Author (Read 21759 times)

Ben K · « **on:** December 23, 2012, 08:38:30 AM »

Named Ultimate Deck
Design by Stranger and Stranger
Produced by Dan and Dave

Hi all, not sure if this has already been posted but I found a new deck coming out soon and have found almost no other info on it. Maybe somebody out there can help fill in the details.

Each card face has been created by a different artist (I assume) and it comes as a two deck set in a magnetic box. Gilded edges and tax stamped, its got all the bells and whistles.

Here is the link that I found on notcot.com as well as there write up
http://www.notcot.com/archives/2012/12/stranger-stranger-ultimate-deck.php

"Stranger & Stranger, you’ve outdone yourselves once again. Following their Holiday Spirits of the past few years, “to celebrate the year we broke out of our alcohol comfort zone and designed premium olive oils, fine foods, luxury luggage, and just plain crazy new stuff, we teamed up with the amazing Dan & Dave to create this, our Ultimate Deck.” And broke out of their alcohol they did! Previously, anyone who asked me for suggestions on alcohol packaging, i undoubtedly told them, Stranger & Stranger! Well it sounds like it has been quite the year for the incredible design group… and these cards (no surprise) are STUNNING, down to the tiniest of details! From the matte black magnetic box… to the velvety pouches… to the festive ambigram… to the seal on the deck… to the gilded edges of the deck… to the artwork adorning each card… it’s a magnificent deck of cards! And the quality is incredible, as are all Dan & Dave cards (like the awesome Fulton’s Clip Joint Playing Cards we wrote about previously)… take a peek at all the incredible details of Stranger & Stranger’s Ultimate Deck on the next page!" -www.Notcot.com

Fanofyankees13 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 23, 2012, 09:34:23 AM »

This deck looks awesome! Can't wait till we get more info, especially price. I have a feeling this will be an expensive one, especially if they only come in that set with the book.

Don Boyer · « **Reply #2 on:** December 23, 2012, 06:28:05 PM »

It's cool and all that, but it's an art deck. You get one or two of those, you have enough to last a lifetime. While I like decorative and custom, I prefer practical to be in the mix somewhere as well.

sway · « **Reply #3 on:** December 23, 2012, 06:51:16 PM »

That 4 of Spades is so BBM.

KPopFever605 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 23, 2012, 09:24:09 PM »

It looks pretty cool. In my opinion, it's better than the Anne Stokes decks simply because they have far more variety in artwork. Also, is it me, or does it seem you get two decks with every order because of the size of the magnetic box? Also, this deck seems like the first I am going to get with gilded edges, so that's a plus. That's only if the price isn't too high though. I'm loving the box also.

Don Boyer · « **Reply #5 on:** December 24, 2012, 12:00:16 AM »

Quote from: KPopFever605 on December 23, 2012, 09:24:09 PM

It looks pretty cool. In my opinion, it's better than the Anne Stokes decks simply because they have far more variety in artwork. Also, is it me, or does it seem you get two decks with every order because of the size of the magnetic box? Also, this deck seems like the first I am going to get with gilded edges, so that's a plus. That's only if the price isn't too high though. I'm loving the box also.

What makes the Anne Stokes decks better (including her Alchemy decks) is that the design is consistent. A club will look the same from card to card, the indices are drawn in a consistent manner, appear in the same place, at the same size and are easily read in a fan, etc. It's attractive as art, but not very useful as playing cards - hence, it's an art deck, a la Black Rock.

BTW: art decks of this nature, with multiple contributors, tend to have a higher price tag as a result, for the same reasons why it's cheaper to hire a solo guitarist than a band, and a band is cheaper than an orchestra.

MrMollusk · « **Reply #6 on:** December 24, 2012, 12:19:01 AM »

I actually don't like it too much. The design and detail are incredible, but I feel it's too haphazard. If they stuck to just a few artists, like the ones that designed the 8 of spades, ace of hears, 3 of clubs, 5&4 of spades, etc. I would say this deck would have a design consistent enough to have a fantastic, detailed, diverse design. I feel like the vintage, dark elements of the deck contrast too sharply with cards like the 7 of spades, 10 of diamonds, 9 of diamonds, 5 of hearts, etc.
I also feel like Dan and Dave might be stepping away from their real sense of quality here. They've preached beauty through simplicity with the Smoke and Mirrors deck, the Vintage Plaid, and the Ace Fulton's casino. Most of their cards are also designed for cardists, with a fantastic feel and all around great handling. But gilded decks are TERRIBLE for magic/cardistry/sleights. The De'Vo Blood Metal deck had the worst fan I've ever seen, and were tough to hold on to. I feel like the magnetic box and gilded edges are just to gimmicky for me.
May or may not pick one up. Completely dependent on the price.

