Hello everybody!
It’s a new year and man, last night I had an awesome show. So great to get my groove on!
I want to give a big shout out to my buddy Peter Loughran and his new effect Creature Shock, which looks absolutely incredible! This new release and his Witchcraft are on my "must buy" list.:)
On to this week’s review: DVD number 1 of Docc Hilford’s Monster Mentalism Set. It’s called “Attack of Monster Mentalism.” You can buy the whole set or the DVDs individually from Hocus Pocus. By itself, this DVD is $34.95.
First I want to give some overall thoughts on Docc Hilford himself. I first found out about Docc from the New Invocation magazine, which he took over from Tony Andruzzi. Docc’s writings were delightfully weird and practical.
Years later, I had the opportunity to watch Docc on the Desert Brainstorm series. On those DVDs, I thought Docc’s performances were melodramatic, drawn out and just plain boring. Nonetheless, I decided to get the Monster Mentalism DVDs because many of the effects sounded intriguing.
After watching all four DVDs, I was blown away by how charismatic Docc was. His charm and personality seemed to leap out of the TV screen. Where was this guy during the Desert Brainstorm DVDs? When watching the Monster DVDs, I could instantly see why so many people are drawn to Docc…but this incredible gift of his certainly does make his material more challenging for other people to perform, as least from where I sit.
FORMAT: Each DVD, assuming you hit the play from beginning feature, begins with a sort of psychedelic, 50’s motive musical introduction that goes on…way…too…long. Then Docc, wearing a sharp suit, performs his set in front of your typical L&L audience, including “Frontrow Frank,” and at one point, Docc evenly gently chides Frank. After the effects, Docc sits and explains them with his good friend, David Alexander, sits with him so the two can banter about performing philosophy, not only pertaining to the included effects but also performing as a whole.
As the two talk, you get a sense of their real life relationship and the casual way they dialog is helpful to making these DVDs very enjoyable to spend time with these two men.
Here are the effects on Disk One along with my thoughts and ratings using the 10 scale…
TIME WILL TELL – This is a time effect, as the title would suggest. A spectator sets his time to any time he wishes and the mentalist reads his mind, writing the time on a billet. This is good effect, but a key thing to keep in mind with billet work is NOT necessarily the physical work but the fact that there is often a lot of fiddling and writing going on before “stuff” happens, so the biggest challenge, then, is keeping the audience’s interest during all of this. The journey truly is paramount, here. 5 out of 10.
JAILBAIT – In essence, this is a re-working of the old “numbers” trick that comes with magic sets…the one where you hand someone several cards with numbers on them, they think of a number and then hand the cards that have said number on it back to you and without them saying a word, you’re able to reveal the number. Docc’s handling is a little different, giving the piece another “logical disconnect” and framing the effect with a delightfully absurd premise that I easily fell in love with. From a marketing perspective, Docc reveals a way to use this to put your contact info in people’s hands. It’s a charmer, great for strolling and one of the best pieces on the whole set. 9 out of 10.
DEAD OR ALIVE – As the subject title would suggest, this is a living/dead test with billets and a swinging pendulum. I use pendulums all the time in my hypnosis work as a ‘convincer’ and can attest to the power of using it in the deception arts too. The handling of the billets is simple, angles are good, etc. Unfortunately, since Docc’s premise is of a living/dead test, you are dealing with, potentially, powerful memories and therefore a routine like this has to be handled with kids’ gloves. In fact, even though Docc keeps the proceedings light and upbeat, the participant for this routine got a little “misty,” as in teary-eyed, causing Docc to immediately work to keep her mood 'light.' I can see this being unbelievably powerful for séance work, but caution is advised. Another 9 out of 10.
T-4-2 – This is a card mindreading effect, specifically the divination of a card (of course) and like all card effects in mentalism, you’ll have to decide for yourself whether adding cards to a pure mentalism performance is for you. Since this is a mentalism DVD with Docc Hilford, he’s not afraid to mix up mental magic, mentalism and even regular magic, so the viewer will have to make the determination whether it’s right for them. Personally, I feel effects like this are way too dry for a regular magic show so if I were to ever use it, it would be in the context of a mentalism show. This is just OK in my book. 5 out of 10.
HARD AND SOFT DRINKS – This is a billet effect in which the mentalist uses a hat to contain several billets that have drinks’ names written on them. The magician is able to use his mojo (and a little billet work) to reveal the chosen drinks. I thought this was the weakest effect on the entire disk. Docc is charismatic as hell to pull this off, barely, as even the L&L faithful didn’t seem blown away. The idea of using alcoholic drinks in a mindreading routine for adults is a great hook t get the attention of adults but the billet work just takes too long to set up and using the hat struck me as very unnatural. Personally, I would probably take the overall premise of the routine and combine it with Bob Cassidy’s fantastic two billet routine, Name/Place, off of his Mental Miracles DVD. That handling is streamlined and smooth as hell, without Docc’s clunky hat to muck things up. 3 out of 10.
UNCLE KLINK – This is Docc’s handling of the 7 Keys to Baldpate effect, which is the effect of finding which key out of 7 is the right one to open a lock. The problem with an effect like this is that the ending is telegraphed to the audience the moment the premise is set up, so the unlocking of the lock is decidedly anti-climatic to say the least. However, Docc has wrapped a delightfully macabre routine around this old plot and added in a simple escape from chains wrapped around your wrist. The plot is terrific as the script makes the whole “testing of the keys” part of the routine riveting theater with a lot of suspense and black humor. The escape at the end is a great added climax. It’s a sensational routine and I’ve seen other performers use this almost verbatim and it transfers just fine out of Docc’s capable hands into another performer’s. Highly recommended. 9 out of 10.
So, realizing there are some absolutely great routines here along with others I did not care for. I will give this DVD a 8 out of 10, with the additional remark that if you’re looking for new or fancy routines, this is not for you. The biggest value is the scripting, particularly how Docc breathes new life into dusty old relics.
I’ll be back next week with the review for the second DVD in the series.
Best,
Cris Johnson
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
New Product and REVIEW: Multiplying Rum Bottles by Reg Donnelly & Paul Romhany
Hi all,
I'm very excited to announce my NEW product, my "Corporate Magician's Newsletter System." This is honestly something I've been using for several years. My thinking behind this System is the fact that once a corporate prospect contacts me, I have to do something to maintain contact with them over and over and subtly move the client to booking my services. It's been incredibly successful for me and now it can be yours.
All the details are here: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/product_detail.cfm?item=19721
On to this week's review: it's the Multiplying Rum Bottles by Reg Donnelly & presented by Paul Romhany. Here's the link: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/product_detail.cfm?item=19436
They are available from Hocus Pocus for $500. This week was going to be the beginning of the four week review of the Docc Hilford DVDs, but I decided not to wait on this item.
EFFECT: The classic multiplying bottles effect which starts out as a transposition of a bottle and a glass evolves or "devolves" into the unexpected production of a total of 9 bottles. For a kicker, two Coke cups are produced at the end.
WHAT YOU GET: You receive the 9 white 'rum' bottles, two tubes, an instructional DVD and two Coke "cups."
MY EXPERIENCE: I've been doing the multiplying bottles for about 12 years. For the first few years, I used what I would describe as a "starter" set that cost my around $90. It was two sets of nesting 4 bottles, so as you would imagine, the size difference between the smallest and largest bottle was more than I'd like. The fit was also tight, so the labels were scratched to hell in no time.
I upgraded to a set of 9 Harries bottles a few years later and the quality was fantastic. I loved those bottles and only replaced them because I'd dropped them a few times, so the bottles were bent and would jam from time to time.
QUALITY OF THESE BOTTLES: These new Rum bottles are of the same quality as the rum bottles. They nest together well but are not so tight as to cause the same problems as my 'starter' set. They are terrific. The tubes are metal, and thus are better quality than the mailing tube ones that came with my Harries bottles. So, this new set is an improvement.
The cups are a lot sturdier than I would have expected, so that was a nice surprise.
INSTRUCTIONAL DVD: In this DVD, Paul reveals the song he uses when performing with these bottles to music, so that's a nice presentational twist especially with the surprise twist of the Coke cups at the end. The DVD is very quick and basic, but as Paul contends, most people buying this set at $500 are pros familiar with the bottles' handling and therefore are comfortable with the effect.
THE REAL WORLD: Since I've been doing the Bottles for so long, I felt comfortable putting them right into my show a few days after I received the set. Quite simply, they handled great and the effect rocked as it always does. I also decided to buy these bottles because the white of the bottles really 'pops' from stage and helps the visual aspect of the effect.
RATING: Great quality props and the bonus of the Coke cups is a great kicker and added value. This gets a perfect 10 out of 10 from me and my highest recommendation.
Next week, I begin the four part Docc Hilford review!
I'm very excited to announce my NEW product, my "Corporate Magician's Newsletter System." This is honestly something I've been using for several years. My thinking behind this System is the fact that once a corporate prospect contacts me, I have to do something to maintain contact with them over and over and subtly move the client to booking my services. It's been incredibly successful for me and now it can be yours.
