"Die-Lirious" DVD by Terry LaGerould
Suggested Retail USD$20.00
Available from your favorite dealer
In a Blink: 5 Out of 10

"Die-Lirious", a DVD by Terry LaGerould, is yet another recent release of the Sack's dice routine, but, unlike some others, is too confusing, too dirty, and too ill-explained to rank up there with some of the better offerings.

In the titled routine, LaGerould begins with a barehand production of the dice, then goes through the usual "changing spots" piece of the routine, and finally ends with the two dice turning into a double-blank domino. Really, that's about how easy it is to explain this routine. And, if this were the only routine in the world where dice appear, then change spots, then morph to something else, it would be good to get, play with, smooth out here and there, and present with some confidence.

But that's not the case and, even at the low price, "Die-Lirious" simply doesn't stack up to other versions you can get.

There are a few problems with this one, mostly in terms of structure.

First, the production to start things off is flimsy. It looks like exactly what it is and what it is isn't magical enough for a routine like this: two hands, never shown empty, produce two dice. Kind spectators may grin, drunk spectators may holler, intelligent spectators will sit in silence and try to be polite. Contrast that with Reed McClintock's production from a purse frame in "Ivory Connection" and the weakness here is obvious.

Second, the changing sequence is long and confusing, with too many similar changes along the lines of a five and a six changing to a six and a five, if you get the mental image there. True, other changes make up for that, but why build confusion into the mix when you're after astonishment? Compare to Bob Sheets' "It's the Rules" and you'll see how much of a problem this can be for all but the most alert spectators.

Third, transformational endings are fine and, in fact, I prefer them. But there must be some logic there, something for spectators to hang their hat on. Turning two dice into a double-blank domino doesn't cut it without a presentational hook which is missing from the explanation. You'll need to come up with one to get the most bang for your buck with this routine.

And while we're talking about explanations... Fourth, the explanations here are excellent at times but falter seriously on how to produce that climax. You are entirely on your own. LaGerould simply moves his hand out of camera then back in with the switch done. To me, this is just plain lazy. This is LaGerould's routine and I want to learn how LaGerould does it. Without instruction, we can only assume a pocket switch which is about as weak as it gets for this kind of climax.

And that's how I feel about the titled effect; the second effect, "Die-Ametricks" struck me about the same.

If this sounds harsh, I don't mean it to be. "Die-Lirious" has a ton of short-comings, but the experienced performer can certainly work through them and may find something here or there worth doing. But with all the good, solid routines out there, "Die-Lirious" comes across as a weak entry onto the field.

Most likely, you'd be better served to spend the extra money and get one of the other routines that comes with less baggage and more entertaining magic.

"Die-Lirious" DVD by Terry LaGerould
In a Blink: 5 Out of 10

Material: 4
Yet more takes of the Sack's routine, this time with the dice appearing, changing, and then transforming to a blank domino (don't ask). The problem here is that the routine is confusing, you end dirty (with the heat cranked way up), and some weak points through-out. With other, better routines out there, this one serves more as a curiosity than anything else.

Practicality: 8
You'll need specific-sized dice (to match the specific domino you're going to use) and that can be trick in itself. Also, the climax will kill you unless you perform yet another switch to try to end a bit cleaner. Solve those two issues, though, and the routine is quite practical.

Quality of Production: 5
The production values are fine; you'll have no problem learning the routine from the video and audio side of life.

Quality of Instruction: 3
What is explained is explained very well and in good detail; the problem is what isn't explained, namely the switch for the climax. You're left to your own there while LaGerould merely moves his hand out of camera and back with the switch accomplished. This is just too intellectually lazy for this routine.

Presentation: 5
There are weak spots that hurt this one, especially when compared to other routines out there right now. Throw in some confusing pieces -- forcing a lot of restating to make the spectators grasp what is going on -- and you end up with an average piece of work.


Shane

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