his notes, called The Workbook, as well as detailed, thoughtful instruction on several of the most important sleights in card magic. The tapes, shot in the Parlor of The Magic Castle, became instant classics. They were referred to numerous times in Darwin Ortiz' book, The Annotated Erdnase. For many, they are still considered amongst the finest instructional tapes ever produced.

Unfortunately, in 1994, the Northridge earthquake hit Los Angeles, devastating Earl's home. Amongst the missing items-the masters for Earl's acclaimed tapes. Sadly, from that day forward, not a single copy was produced. In the intervening years, Earl's rare videotapes have become highly sought-after underground favorites, selling for a small fortune to those lucky enough to find them.

That is where the story is supposed to end. Except that recently, Earl moved out of California, which required him to excavate and repack dozens of boxes of smashed and long-forgotten magical belongings. They were the last thing Earl expected to find, but there they were, tucked away in the debris-the lost masters. Dusty, the footage a bit darkened by time, but all in all, relatively unscathed. And so it is with great pleasure we are able to bring you the re-release of Earl Nelson's legendary videos.

Vol 1:
The Pass:
A performance of Cavorting Aces using passes to be taught
The Classic Pass
A Vernon rip
The Wrist Turn Pass
The Turnover Pass
The Jiggle Pass
The Stanyon Cover Pass
Explanation of Cavorting Aces

The Double Lift, The Palm:
Discussion of different techniques
Dribble Double
Push-off Double
Topping the Pack
Erdnase Bottom Palm
After the Riffle
Diagonal Palm Shift

Vol 2:
Highlights of Variations:
Reset, Reset
Haunted Card
All Backs, Sleeve Jacks
$1.50 Vanish
Clifton's Ring Move
Earl's Ring Move
Hit and Run Aces

The Workbook:
Triple Spellbound
Ultimate Packet Trick
Pseudo MacDonald Aces
Ace Production Sequence