All the details are here: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/product_detail.cfm?item=19721
On to this week's review: it's the Multiplying Rum Bottles by Reg Donnelly & presented by Paul Romhany. Here's the link: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/product_detail.cfm?item=19436
They are available from Hocus Pocus for $500. This week was going to be the beginning of the four week review of the Docc Hilford DVDs, but I decided not to wait on this item.
EFFECT: The classic multiplying bottles effect which starts out as a transposition of a bottle and a glass evolves or "devolves" into the unexpected production of a total of 9 bottles. For a kicker, two Coke cups are produced at the end.
WHAT YOU GET: You receive the 9 white 'rum' bottles, two tubes, an instructional DVD and two Coke "cups."
MY EXPERIENCE: I've been doing the multiplying bottles for about 12 years. For the first few years, I used what I would describe as a "starter" set that cost my around $90. It was two sets of nesting 4 bottles, so as you would imagine, the size difference between the smallest and largest bottle was more than I'd like. The fit was also tight, so the labels were scratched to hell in no time.
I upgraded to a set of 9 Harries bottles a few years later and the quality was fantastic. I loved those bottles and only replaced them because I'd dropped them a few times, so the bottles were bent and would jam from time to time.
QUALITY OF THESE BOTTLES: These new Rum bottles are of the same quality as the rum bottles. They nest together well but are not so tight as to cause the same problems as my 'starter' set. They are terrific. The tubes are metal, and thus are better quality than the mailing tube ones that came with my Harries bottles. So, this new set is an improvement.
The cups are a lot sturdier than I would have expected, so that was a nice surprise.
INSTRUCTIONAL DVD: In this DVD, Paul reveals the song he uses when performing with these bottles to music, so that's a nice presentational twist especially with the surprise twist of the Coke cups at the end. The DVD is very quick and basic, but as Paul contends, most people buying this set at $500 are pros familiar with the bottles' handling and therefore are comfortable with the effect.
THE REAL WORLD: Since I've been doing the Bottles for so long, I felt comfortable putting them right into my show a few days after I received the set. Quite simply, they handled great and the effect rocked as it always does. I also decided to buy these bottles because the white of the bottles really 'pops' from stage and helps the visual aspect of the effect.
RATING: Great quality props and the bonus of the Coke cups is a great kicker and added value. This gets a perfect 10 out of 10 from me and my highest recommendation.
Next week, I begin the four part Docc Hilford review!
Monday, January 16, 2012
2012 Is Here, New Product Soon and REVIEW: Guest Review!
Whew, where does the time go??
2012 is here and it's business as usual, meaning I'm up to my eyeballs in work. Last last year I picked up the Voodoo Doll by John Kennedy that was for sale in the Estate section in Hocus Pocus. VERY cool prop! I'm busy rehearsing with it to make it a fantastic addition to Murder By Magic.
Speaking of Murder By Magic, it is GONE, no longer available. I may bring it back to Hocus Pocus in the future, but right now it's no longer available.
In it's place is a new release I've been debating whether or not to offer simply because it's just too darn good, but I've decided...Later this week I'll make the formal announcement right here, maybe as early as tomorrow!
As far as reviews go, I'm very excited because I've got a set of Reg Donnelly's new Multiplying Rum Bottles coming my way. My old set of Harries bottles are so dinged up that they just don't "slide" very well anymore. These new Rum bottles look sensational because the white of the bottles will really 'pop' from stage. As soon as I get them, I'll be doing a review. The Multiplying Bottles has been a stable in my shows for about a decade, so I'm very excited about this release.
Now, for something a little different...I received an unsolicted review of Docc Hilford's Monster mentalism DVDs, so just as an experiment, I'm going to run his review as after reading it, I felt he was a working pro who actually put some thought as well as effort into trying out a lot of the effects on the Docc DVDs.
I don;t completely agree with his opinions of everything he mentions, but that's what makes the world go 'round - diversity. This week I'll run his review and starting next week, I'll begin a 4-part series of reviewing the Monster Mentalism DVDs in detail, one DVD per week and finally on the 5th week, I'll offer my overall grade of the whole set.
This approach of really getting into detail with DVD reviews is one of the changes for the blog in 2012. (Quick Disclaimer: the views of the following review do not necessarily coincide with the views of blah blah blah. You know the drill). If you'd like to send in a review of any item purchased from Hocus Pocus, email me at crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net. I think the "guest reviewer" thing is pretty cool, so I'm open to doing it again from time to time.
Monster Mentalism DVDs by Docc Hilford are available from Hocus Pocus, with each individual title available for $34.95 or you can get the whole set for $139.80. Here's the ad copy:
Docc Hilford is the crazed creator of the renowned Cassandra Deck, author of over 30 books on mentalism and consultant for a dozen television shows. He's joined by professional mentalist David Alexander to discuss the psychology behind each piece. Monster Mentalism is an astonishing collection of useable effects and the diabolical methods that have made Docc Hilford infamous.
Volume 1 - Attack of Monster Mentalism
Contemporary mentalism can be as fun and exciting as a hot night at a drive-in movie. The giant screen portrays regular people, leading mundane lives until -- DUNH DUNH DUNH -- an unexpected monstrous event influences their lives forever. That's what good mentalism can be -- a MONSTER.
Time Will Tell -- A Dunninger secret that rips the fabric of time and space! See an unsuspecting spectator set his watch to any time he wishes. A primitive sketch of a watch face eerily has the same time!
RATED RT - for Real Time Mentalism™
Jailbait -- From a feverish, perverted mind like Ed D. Wood Jr., comes a tale of juvenile delinquency and miscreant mentalists. Don't miss the shocking end of this Glen or Glenda story where an ordinary man receives the disgusting ability to create "young girls" out of grown men everywhere. On the job, on the golf course, at home . . . where will it end?
Dead or Alive -- Only the hand of a naive woman and the chilled fingers of a ghost touch a fateful pendulum, yet its movements tell a dozen details about the deceased; details NEVER WRITTEN! Suddenly, a cry. It's the dead man's name! WARNING: This routine teaches extremely strong subject matter and should be attempted only by responsible individuals.
T-4-2 -- Out for a night of fun, two men secretly think of a card. You'll be on the edge of your seat when you watch a mysterious stranger figuratively dissolve his victims with his evil eye and disclose their secrets. Audiences everywhere are stunned at the shocking conclusion of this riveting routine.
Hard and Soft Drinks -- The secret world of teenage drinking parties, dancing, smoking and uncontrolled desire is our backdrop. Only the intervention of someone who possesses a psychological intelligence and an ability to manipulate paper slips can save Angela's drunken soul.
RATED RT - for Real Time Mentalism™ Uncle Klink -- Harry Klink's mad wife devised and executed a murder so horrific that it made seasoned detectives queasy. But Harry Klink was a true artist of escape. Freeing himself from the grave, his water-soaked corpse is on a rampage of revenge. You'll see solid steel chains pass through human flesh when Klink makes his presence known. Just keep telling yourself, "It's only a trick . . . it's only a trick."
Volume 2 - Curse of Monster Mentalism
Mentalism is killing people -- but not in a good way. Death by dullness. However a MONSTER is loose. A creature that's set on revenge. Vowing to destroy a contemporary tediousness that's growing like a cancer.
Tear away from the safety of your father's mentalism. Give yourself completely to the curse. Become one of us . . .
Nightmare Coin -- Have you ever dreamt you walked past an empty house at night? Have you ever been unable to wake up from a nightmare? From the acclaimed book, Band of the Hand, comes a chilling routine that turns a spectator's ethereal dream into a solid, spendable nightmare!
Rasputin's Secret -- The man who couldn't die! Rasputin used a palace as a playground. His unbridled lust and alcoholic gluttony knew no bounds. His surreptitious secret, and a special deck of cards, allowed him to know the past, the present and the future. Information that freed him from the mundane laws of society. Now you can possess his secret . . . his life style . . . and his deck! IMPORTANT NOTICE: This specialized deck still sells for $25. Tell no one.
For One to End -- Do you believe that speaking certain words can influence a person's thoughts? One man did and used his awesome ability to wreak havoc throughout a quiet seaside resort. Psychic expert Banachek declares Docc Hilford's original technique to be, ". . . one of the strongest psychological subtleties in print today!" See the unedited, director's cut.
40,000 Words -- Like a brain that will not die, this hoax will assault your senses with a barrage of clandestine information. Psychically removing a mentally selected word from a spectator's brain will propose no problems, but can it be done without destroying the surrounding living tissue? You must see this!
Rhineless ESP -- A quiet laboratory. A simple test between two people. And a mental power so astounding that when unleashed, it threatens to destroy an entire university. See this with someone you love so they won't have to suffer through another night of the dreaded Two-Person-Code!
1 in 10 -- See that man? He's different. He makes remarkable statements, boasts incredible intelligence and successfully demonstrates his claims. But he has something normal men don't -- the incredible power to erase your memory, leaving only facts he wishes you to retain. Now even the simplest card tricks hold dreadful intensity. WARNING: This routine contains powerful concepts and is intended for use by responsible individuals.
Volume 3 - Bride of Monster Mentalism
A dreadfully seductive beauty has emerged from the depths. She begins by humorously entertaining her victims and leaves them with an insatiable urge to believe in her awful abilities. This bride is dangerous. She is MENTALISM!
