"Extreme Burn" DVD by Richard Sanders
Suggested Retail USD$30.00
Available from your favorite dealer
In a Blink: 9 Out of 10

"Extreme Burn", a DVD by Richard Sanders, is an incredibly visual, striking bill change, with a huge variety of handlings and even his original "Slow Burn" included, making this the bill change to get to date.

"Extreme Burn" follows along the usual lines: five bills are counted out, one at a time, and shown front and back and then change to five bills of another denomination. But it's the visuals here that make "Extreme Burn" so hot. There's no cover. There's no waving of the hand over the packet. There's no folding the packet in half before the change. You're simply holding a stack of $1s and they change to a stack of $100s. That easily, that directly, and that visually.

This is good stuff, looking much better than even the demo video portrays. This is one that, when you put it together, you'll do it over and over again just for yourself. It's just plain impressive.

Now, "Extreme Burn" comes with the usual baggage associated with this type of effect. Contrary to the ads, not all currency can be used: currency of roughly the same color and identical size is a must (unless you want to spend time tinkering with things to get it all to work). Sanders has a discussion of this which will help a bit. Also, angles are a problem, but Sanders comes to the rescue with nine (yep, nine!) different handlings that not only look different but also are fit for different performing situations, thus dealing with the angle problem nicely. "Extreme Burn" also requires a little "extra something", but Sanders includes that as well. Really, Sanders tried to cover all his bases here and did a commendable job.

Those variations I mentioned also deal with personal preferences. Don't like one change because you think it's too "flourishy"? Pick another one. You'll find one you'll latch onto that fits your tastes (for the record, I'm in love with "The Underground Change", the last one taught on the disc).

And, as one excellent bonus, Sanders includes his "Slow Burn", which is an excellent slow-motion bill change (and my favorite). I can't rave enough about Sanders decision here. Using the same gimmick as "Extreme Burn", you now have the option of doing a quick change ("Extreme") or a slow change done under the wave of your hand ("Slow"). Talk about giving the consumer options! Put them together and, with nothing else, you've got an instant, two-phase, bill change routine that will kill.

"Extreme Burn", with two routines for the price of one, tons of variations, and visuals to die for, is a must-have for anyone wanting to perform a stunning bill change. If you already perform one of the others out there, this is still worth a look just for Sanders thinking about this type of routine, especially for the price.

"Extreme Burn" is excellent, mind-blowing stuff.

"Extreme Burn" DVD by Richard Sanders
In a Blink: 9 Out of 10

Material: 10
It's a bill change, with the usual packet in play, but this one goes beyond the pale with multiple handlings for virtually any venue, a sometimes dazzling visual change, and even includes the original version which offers a slow-motion change. All of that makes this the bill change to get.

Practicality: 10
The set-up is a bit of work, but once done you're finished until the money wears out. Resets are non-existent. Angles can be an issue, but Sanders teaches a variety of handlings to get you through any problems that may arise. This is extremely practical stuff -- throw it in your pocket or wallet and you're ready to go. The only real caveat? The heat is on and you'll have to figure out a way to dissipate it (easily done, but you'll need something you're comfortable with).

Quality of Production: 9
The production values are very good here, but some of the framing during the performance section is just plain bad. You'll have problems with those, but you'll have no problem learning the work behind this one.

Quality of Instruction: 10
Sanders does a yeoman's task of teaching everything -- and I do mean everything -- associated with his creation. It's a thorough, masterful instruction that will have you doing this before you know it.

Presentation: 10
It's all about the ultra-visual change and how open it all appears. In that regard, Sanders delivers the goods.

Shane

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