Don Boyer · « **Reply #7 on:** December 24, 2012, 12:31:20 AM »

Quote from: MrMollusk on December 24, 2012, 12:19:01 AM

I actually don't like it too much. The design and detail are incredible, but I feel it's too haphazard. If they stuck to just a few artists, like the ones that designed the 8 of spades, ace of hears, 3 of clubs, 5&4 of spades, etc. I would say this deck would have a design consistent enough to have a fantastic, detailed, diverse design. I feel like the vintage, dark elements of the deck contrast too sharply with cards like the 7 of spades, 10 of diamonds, 9 of diamonds, 5 of hearts, etc.
I also feel like Dan and Dave might be stepping away from their real sense of quality here. They've preached beauty through simplicity with the Smoke and Mirrors deck, the Vintage Plaid, and the Ace Fulton's casino. Most of their cards are also designed for cardists, with a fantastic feel and all around great handling. But gilded decks are TERRIBLE for magic/cardistry/sleights. The De'Vo Blood Metal deck had the worst fan I've ever seen, and were tough to hold on to. I feel like the magnetic box and gilded edges are just to gimmicky for me.
May or may not pick one up. Completely dependent on the price.

I get the feeling it's the equivalent of commissioned work. D&D herded the project through USPC for S&S, in other words, and it's mostly S&S's deck, not D&D's.

10ofclubs · « **Reply #8 on:** December 24, 2012, 12:53:30 AM »

I honestly think this deck looks incredibly tacky. I like gilded edges and I even kind of like the backs, but what in the world is the theme? Ultimateness? It looks like exactly what it is; a bunch of random ideas thrown together in card box.

Joker and the Thief · « **Reply #9 on:** December 24, 2012, 01:10:25 AM »

Quote from: MrMollusk on December 24, 2012, 12:19:01 AM

I actually don't like it too much. The design and detail are incredible, but I feel it's too haphazard. If they stuck to just a few artists, like the ones that designed the 8 of spades, ace of hears, 3 of clubs, 5&4 of spades, etc. I would say this deck would have a design consistent enough to have a fantastic, detailed, diverse design. I feel like the vintage, dark elements of the deck contrast too sharply with cards like the 7 of spades, 10 of diamonds, 9 of diamonds, 5 of hearts, etc.

I agree with this bit. I Don't honestly like it, lots of good art work but an art deck with gilded edges. Sorry.

Ben K · « **Reply #10 on:** December 24, 2012, 07:51:00 AM »

Very interesting to hear everyone's take. I am big on art and for that alone I am drawn to the deck.
I would love to see all the artwork and not just part to get my finally opinion but with what's there I have to agree that it's inconsistent, tacky, haphazard...etc.
this makes me sad because there are parts I admire but not worth it as a whole.

MrMollusk · « **Reply #11 on:** December 24, 2012, 06:39:10 PM »

Quote from: Don Boyer on December 24, 2012, 12:31:20 AM

Quote from: MrMollusk on December 24, 2012, 12:19:01 AM
I actually don't like it too much. The design and detail are incredible, but I feel it's too haphazard. If they stuck to just a few artists, like the ones that designed the 8 of spades, ace of hears, 3 of clubs, 5&4 of spades, etc. I would say this deck would have a design consistent enough to have a fantastic, detailed, diverse design. I feel like the vintage, dark elements of the deck contrast too sharply with cards like the 7 of spades, 10 of diamonds, 9 of diamonds, 5 of hearts, etc.
I also feel like Dan and Dave might be stepping away from their real sense of quality here. They've preached beauty through simplicity with the Smoke and Mirrors deck, the Vintage Plaid, and the Ace Fulton's casino. Most of their cards are also designed for cardists, with a fantastic feel and all around great handling. But gilded decks are TERRIBLE for magic/cardistry/sleights. The De'Vo Blood Metal deck had the worst fan I've ever seen, and were tough to hold on to. I feel like the magnetic box and gilded edges are just to gimmicky for me.
May or may not pick one up. Completely dependent on the price.

I get the feeling it's the equivalent of commissioned work. D&D herded the project through USPC for S&S, in other words, and it's mostly S&S's deck, not D&D's.