A Letter from the Future -- A mysterious man risks everything to travel forward in time, gain information and prove he's returned to the past. But will he live long enough to see his proof discovered? An interactive production that will draw you into every choice that either proves or disproves it's not just science fiction.
Tridiction -- When David was thrown out of a Tahoe casino, he vowed revenge. A Satanic pact gives him a weird power, enabling him to predict the outcome of dice, poker and 21! Now they would pay, but what would be the price to David's soul? WARNING: This technique is described for entertainment purposes only!
Self Help -- When evil genius Harry Lorayne created a nightmare in his basement, he never dreamed that its chains would be broken and the little terror re-trained to rip the eyes out of innocent tradeshow attendees. But that's what happened. Come see the beast . . . if you dare. In 1992, a group of young college students were forced to participate in the following three unspeakable, psychic experiments:
Projected Force -- A subject was psychologically MADE to think of a playing card without any being present. NOTICE: This is the original method that became a famous UK mentalist's favorite.
Peek Book -- Without a single book in view, another subject was instructed to merely think of a word. She never wrote it down, yet unconsciously made it evident to the experimenter. An apparent "bookless-booktest."
ESPed -- A subject was finally instructed to draw any picture he imagined on an index card. This experiment was conducted across the room and the experimenter never touched the card, yet he still had total knowledge of the design. Now the experimenter becomes the experimented! The required props for this full routine are as bare as the skeletons buried behind the laboratory. It's shockingly direct! "This is the closest thing to real mind reading I've ever seen!" --- Dr. John Randolph, Miskatonic University Dept. of Psychology
Volume 4 - Night of Monster Mentalism
It's a dark night when audiences scratch at your door . . . demanding actual entertainment. A single taste of your new mentalism isn't enough. They need more! Following you on the street, reaching through the hallways of restaurants or even breaking thewindows of your own home, what will you do when they cry for MONSTER MENTALISM?
Impossible Choice -- What's crazier than a mad street performer who sneaks off to a deserted coffee shop, transforms himself into a mutant half-mentalist, half-jellyfish and attacks college kids with his razor-sharp deck of death? Not much!
The Great Magazine Test -- Like the pounding of your heart . . . book tests . . . book tests. . . BOOK TESTS! A far as a man can run, he can't escape the unremitting beating of ubiquitous book tests. There's only two ways out -- either a razor to the wrists or the gentle love of a magazine. In this test, two people share more than mere words; they share a night of insanity.
Number of the Beast -- The ancient Egyptians knew the accurate, undying vibrations of numbers. The teachings of the adepts, long hidden in the dusty tombs of the past, are now revealed in a demonstration so direct, it's impossible to understand.
It's Personal -- Meeting new people is simple. But be careful. The night is filled with strange people. When one unsuspecting woman reads a personal ad, she finds that someone knows more than her selected card, he knows everything about her! A chilling example of depraved psychic phenomena ripped from the pages of your local newspaper.
Killer on Tiber Street -- A relentless, psychotic killer is pursuing innocent prey. The police are entirely bewildered because the slayer randomly selects his unsuspecting victims from a telephone book. Only you can use psychic abilities to discover the victim, decipher the address and prevent the murder; but will you be too late?
Invisible Dice -- In the world of fast gamblers and loose women, there's a secret tool that everyone desires. Rare and beautiful, when possessed they ensure wealth, power and all the luxuries that come along for the ride. Maybe you'll find the... INVISIBLE DICE!
Regular retail price of each DVD is $34.95 each, but you can grab the entire set now for the low, low, Hocus Pocus online price listed below! Not subject to further promotions, discounts, etc.
Here's Jesse Gernigin's review:
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The Silver Screen Frights: Reviewing Docc Hilford's Monster Mentalism 4 DVD Set
Hey guys I am Jesse Gernigin of www.gentlemanmagician.com. I am a full time entertainer who splits his time doing hypnosis and magic/mindreading shows. I perform full time and have done so for five years. In that time I have built my business from performing two weekends a month to doing shows all year. I perform all across the country for corporations, colleges and private events. I offer these credentials so you understand the review comes from the perspective of someone who spends their time in front of paying audiences. A quick but obvious note: Docc's DVD set was shot with L and L Publishing so the audience can be over reactive at times but his material comes across clearly. There are four dvd's in the set and each dvd contains different material. The first dvd was my favorite clocking in with six tricks.
DVD 1:
Time Will Tell: This was Docc's take on a Dunniger effect. In it Docc shares an interesting trick Dunniger used to exploit. The trick isn't the strongest but you get to see how Docc does a center tear. Docc's center tear, although simple, is a good reminder that you don't always have to tear and peak at the same time. Overall the effect isn't that great but it is nice to see that you don't have to peak while tearing so the effect gets a 2.5 out of 5
Jailbait: This is a weird one to review. Hands down it is the weakest effect on the whole set. what Docc did was dress up the old calculator trick and invert the method (for those that know the trick you understand what I am saying). I remember being dissappointed when I saw what it was. But then I got to the explanation (which I almost skipped) and I was blown away by the advice Docc offered. I won't give it away but Docc has come up with a method to transform your clients into publicity machines using the calculator trick. His advice, if followed, makes this a 4 out of 5
Dead or Alive: What's funny is that Jailbait is the worst effect in the set and Dead or Alive is the best and one comes right after the other. Dead or Alive is Docc's take on the classic effect to which he adds the use of a pendulum. Watching the effect will make you want to go out and buy a pendulum! Docc's performance is spot on and can stand as a social study in audience engagement, the power of suggestion and creating powerful reactions. This effect gets a 5 out of 5.
Hard and Soft Drinks: This is an odd one to reivew. You see my favorite pieces from Docc are his billet routines. So my biggest dissappointment with the set was that Docc didn't put out any of his more popular billet routines. I understand that doing so would greatly detract from him selling them at later dates but I would have loved to have seen Number 6, The Cinderalla Act or any of his billet work performed. With that in mind I had to watch and then re-watch Hard and Soft Drinks before I realized it was a great routine. Hard and Soft Drinks is a billet routine were you identify and reveal a thought of hard drink (hard drinks=alcoholic drinks). The routine falls pretty flat. The premise is boring and the trick moves slowly. At least that's what I thought until I went back and rewatched it. When I rewatched it I realized Docc has given a simple method to do graphology, Q and A and a dozen other billet centered routines. I don't want to give away the method (although doing so wouldn 't ruin anything) so I won't go into his handling suffice to say he uses a hat as a billet receptacle. This is the under the radar effect of the set. It needs to be watched and thought of in a larger context than what Docc gives in the set. If you watch it, take notes and then do the work you can create a half dozen awesome routines from Docc's handling. This one gets a 3.5 out of 5. The method is simple, the possibilities are great, but the terrible choice of presenation and even worse performance of it cost this otherwise brialliant idea 1.5 points.
T42: This was a boring presentation of an old card effect. Max Maven has similar thinking in his Video Mind series and a much better overall routine. The effect is laborious and the outcome isn't that great. Even the L and L audience doesn't act amazed. 1.5 out of 5.
Uncle Klink: For those of you who haven't had an introduction to Docc this is great. Docc's material is often theatrical and calls for skills in story telling, theater and personal interaction. So enjoy how he closes the first dvd with a fun and entertaining piece involving an underwater escape, a doomed magician, an evil wife and a miraculous occurence. At the heart of the effect is a presenation for a gimmicked key and lock set for the seven keys to baldplate. However the meat of the effect lies in watching Docc hold an audience rapt with a sinister but sinfully fun story. 5 out of 5.
The first dvd is the best in the series and I wanted to review every effect in it because they all deserve to be mentioned for their different attributes. The other dvd's are good but i'll only review the best pieces from them.
DVD 2:
Nightmare Coins: This is a Docc classic. If you haven't seen, heard or read about it the routine is simple. A dream is explained then an imaginary coin is selected and made to appear. The routine is simple but the story and outcome are great. You won't be fooled by it but that's not the point. The point of this routine is too create an 'atmosphere' about the performer and Docc does this swimmingly. If you are interested in being seen as more than a guy who does tricks you need to look into this. Four out of five.
For one to End: Once again the actual trick isn't that impressive. Boiled down to its core components it is a one out of four prediction. But when you add all the details of the routine back into it you have a powerful and fun piece involving movie history, the American Government, subliminal messages and audience participation. If performed correctly this effect will be talked about long after that card they signed has been thrown away. Definite four out of five. This is, in my opinion, worth the price of this DVD
Rasputin's Secret: This is a published manuscripts of Docc's and it is an interesting triple prediction card plot using a gimmicked deck. The trick is great and if you are interested in triple prediction effects it is worth looking into. But what makes this performance so great is watching how Docc handles an unusal situation in the effect. In the explanation Docc explains that the trick did not go the way it was supposed to and hearing him explain how he adapted the trick around that occurence is worth its weight in palming coins. Four out of five.
Disc 3:
Tridiction: This is another of Docc's billet routines. It is a triple prediction centered around a casino theme. The effect isn't much up my alley but Docc does do some good explaning on the classic Mental Epic and he tips a great billet switch that fools and is practically self working. The routine gets a 3.8 out of five.
Esped: Docc does a three part street mentalism style performance that consists of a thought of card, a book test and an image duplication. The first two effects are good and listening to Docc's explanation of not just 'how' but also 'why' he does them the way he does them is great. I wanted to mention the 'Esped' because it uses an interesting method and watching Docc handle both the volunteer and the audience is a great lesson in management. YOu may not be amazed at the effect but if you pay close attention to Docc's blocking and wording you can be greatly rewarded. The effect itself gets a 3.5 out of 5 but the whole routine, the card, the word and the image, gets a resounding 5 out of 5.
In my opinion this is the weakest dvd of the set. That aside it is still very good and worth looking into if you want to see how Docc handles dual reality.
Disc 4:
Magazine Test: This is a classic magazine test and the method doesn't add anything new (you notice how much I repeat that!) but Docc's handling and revelation are good study for students interested in learning real mind reading. The method doesn't warrant much attention if you have a working knowledge of mentalism techniques but Docc's handling and pacing of revelation is worth your time. 3.8 out of 5.
# of the Beast: I love this effect! A woman thinks of a three digit number and without touching the paper or the pad Docc reveals the number. The method is cheeky and you could do it one on one or in front of a large crowd. Inside the effect is a neat method that Docc uses to squeeze more effects from the same effect (a trick Docc learned from Bruce Bernstein) and if studied could yield more amazming moments in your own show. 4 out of 5.
Killer on Tiber St.: This is Docc's take on the phone book test. The method Docc uses is simple but can play for the largest audience and takes moments to prepare. It runs in the same vein as Uncle Klink and is performed very tongue in cheek. The great thing about this effect is getting to watch Docc win over his audience and not just amaze them but actually entertain them. For people looking to make a living through magic this is a must watch. 3.7 out of 5.
Overall the set is okay. I like Docc and I love his material. Getting a chance to watch him work is awesome but outside of volume 1, unless your a big fan, I can't suggest these dvd's. The methods aren't ground breaking, the material isn't that powerful and the audience has trouble reacting honestly. If you are interested in learning to be a better performer these dvd's are a step forward in the right direction (but they don't stand in for training, directors and constant examination). As for the explanations Docc is very clear and he is aided and abetted by his friend Jason Alexander who does a great job clarifying and leading Docc to really dig out what makes each effect tick.
Overall the set gets a 2.8 out of 5. Get the first dvd for sure and after that proceed with caution.
--------------------
Til next week,
Cris Johnson
2012 is here and it's business as usual, meaning I'm up to my eyeballs in work. Last last year I picked up the Voodoo Doll by John Kennedy that was for sale in the Estate section in Hocus Pocus. VERY cool prop! I'm busy rehearsing with it to make it a fantastic addition to Murder By Magic.
Speaking of Murder By Magic, it is GONE, no longer available. I may bring it back to Hocus Pocus in the future, but right now it's no longer available.
In it's place is a new release I've been debating whether or not to offer simply because it's just too darn good, but I've decided...Later this week I'll make the formal announcement right here, maybe as early as tomorrow!
As far as reviews go, I'm very excited because I've got a set of Reg Donnelly's new Multiplying Rum Bottles coming my way. My old set of Harries bottles are so dinged up that they just don't "slide" very well anymore. These new Rum bottles look sensational because the white of the bottles will really 'pop' from stage. As soon as I get them, I'll be doing a review. The Multiplying Bottles has been a stable in my shows for about a decade, so I'm very excited about this release.
Now, for something a little different...I received an unsolicted review of Docc Hilford's Monster mentalism DVDs, so just as an experiment, I'm going to run his review as after reading it, I felt he was a working pro who actually put some thought as well as effort into trying out a lot of the effects on the Docc DVDs.
I don;t completely agree with his opinions of everything he mentions, but that's what makes the world go 'round - diversity. This week I'll run his review and starting next week, I'll begin a 4-part series of reviewing the Monster Mentalism DVDs in detail, one DVD per week and finally on the 5th week, I'll offer my overall grade of the whole set.
This approach of really getting into detail with DVD reviews is one of the changes for the blog in 2012. (Quick Disclaimer: the views of the following review do not necessarily coincide with the views of blah blah blah. You know the drill). If you'd like to send in a review of any item purchased from Hocus Pocus, email me at crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net. I think the "guest reviewer" thing is pretty cool, so I'm open to doing it again from time to time.
Monster Mentalism DVDs by Docc Hilford are available from Hocus Pocus, with each individual title available for $34.95 or you can get the whole set for $139.80. Here's the ad copy:
Docc Hilford is the crazed creator of the renowned Cassandra Deck, author of over 30 books on mentalism and consultant for a dozen television shows. He's joined by professional mentalist David Alexander to discuss the psychology behind each piece. Monster Mentalism is an astonishing collection of useable effects and the diabolical methods that have made Docc Hilford infamous.
Volume 1 - Attack of Monster Mentalism
Contemporary mentalism can be as fun and exciting as a hot night at a drive-in movie. The giant screen portrays regular people, leading mundane lives until -- DUNH DUNH DUNH -- an unexpected monstrous event influences their lives forever. That's what good mentalism can be -- a MONSTER.
Time Will Tell -- A Dunninger secret that rips the fabric of time and space! See an unsuspecting spectator set his watch to any time he wishes. A primitive sketch of a watch face eerily has the same time!
RATED RT - for Real Time Mentalism™
Jailbait -- From a feverish, perverted mind like Ed D. Wood Jr., comes a tale of juvenile delinquency and miscreant mentalists. Don't miss the shocking end of this Glen or Glenda story where an ordinary man receives the disgusting ability to create "young girls" out of grown men everywhere. On the job, on the golf course, at home . . . where will it end?
Dead or Alive -- Only the hand of a naive woman and the chilled fingers of a ghost touch a fateful pendulum, yet its movements tell a dozen details about the deceased; details NEVER WRITTEN! Suddenly, a cry. It's the dead man's name! WARNING: This routine teaches extremely strong subject matter and should be attempted only by responsible individuals.
T-4-2 -- Out for a night of fun, two men secretly think of a card. You'll be on the edge of your seat when you watch a mysterious stranger figuratively dissolve his victims with his evil eye and disclose their secrets. Audiences everywhere are stunned at the shocking conclusion of this riveting routine.
Hard and Soft Drinks -- The secret world of teenage drinking parties, dancing, smoking and uncontrolled desire is our backdrop. Only the intervention of someone who possesses a psychological intelligence and an ability to manipulate paper slips can save Angela's drunken soul.
RATED RT - for Real Time Mentalism™ Uncle Klink -- Harry Klink's mad wife devised and executed a murder so horrific that it made seasoned detectives queasy. But Harry Klink was a true artist of escape. Freeing himself from the grave, his water-soaked corpse is on a rampage of revenge. You'll see solid steel chains pass through human flesh when Klink makes his presence known. Just keep telling yourself, "It's only a trick . . . it's only a trick."
Volume 2 - Curse of Monster Mentalism
Mentalism is killing people -- but not in a good way. Death by dullness. However a MONSTER is loose. A creature that's set on revenge. Vowing to destroy a contemporary tediousness that's growing like a cancer.
Tear away from the safety of your father's mentalism. Give yourself completely to the curse. Become one of us . . .
Nightmare Coin -- Have you ever dreamt you walked past an empty house at night? Have you ever been unable to wake up from a nightmare? From the acclaimed book, Band of the Hand, comes a chilling routine that turns a spectator's ethereal dream into a solid, spendable nightmare!
Rasputin's Secret -- The man who couldn't die! Rasputin used a palace as a playground. His unbridled lust and alcoholic gluttony knew no bounds. His surreptitious secret, and a special deck of cards, allowed him to know the past, the present and the future. Information that freed him from the mundane laws of society. Now you can possess his secret . . . his life style . . . and his deck! IMPORTANT NOTICE: This specialized deck still sells for $25. Tell no one.
For One to End -- Do you believe that speaking certain words can influence a person's thoughts? One man did and used his awesome ability to wreak havoc throughout a quiet seaside resort. Psychic expert Banachek declares Docc Hilford's original technique to be, ". . . one of the strongest psychological subtleties in print today!" See the unedited, director's cut.
40,000 Words -- Like a brain that will not die, this hoax will assault your senses with a barrage of clandestine information. Psychically removing a mentally selected word from a spectator's brain will propose no problems, but can it be done without destroying the surrounding living tissue? You must see this!
Rhineless ESP -- A quiet laboratory. A simple test between two people. And a mental power so astounding that when unleashed, it threatens to destroy an entire university. See this with someone you love so they won't have to suffer through another night of the dreaded Two-Person-Code!
1 in 10 -- See that man? He's different. He makes remarkable statements, boasts incredible intelligence and successfully demonstrates his claims. But he has something normal men don't -- the incredible power to erase your memory, leaving only facts he wishes you to retain. Now even the simplest card tricks hold dreadful intensity. WARNING: This routine contains powerful concepts and is intended for use by responsible individuals.
Volume 3 - Bride of Monster Mentalism
A dreadfully seductive beauty has emerged from the depths. She begins by humorously entertaining her victims and leaves them with an insatiable urge to believe in her awful abilities. This bride is dangerous. She is MENTALISM!
A Letter from the Future -- A mysterious man risks everything to travel forward in time, gain information and prove he's returned to the past. But will he live long enough to see his proof discovered? An interactive production that will draw you into every choice that either proves or disproves it's not just science fiction.