True, true. But I still feel like Dan and Dave could have interjected some small opinions if they were going to have their names on it.

eirian · « **Reply #12 on:** December 26, 2012, 03:23:47 AM »

Three cards from this deck - Benjamin Carr benjamincarr.co.uk/The-Ultimate-Deck

Michael · « **Reply #13 on:** January 23, 2013, 02:31:47 PM »

Tweeted by the Buck twins not even an hour ago:

"Join us THIS FRIDAY for our second release of 2013. Not sure how we're going to top this one."

Not sure what it is and hoping it'll be cool! I haven't heard anything yet. (Hype hype hype!)

EDIT: the one thing mentioned in the third post reminded me that I had forgotten D&D's collaboration with Stranger and Stranger. Seems to me that it could be the Ultimate Deck!

Frost · « **Reply #14 on:** January 23, 2013, 02:43:57 PM »

can't wait to see what is is probably its the milk bottles ?

Fanofyankees13 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 23, 2013, 02:47:06 PM »

Quote from: Frost on January 23, 2013, 02:43:57 PM

can't wait to see what is is probably its the milk bottles ?

The Anything is Possible bottles were released in December. I'm assuming this release will be the Ultimate Deck and possibly matching uncuts.

Michael · « **Reply #16 on:** January 23, 2013, 02:55:52 PM »

Quote from: Fanofyankees13 on January 23, 2013, 02:47:06 PM

Quote from: Frost on January 23, 2013, 02:43:57 PM
can't wait to see what is is probably its the milk bottles ?

The Anything is Possible bottles were released in December. I'm assuming this release will be the Ultimate Deck and possibly matching uncuts.

How that managed to slip my mind is beyond me :/ haha totally forgot about the Ultimate Deck

MrMollusk · « **Reply #17 on:** January 23, 2013, 04:13:33 PM »

My heart skipped a beat when I read "Ultimate deck"
But the more I'm digging into this, the more likely it seems that Stranger and Stranger had it produced as their Christmas present to give out, rather than something available to the public.
I do hope it's not another recolor or reprint. I'll be staking it out. Paypal at the ready.

Don Boyer · « **Reply #18 on:** January 23, 2013, 06:34:24 PM »

Quote from: MrMollusk on January 23, 2013, 04:13:33 PM

My heart skipped a beat when I read "Ultimate deck"
But the more I'm digging into this, the more likely it seems that Stranger and Stranger had it produced as their Christmas present to give out, rather than something available to the public.
I do hope it's not another recolor or reprint. I'll be staking it out. Paypal at the ready.

I suspect that the Ultimate Deck was a lot like the Robert Graham deck. They never actually distributed that deck unless it was a mystery deck or part of a Variety Box. I think this might be something different that they've kept off the radar. We don't even know for certain that it's a deck - it could be another Variety Box, a DVD, salad tongs, spare tires; y'know, the usual stuff they carry at Dan & Dave's Goods and Sundry Items...

hecrob · « **Reply #19 on:** January 23, 2013, 07:05:42 PM »

I dont trust D&D anymore...

After the last "scam" (the V7s) I dont really care about what they do...

This seems a little bit different but im not going to fall for their marketing...

Ill wait...

see_squared · « **Reply #20 on:** January 23, 2013, 08:23:49 PM »

I personally think it's a really great looking deck of playing cards featuring some incredible artwork from many of the products Stranger & Stranger have helped design and brand. @mrmollusk is correct, If you read the various blogs about it, they weren't ever really made to be sold but as a care package and a holiday gift for various clients and friends of Stranger & Stranger. D&D just helped them produce the deck. The box is probably the most spectacular part in my opinion (black embossed foil on black) but, if there are any uncut sheets out there, it would make for a much better wall piece than most other uncuts.

i don't think think S&S or D&D had magicians or cardists in mind for this deck...so i'd consider it a bonus to us if they do sell them on their site.

xela · « **Reply #21 on:** January 23, 2013, 09:21:47 PM »

tl;dr: We're releasing our 17th release this week, and want you to join us to overpay for a mediocre deck of cards that will never retain its value because we release so many fucking decks.

Emmanuel · « **Reply #22 on:** January 23, 2013, 09:43:59 PM »

Well, Dan and Dave just posted the Ultimate Deck as their cover photo on facebook.

see_squared · « **Reply #23 on:** January 23, 2013, 10:44:08 PM »

haha, i expected as much from @alex. 'meh, i'll just spend my time contributing to this forum by being negative. post.'

sinsandman · « **Reply #24 on:** January 23, 2013, 10:57:59 PM »

Expect the Ultimate Deck, people. Just saying