Tridiction -- When David was thrown out of a Tahoe casino, he vowed revenge. A Satanic pact gives him a weird power, enabling him to predict the outcome of dice, poker and 21! Now they would pay, but what would be the price to David's soul? WARNING: This technique is described for entertainment purposes only!
Self Help -- When evil genius Harry Lorayne created a nightmare in his basement, he never dreamed that its chains would be broken and the little terror re-trained to rip the eyes out of innocent tradeshow attendees. But that's what happened. Come see the beast . . . if you dare. In 1992, a group of young college students were forced to participate in the following three unspeakable, psychic experiments:
Projected Force -- A subject was psychologically MADE to think of a playing card without any being present. NOTICE: This is the original method that became a famous UK mentalist's favorite.
Peek Book -- Without a single book in view, another subject was instructed to merely think of a word. She never wrote it down, yet unconsciously made it evident to the experimenter. An apparent "bookless-booktest."
ESPed -- A subject was finally instructed to draw any picture he imagined on an index card. This experiment was conducted across the room and the experimenter never touched the card, yet he still had total knowledge of the design. Now the experimenter becomes the experimented! The required props for this full routine are as bare as the skeletons buried behind the laboratory. It's shockingly direct! "This is the closest thing to real mind reading I've ever seen!" --- Dr. John Randolph, Miskatonic University Dept. of Psychology
Volume 4 - Night of Monster Mentalism
It's a dark night when audiences scratch at your door . . . demanding actual entertainment. A single taste of your new mentalism isn't enough. They need more! Following you on the street, reaching through the hallways of restaurants or even breaking thewindows of your own home, what will you do when they cry for MONSTER MENTALISM?
Impossible Choice -- What's crazier than a mad street performer who sneaks off to a deserted coffee shop, transforms himself into a mutant half-mentalist, half-jellyfish and attacks college kids with his razor-sharp deck of death? Not much!
The Great Magazine Test -- Like the pounding of your heart . . . book tests . . . book tests. . . BOOK TESTS! A far as a man can run, he can't escape the unremitting beating of ubiquitous book tests. There's only two ways out -- either a razor to the wrists or the gentle love of a magazine. In this test, two people share more than mere words; they share a night of insanity.
Number of the Beast -- The ancient Egyptians knew the accurate, undying vibrations of numbers. The teachings of the adepts, long hidden in the dusty tombs of the past, are now revealed in a demonstration so direct, it's impossible to understand.
It's Personal -- Meeting new people is simple. But be careful. The night is filled with strange people. When one unsuspecting woman reads a personal ad, she finds that someone knows more than her selected card, he knows everything about her! A chilling example of depraved psychic phenomena ripped from the pages of your local newspaper.
Killer on Tiber Street -- A relentless, psychotic killer is pursuing innocent prey. The police are entirely bewildered because the slayer randomly selects his unsuspecting victims from a telephone book. Only you can use psychic abilities to discover the victim, decipher the address and prevent the murder; but will you be too late?
Invisible Dice -- In the world of fast gamblers and loose women, there's a secret tool that everyone desires. Rare and beautiful, when possessed they ensure wealth, power and all the luxuries that come along for the ride. Maybe you'll find the... INVISIBLE DICE!
Regular retail price of each DVD is $34.95 each, but you can grab the entire set now for the low, low, Hocus Pocus online price listed below! Not subject to further promotions, discounts, etc.
Here's Jesse Gernigin's review:
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The Silver Screen Frights: Reviewing Docc Hilford's Monster Mentalism 4 DVD Set
Hey guys I am Jesse Gernigin of www.gentlemanmagician.com. I am a full time entertainer who splits his time doing hypnosis and magic/mindreading shows. I perform full time and have done so for five years. In that time I have built my business from performing two weekends a month to doing shows all year. I perform all across the country for corporations, colleges and private events. I offer these credentials so you understand the review comes from the perspective of someone who spends their time in front of paying audiences. A quick but obvious note: Docc's DVD set was shot with L and L Publishing so the audience can be over reactive at times but his material comes across clearly. There are four dvd's in the set and each dvd contains different material. The first dvd was my favorite clocking in with six tricks.
DVD 1:
Time Will Tell: This was Docc's take on a Dunniger effect. In it Docc shares an interesting trick Dunniger used to exploit. The trick isn't the strongest but you get to see how Docc does a center tear. Docc's center tear, although simple, is a good reminder that you don't always have to tear and peak at the same time. Overall the effect isn't that great but it is nice to see that you don't have to peak while tearing so the effect gets a 2.5 out of 5
Jailbait: This is a weird one to review. Hands down it is the weakest effect on the whole set. what Docc did was dress up the old calculator trick and invert the method (for those that know the trick you understand what I am saying). I remember being dissappointed when I saw what it was. But then I got to the explanation (which I almost skipped) and I was blown away by the advice Docc offered. I won't give it away but Docc has come up with a method to transform your clients into publicity machines using the calculator trick. His advice, if followed, makes this a 4 out of 5
Dead or Alive: What's funny is that Jailbait is the worst effect in the set and Dead or Alive is the best and one comes right after the other. Dead or Alive is Docc's take on the classic effect to which he adds the use of a pendulum. Watching the effect will make you want to go out and buy a pendulum! Docc's performance is spot on and can stand as a social study in audience engagement, the power of suggestion and creating powerful reactions. This effect gets a 5 out of 5.
Hard and Soft Drinks: This is an odd one to reivew. You see my favorite pieces from Docc are his billet routines. So my biggest dissappointment with the set was that Docc didn't put out any of his more popular billet routines. I understand that doing so would greatly detract from him selling them at later dates but I would have loved to have seen Number 6, The Cinderalla Act or any of his billet work performed. With that in mind I had to watch and then re-watch Hard and Soft Drinks before I realized it was a great routine. Hard and Soft Drinks is a billet routine were you identify and reveal a thought of hard drink (hard drinks=alcoholic drinks). The routine falls pretty flat. The premise is boring and the trick moves slowly. At least that's what I thought until I went back and rewatched it. When I rewatched it I realized Docc has given a simple method to do graphology, Q and A and a dozen other billet centered routines. I don't want to give away the method (although doing so wouldn 't ruin anything) so I won't go into his handling suffice to say he uses a hat as a billet receptacle. This is the under the radar effect of the set. It needs to be watched and thought of in a larger context than what Docc gives in the set. If you watch it, take notes and then do the work you can create a half dozen awesome routines from Docc's handling. This one gets a 3.5 out of 5. The method is simple, the possibilities are great, but the terrible choice of presenation and even worse performance of it cost this otherwise brialliant idea 1.5 points.
T42: This was a boring presentation of an old card effect. Max Maven has similar thinking in his Video Mind series and a much better overall routine. The effect is laborious and the outcome isn't that great. Even the L and L audience doesn't act amazed. 1.5 out of 5.
Uncle Klink: For those of you who haven't had an introduction to Docc this is great. Docc's material is often theatrical and calls for skills in story telling, theater and personal interaction. So enjoy how he closes the first dvd with a fun and entertaining piece involving an underwater escape, a doomed magician, an evil wife and a miraculous occurence. At the heart of the effect is a presenation for a gimmicked key and lock set for the seven keys to baldplate. However the meat of the effect lies in watching Docc hold an audience rapt with a sinister but sinfully fun story. 5 out of 5.
The first dvd is the best in the series and I wanted to review every effect in it because they all deserve to be mentioned for their different attributes. The other dvd's are good but i'll only review the best pieces from them.
DVD 2:
Nightmare Coins: This is a Docc classic. If you haven't seen, heard or read about it the routine is simple. A dream is explained then an imaginary coin is selected and made to appear. The routine is simple but the story and outcome are great. You won't be fooled by it but that's not the point. The point of this routine is too create an 'atmosphere' about the performer and Docc does this swimmingly. If you are interested in being seen as more than a guy who does tricks you need to look into this. Four out of five.
For one to End: Once again the actual trick isn't that impressive. Boiled down to its core components it is a one out of four prediction. But when you add all the details of the routine back into it you have a powerful and fun piece involving movie history, the American Government, subliminal messages and audience participation. If performed correctly this effect will be talked about long after that card they signed has been thrown away. Definite four out of five. This is, in my opinion, worth the price of this DVD
Rasputin's Secret: This is a published manuscripts of Docc's and it is an interesting triple prediction card plot using a gimmicked deck. The trick is great and if you are interested in triple prediction effects it is worth looking into. But what makes this performance so great is watching how Docc handles an unusal situation in the effect. In the explanation Docc explains that the trick did not go the way it was supposed to and hearing him explain how he adapted the trick around that occurence is worth its weight in palming coins. Four out of five.
Disc 3:
Tridiction: This is another of Docc's billet routines. It is a triple prediction centered around a casino theme. The effect isn't much up my alley but Docc does do some good explaning on the classic Mental Epic and he tips a great billet switch that fools and is practically self working. The routine gets a 3.8 out of five.
Esped: Docc does a three part street mentalism style performance that consists of a thought of card, a book test and an image duplication. The first two effects are good and listening to Docc's explanation of not just 'how' but also 'why' he does them the way he does them is great. I wanted to mention the 'Esped' because it uses an interesting method and watching Docc handle both the volunteer and the audience is a great lesson in management. YOu may not be amazed at the effect but if you pay close attention to Docc's blocking and wording you can be greatly rewarded. The effect itself gets a 3.5 out of 5 but the whole routine, the card, the word and the image, gets a resounding 5 out of 5.
In my opinion this is the weakest dvd of the set. That aside it is still very good and worth looking into if you want to see how Docc handles dual reality.
Disc 4:
Magazine Test: This is a classic magazine test and the method doesn't add anything new (you notice how much I repeat that!) but Docc's handling and revelation are good study for students interested in learning real mind reading. The method doesn't warrant much attention if you have a working knowledge of mentalism techniques but Docc's handling and pacing of revelation is worth your time. 3.8 out of 5.
# of the Beast: I love this effect! A woman thinks of a three digit number and without touching the paper or the pad Docc reveals the number. The method is cheeky and you could do it one on one or in front of a large crowd. Inside the effect is a neat method that Docc uses to squeeze more effects from the same effect (a trick Docc learned from Bruce Bernstein) and if studied could yield more amazming moments in your own show. 4 out of 5.
Killer on Tiber St.: This is Docc's take on the phone book test. The method Docc uses is simple but can play for the largest audience and takes moments to prepare. It runs in the same vein as Uncle Klink and is performed very tongue in cheek. The great thing about this effect is getting to watch Docc win over his audience and not just amaze them but actually entertain them. For people looking to make a living through magic this is a must watch. 3.7 out of 5.
Overall the set is okay. I like Docc and I love his material. Getting a chance to watch him work is awesome but outside of volume 1, unless your a big fan, I can't suggest these dvd's. The methods aren't ground breaking, the material isn't that powerful and the audience has trouble reacting honestly. If you are interested in learning to be a better performer these dvd's are a step forward in the right direction (but they don't stand in for training, directors and constant examination). As for the explanations Docc is very clear and he is aided and abetted by his friend Jason Alexander who does a great job clarifying and leading Docc to really dig out what makes each effect tick.
Overall the set gets a 2.8 out of 5. Get the first dvd for sure and after that proceed with caution.
--------------------
Til next week,
Cris Johnson
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Only A Few Days Left for Murder and The Top Five of 2011
Hello all,
Well, the holidays caught up to me like so many of us. I'm getting this blog post out much later than intended but I still beat the deadline of 2011.:)
On the recommendation of my good friend Paul Romhany, I snagged the Voodoo Doll by John Kennedy in the Estate section at Hocus Pocus. It came a few days ago and my goodness, what a clever piece of magic! This baby seems to have been taylor made for my Murder By Magic show.
Speaking of which, as I write this, it's December 27th so you only have a few more days to invest in Murder By Magic: The Ultimate Corporate Magic Show. Customers from all over the world have written to me praising the concept, the show structure itself and the very fact that having this show in your arsenal means you've got a unique product that sets you apart from the competition.
as soon as I finish this post, I'll be emailing Hocus Pocus and reminding them that as of January 1st, Murder By Magic will be HISTORY. Act now, it will be gone soon.
On to my second annual "Top Five" releases of 2011. Just like last year, I have to qualify this list in advance, as in no way did I get my hands on all of the most popular releases of the year, especially since 2011 saw the release of some very cool close-up magic and most of it I didn't have time to check out.
So, rather than a comprehensive Top 5 list, I should probably just re-name it "My Favorite 5 New Magic Releases of 2011" but that title is more cumbersome.:) OK, enough chit chat, let's get to it!
#5 - TIE: Further Education by John Archer and Silk2Egg by Cody Fisher
This was such a battle for me, internally! In the case of John Archer'd DVD set, while there was a lot of great material in it, this recommendation comes primarily from Archer's incredible take on the classic Bank Nite plot that he calls Blank Nite, in which he uses regular sized envelopes as opposed to the coin / pay envelopes that many handlings of Bank Nite use.
Archer's revelation of the final envelope containing a stack of bills that are full, unfolded (as opposed to folded up very small as in a thumbtip handling) was good enough to fool Penn & Teller on their UK show as the obvious mystifying facet of the routine was, "How did he get all those bills, unfolded, into the remaining envelope?" (Since it was a free selection, obviously magicians were thinking along those lines as opposed to "How did he manipulate all those people into not picking THAT envelope?")
It's an instant classic and a true step forward in the evolution of a classic plot...similar to Cody Fisher's Silk2Egg.
Silk2Egg represents a leap forward in the classic "silk to egg" plot in that a volunteer is able to replicate the amazing effect of a silk to plastic egg changing to a REAL egg.
Having a spectator replicate any amazing effect is simply put, powerful stuff and a real show stopper. Happily, the physical handling for Cody's routine is reachable for just about anyone and is designed to work in the real world.
Honestly, the only reason either of these releases did not rank higher is because I have not yet put either into my own shows. I plan to, in the near future, but for right now, this is where I rank them.
#4 - Sugar Rush by Scott Alexander
There have been several salt pour gimmicks released over the years, with many different styles of gimmicks, but Scott's release, through Bob Kohler Magic, features a gimmick with a lot of advances, including the fact that the bottom unscrews, making cleaning a snap. Scott's handling is simple yet effective and the routine itself is amusing, with a cute music selection to boot.
Additionally, the method Scott uses to continually produce more and more salt, even after the classic gimmick is long since empty and out of play, is worth your consideration, too.
I've used the Sugar Rush gimmick in my shows and adding a classic of magic like this to my shows has been really fun this year.
#3 - Fish In A Bottle
What an effect. Show a filled water bottle to be completely empty with the cap in place. While a spectator holds the bottle, you cause a LIVE fish to magically appear in the bottle.
I've used this a couple of times since purchasing it and the reactions are incredible. Honestly, the ONLY reason I did make it number 1 for 2011 is the fact that the fish is OUT of water before the little guy makes his appearance.
This forces you to make this your opener, not a bad thing in and of itself and the fish does survive quite nicely. Great, great effect, easy to do, but I'm still not high on the method.
Nevertheless, with an effect as practical and strong as this, it had to go on my list.
#2 - Shoe Business by Puck & Scott Alexander
Wow, what a great effect! It's funny, visual, plays for virtually all ages and is a different spin on the classic "magician listens to a tape to learn a trick" plot. It was obviously inspired by the venerable "Vanishing Bandanna," which I'll be the first to admit plays great and is funny but the idea of the bananna disappearing without a trace "Except for that weird bulbus growth in the middle of that hanky" struck me as ultimately a very poor overall effect.
The only reason I did not rate this #1 is because there is a section of the audio recording that some people may find offensive...I know, because it happened to me.
I was able to pull the "offensive" part out (maybe 5 or 6 seconds) using Audacity, a free online editing software suite you can download to your computer and the routine plays just fine without it.
Again, an instant classic. I use this all the time (today, in fact, I'll be doing it in a paid show this afternoon) and it simply kills.
#1 - Performing Mentalism for Young Minds by Paul Romhany & Friends
This is number 1 primarily for the in-depth information the book gives on the developmental phases of children at different ages, strategies and tips for performing any effect for kids and so much more.
That's not to say there isn't great routines in here, because there are several! The routines are designed for the real world - no pipe dreams here!
If you ever wanted to perform for kids, I feel this is a foundational book in that the strategies and advice contained can benefit any person looking to perform for kids of all ages.
If you're not into mentalism, don't be turned off by the title. The routines here WILL play STRONG.
If you're one of those people who feel mentalism cannot be done for kids, I challenge you to get this book with an open mind and prepare to have your beliefs shaken up a bit.
It's an important book, one that is destined to be a reference book classic for many years.
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Until Next Year...
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Well, it's been a fun ride through 2011! On January 2nd, my wife & I fly to Orlando, FL for 12 days for a much-needed vacation. My first blog post of 2012 will on or about January 13.
Stay safe and have fun.
Best,
Cris
Well, the holidays caught up to me like so many of us. I'm getting this blog post out much later than intended but I still beat the deadline of 2011.:)
On the recommendation of my good friend Paul Romhany, I snagged the Voodoo Doll by John Kennedy in the Estate section at Hocus Pocus. It came a few days ago and my goodness, what a clever piece of magic! This baby seems to have been taylor made for my Murder By Magic show.
Speaking of which, as I write this, it's December 27th so you only have a few more days to invest in Murder By Magic: The Ultimate Corporate Magic Show. Customers from all over the world have written to me praising the concept, the show structure itself and the very fact that having this show in your arsenal means you've got a unique product that sets you apart from the competition.
as soon as I finish this post, I'll be emailing Hocus Pocus and reminding them that as of January 1st, Murder By Magic will be HISTORY. Act now, it will be gone soon.
On to my second annual "Top Five" releases of 2011. Just like last year, I have to qualify this list in advance, as in no way did I get my hands on all of the most popular releases of the year, especially since 2011 saw the release of some very cool close-up magic and most of it I didn't have time to check out.
So, rather than a comprehensive Top 5 list, I should probably just re-name it "My Favorite 5 New Magic Releases of 2011" but that title is more cumbersome.:) OK, enough chit chat, let's get to it!
#5 - TIE: Further Education by John Archer and Silk2Egg by Cody Fisher
This was such a battle for me, internally! In the case of John Archer'd DVD set, while there was a lot of great material in it, this recommendation comes primarily from Archer's incredible take on the classic Bank Nite plot that he calls Blank Nite, in which he uses regular sized envelopes as opposed to the coin / pay envelopes that many handlings of Bank Nite use.
Archer's revelation of the final envelope containing a stack of bills that are full, unfolded (as opposed to folded up very small as in a thumbtip handling) was good enough to fool Penn & Teller on their UK show as the obvious mystifying facet of the routine was, "How did he get all those bills, unfolded, into the remaining envelope?" (Since it was a free selection, obviously magicians were thinking along those lines as opposed to "How did he manipulate all those people into not picking THAT envelope?")
It's an instant classic and a true step forward in the evolution of a classic plot...similar to Cody Fisher's Silk2Egg.
Silk2Egg represents a leap forward in the classic "silk to egg" plot in that a volunteer is able to replicate the amazing effect of a silk to plastic egg changing to a REAL egg.
Having a spectator replicate any amazing effect is simply put, powerful stuff and a real show stopper. Happily, the physical handling for Cody's routine is reachable for just about anyone and is designed to work in the real world.
Honestly, the only reason either of these releases did not rank higher is because I have not yet put either into my own shows. I plan to, in the near future, but for right now, this is where I rank them.
#4 - Sugar Rush by Scott Alexander
There have been several salt pour gimmicks released over the years, with many different styles of gimmicks, but Scott's release, through Bob Kohler Magic, features a gimmick with a lot of advances, including the fact that the bottom unscrews, making cleaning a snap. Scott's handling is simple yet effective and the routine itself is amusing, with a cute music selection to boot.
Additionally, the method Scott uses to continually produce more and more salt, even after the classic gimmick is long since empty and out of play, is worth your consideration, too.
I've used the Sugar Rush gimmick in my shows and adding a classic of magic like this to my shows has been really fun this year.
#3 - Fish In A Bottle
What an effect. Show a filled water bottle to be completely empty with the cap in place. While a spectator holds the bottle, you cause a LIVE fish to magically appear in the bottle.
I've used this a couple of times since purchasing it and the reactions are incredible. Honestly, the ONLY reason I did make it number 1 for 2011 is the fact that the fish is OUT of water before the little guy makes his appearance.
This forces you to make this your opener, not a bad thing in and of itself and the fish does survive quite nicely. Great, great effect, easy to do, but I'm still not high on the method.
Nevertheless, with an effect as practical and strong as this, it had to go on my list.
#2 - Shoe Business by Puck & Scott Alexander
Wow, what a great effect! It's funny, visual, plays for virtually all ages and is a different spin on the classic "magician listens to a tape to learn a trick" plot. It was obviously inspired by the venerable "Vanishing Bandanna," which I'll be the first to admit plays great and is funny but the idea of the bananna disappearing without a trace "Except for that weird bulbus growth in the middle of that hanky" struck me as ultimately a very poor overall effect.
The only reason I did not rate this #1 is because there is a section of the audio recording that some people may find offensive...I know, because it happened to me.
I was able to pull the "offensive" part out (maybe 5 or 6 seconds) using Audacity, a free online editing software suite you can download to your computer and the routine plays just fine without it.
Again, an instant classic. I use this all the time (today, in fact, I'll be doing it in a paid show this afternoon) and it simply kills.
#1 - Performing Mentalism for Young Minds by Paul Romhany & Friends
This is number 1 primarily for the in-depth information the book gives on the developmental phases of children at different ages, strategies and tips for performing any effect for kids and so much more.
That's not to say there isn't great routines in here, because there are several! The routines are designed for the real world - no pipe dreams here!
If you ever wanted to perform for kids, I feel this is a foundational book in that the strategies and advice contained can benefit any person looking to perform for kids of all ages.
If you're not into mentalism, don't be turned off by the title. The routines here WILL play STRONG.
If you're one of those people who feel mentalism cannot be done for kids, I challenge you to get this book with an open mind and prepare to have your beliefs shaken up a bit.
It's an important book, one that is destined to be a reference book classic for many years.
---------------
Until Next Year...
---------------
Well, it's been a fun ride through 2011! On January 2nd, my wife & I fly to Orlando, FL for 12 days for a much-needed vacation. My first blog post of 2012 will on or about January 13.
Stay safe and have fun.
Best,
Cris
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The Clock is Ticking on Murder and REVIEW: Performing Mentalism for Young Minds - Vol. 1
Hi everybody,
Just a quick reminder...my Murder By Magic program will be gone at the end of the month. I'm pulling it because I never wanted to flood the market. I've already performed Murder By Magic several times this month and have several more booked well into 2012, with one performance booked in July. It's an incredibly unique concept, one you can use to profit from and set yourself apart from the competition...but time is almost up.
Now it's on to this week's review: Performing Mentalism for Young Minds by Paul Romhany & friends. Here's the link: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/product_detail.cfm?item=19535 It's available for $40.00 from Hocus Pocus.
AD COPY: One of the most anticipated books in magic and mentalism has now arrived!!
Paul Romhany has produced the most comprehensive collection of material for the performer who wants to add mentalism in their show from pre-schoolers to high school students. Everything from walk-about routines to birthday party routines to parlor and even stage routines for the family entertainer.
Over 265 pages which include a collection of essays on how to perform mentalism for children, plus over forty effects from performers around the world including:
Mark Strivings, David Kaye, Tim Mannix, Paul Romhany, Richard Webster, Andrew Gerard, Wayne Rogers, Tony Binarelli, Bev Bergeron, Jim Kleefeild, Keith Field, Danny Archer, Andrew Gerard, Jack Dean, Greg Arce, Anthony Lindan, E. Raymond Carlyle, Professor Spellbinder, Matthew Johnson, Tony Chris, Cris Johnson, Reg Blackwood, Ken Ring, Christopher Taylor, Christopher Berry, TC Tahoe, Ozzy D, Magical Michael, Magic George, Ken Dyne, Jasper Blakeley, Ray Roch.
This book covers performing mentalism for pre-schoolers to teenagers, even adults will be fooled and entertained by the routines in this book.
A treasure trove of effects, essays and advice from real world performers who make their living by entertaining family audiences. This book is destined to become a classic in both the magic and mentalism field.
If you ever wondered if mentalism can be performed for young minds then this book will show you it can, and how to do it.
"The essays in this book are worth the price of the entire book, and more!! The rest of this book is a treasure trove of fascinating mental effects that your young - and not so young - audiences will enjoy. These wonderful effects are so good that I'm tempted to dust off my old Riccardo outfit and start performing again. I know you'll enjoy this book, and will come back to it again and again in the future. If you have any doubts whatsoever about performing mentalism for children, try one or two of the effects in this book. I know you'll change your mind. Thank you, Paul, for compiling and publishing this valuable book." - Richard Webster
"When magicians and mentalists think of 'kids' they think of kids 3-4 years old. This is rarely the case, even for regular kids entertainers. People do not give kids enough credit for being smart. They get mentalism and mindreading, even at the age of five and six. It can be done, and I have done it. They certainly understand when Harry Potter gets a psychic image." - Banachek
CONTENTS
Preface by Richard Webster
Introduction by Paul Romhany
Performing for Children an essay by Paul Romhany
Parade of Children Prediction Trick by Tim Mannix
World Cup Routine by Paul Romhany
Cereal Box Prediction Larry Mahan and Robert D. LaRue, Jr.
Slide Thru Card Switch by Wayne Rogers
Perform For The Children! by Kyle Peron
A TRIP ROUND THE WORLD IN 8 MINUTES! by Tony Binarelli and "Jules Verne"
Phantom Artist Halloween Card Routine by Professor Spellbinder
The Phantom Artist by Ted Annemann and Professor Spellbinder
Clip-Lit Sports by Jim Kleefeld
Psychic Santa by Matthew Johnson
Judge, Jury and Executioner by Reg Blackwood
The Mental Corridor by Cris Johnson
Teaching Someone to Read Minds by Cris Johnson
Mental Monopoly by Danny Archer
Time Warp by Paul Romhany
Mind Reading to Africa by Ken Ring
The News in Total by Ken Ring
ESPompoms by Ken Ring
King Book Test by Christopher Berry
Guessin' Gumballs by Jack Dean
Child's Play by Bev Bergeron
Emoti-Con by TC Tahoe
BIRTHDAY PRESENT by Richard Webster
Pointilism by Greg Arce
Cookies Fortune by TC Tahoe and Paul Romhany
Safety Mentalism Routine by Paul Romhany
Younger Persons Version Reverse Q & A by Anthony Lindan
Prized Balloon by Ozzy D
The Fortune Teller by Paul Romhany
Puzzled by Magical Michael
Pin the Tail on the Donkey by Andrew Gerard
Mystery Ball by Paul Romhany & Hal Spear
Spot the Pole by Wayne Rogers
The Mind Reading Hat Routine by Magic George
The Magic Square by Dal Sanders
Gift Wrapped By Kennedy
Magicians Choice By Keith Fields
P.S.I Fari by Tony Chris
Scrabbled by Jasper Blakeley
Balloon Bank Night by Wayne Rogers
Last One Standing by Anonymous
SPOON BEND by Ray Roch
Drawing On The Imagination by Christopher Taylor
RING OR WATCHES? by E. Raymond Carlyle
Mentalism for Preschool Kids by Mark Strivings
Performing Mentalism for Children by David Kaye
The Precognitive Phinger Puppet by Mark Strivings
MY THOUGHTS: I'm skipping right to my thoughts this week because I really cannot impress upon you how great this book is. It's what I would call a foundational book that should be in the library of every magician who has any desire to perform for kids.
While the main focus of the book is the idea of performing mentalism for kids of all ages, the real strength of the book is how many of the essays lay the groundwork for being a good children's performer.
Here are just some of my personal favorite entries in this tome: (bear in mind that modesty prevents me from listing my own contributions to this work. Don't get me wrong, I'm pleased with my contributions, but I'm in awe of a great deal of the work in this book)
- Introduction - right in the beginning, Paul breaks down the approximate ages of kids along with their developmental levels, giving readers an approximate blueprint of what kids can process.
- Essay: Performing for Children - here Paul covers the basics of performing for kids in terms of stage, warmups, control, basics of theatre, performing style and various key elements of performing such as themes, plot, characters, dialog, music and more.
He continues on with thoughts on character, acting techniques, scripting and so much more.
Oh, and we're only on page 28 of a book that's nearly 300 pages. Quite frankly I could have stopped right here and felt as though I got my money's worth.
Mark Strivings (from the wonderful Desert Brainstorm Series of DVDs) chimes in with several routines, essays and professional advice on performing mentalism...for preschool age kids. I thought I was good because I performed mentalism for elementary and middle school age kids, but Strivings' thoughts on using mentalism for younger tots blew my mind away in a good way and expanded my thoughts.
David Kaye adds his thoughts on the subject, contributing thoughts on kids show performing pertaining to good kids show tips for success and understanding the mindset of kids.
This is all so good! Oh, and there were actual routines in the book too - a ton of great ones. Here are just a few that jumped out at me...
Around The World In 8 Minutes - a wonderful routine involving a three part prediction using three geometric shapes, a blow-up globe of the earth and references to Jules Verne.
Phantom Artist Halloween Card Routine - a paper "cut out" made by the performer in a 'trance' matches the selection of a child. Its fun and visual.
Psychic Santa - The premise: "This year, Santa brought me my gift even though I did not decide what I want yet. I think that's how he knows if you've been naughty or nice." Talk about one heck of a hook for a kids' trick!
Time Warp - A wonderful watch prediction effect involving a picture, a watch and a very fair handling. I love watch effects (I currently have three such effects in my set lists) and this one will find its way into a show very soon.)
Child's Play - an amazingly kid friendly twist on a drawing duplication that utilizes the game of tic-tac-toe. This was my favorite effect in the entire book. Simply amazing, clean and easy to do. A full-blown stage effect that requires ZERO preparation - completely impromptu and yet I couldn't figure out the method to save my life until I read the secret. Mindblowing and yet kid friendly!
I haven't even scratched the surface in this review of just how much "A" material is in this book. Again, if you have any desire to perform for kids, you NEED this book even if you have zero desire to perform mentalism for youngsters. The essays alone show forward thinking by experienced, real-world pros.
Paul is currently editing Volume 2 now. I can't wait.
A 10 out of 10 and my TOP PICK for the best release of the year!
Next week: My Top Picks List for the year 2011!
Best,
Cris Johnson
Just a quick reminder...my Murder By Magic program will be gone at the end of the month. I'm pulling it because I never wanted to flood the market. I've already performed Murder By Magic several times this month and have several more booked well into 2012, with one performance booked in July. It's an incredibly unique concept, one you can use to profit from and set yourself apart from the competition...but time is almost up.
Now it's on to this week's review: Performing Mentalism for Young Minds by Paul Romhany & friends. Here's the link: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/product_detail.cfm?item=19535 It's available for $40.00 from Hocus Pocus.
AD COPY: One of the most anticipated books in magic and mentalism has now arrived!!
Paul Romhany has produced the most comprehensive collection of material for the performer who wants to add mentalism in their show from pre-schoolers to high school students. Everything from walk-about routines to birthday party routines to parlor and even stage routines for the family entertainer.
Over 265 pages which include a collection of essays on how to perform mentalism for children, plus over forty effects from performers around the world including:
Mark Strivings, David Kaye, Tim Mannix, Paul Romhany, Richard Webster, Andrew Gerard, Wayne Rogers, Tony Binarelli, Bev Bergeron, Jim Kleefeild, Keith Field, Danny Archer, Andrew Gerard, Jack Dean, Greg Arce, Anthony Lindan, E. Raymond Carlyle, Professor Spellbinder, Matthew Johnson, Tony Chris, Cris Johnson, Reg Blackwood, Ken Ring, Christopher Taylor, Christopher Berry, TC Tahoe, Ozzy D, Magical Michael, Magic George, Ken Dyne, Jasper Blakeley, Ray Roch.
This book covers performing mentalism for pre-schoolers to teenagers, even adults will be fooled and entertained by the routines in this book.
A treasure trove of effects, essays and advice from real world performers who make their living by entertaining family audiences. This book is destined to become a classic in both the magic and mentalism field.
If you ever wondered if mentalism can be performed for young minds then this book will show you it can, and how to do it.
"The essays in this book are worth the price of the entire book, and more!! The rest of this book is a treasure trove of fascinating mental effects that your young - and not so young - audiences will enjoy. These wonderful effects are so good that I'm tempted to dust off my old Riccardo outfit and start performing again. I know you'll enjoy this book, and will come back to it again and again in the future. If you have any doubts whatsoever about performing mentalism for children, try one or two of the effects in this book. I know you'll change your mind. Thank you, Paul, for compiling and publishing this valuable book." - Richard Webster
"When magicians and mentalists think of 'kids' they think of kids 3-4 years old. This is rarely the case, even for regular kids entertainers. People do not give kids enough credit for being smart. They get mentalism and mindreading, even at the age of five and six. It can be done, and I have done it. They certainly understand when Harry Potter gets a psychic image." - Banachek
CONTENTS
Preface by Richard Webster
Introduction by Paul Romhany
Performing for Children an essay by Paul Romhany
Parade of Children Prediction Trick by Tim Mannix
World Cup Routine by Paul Romhany
Cereal Box Prediction Larry Mahan and Robert D. LaRue, Jr.
Slide Thru Card Switch by Wayne Rogers
Perform For The Children! by Kyle Peron
A TRIP ROUND THE WORLD IN 8 MINUTES! by Tony Binarelli and "Jules Verne"
Phantom Artist Halloween Card Routine by Professor Spellbinder
The Phantom Artist by Ted Annemann and Professor Spellbinder
Clip-Lit Sports by Jim Kleefeld
Psychic Santa by Matthew Johnson
Judge, Jury and Executioner by Reg Blackwood
The Mental Corridor by Cris Johnson
Teaching Someone to Read Minds by Cris Johnson
Mental Monopoly by Danny Archer
Time Warp by Paul Romhany
Mind Reading to Africa by Ken Ring
The News in Total by Ken Ring
ESPompoms by Ken Ring
King Book Test by Christopher Berry
Guessin' Gumballs by Jack Dean
Child's Play by Bev Bergeron
Emoti-Con by TC Tahoe
BIRTHDAY PRESENT by Richard Webster
Pointilism by Greg Arce
Cookies Fortune by TC Tahoe and Paul Romhany
Safety Mentalism Routine by Paul Romhany
Younger Persons Version Reverse Q & A by Anthony Lindan
Prized Balloon by Ozzy D
The Fortune Teller by Paul Romhany
Puzzled by Magical Michael
Pin the Tail on the Donkey by Andrew Gerard
Mystery Ball by Paul Romhany & Hal Spear
Spot the Pole by Wayne Rogers
The Mind Reading Hat Routine by Magic George
The Magic Square by Dal Sanders
Gift Wrapped By Kennedy
Magicians Choice By Keith Fields
P.S.I Fari by Tony Chris
Scrabbled by Jasper Blakeley
Balloon Bank Night by Wayne Rogers
Last One Standing by Anonymous
SPOON BEND by Ray Roch
Drawing On The Imagination by Christopher Taylor
RING OR WATCHES? by E. Raymond Carlyle
Mentalism for Preschool Kids by Mark Strivings
Performing Mentalism for Children by David Kaye
The Precognitive Phinger Puppet by Mark Strivings
MY THOUGHTS: I'm skipping right to my thoughts this week because I really cannot impress upon you how great this book is. It's what I would call a foundational book that should be in the library of every magician who has any desire to perform for kids.
While the main focus of the book is the idea of performing mentalism for kids of all ages, the real strength of the book is how many of the essays lay the groundwork for being a good children's performer.
Here are just some of my personal favorite entries in this tome: (bear in mind that modesty prevents me from listing my own contributions to this work. Don't get me wrong, I'm pleased with my contributions, but I'm in awe of a great deal of the work in this book)
- Introduction - right in the beginning, Paul breaks down the approximate ages of kids along with their developmental levels, giving readers an approximate blueprint of what kids can process.
- Essay: Performing for Children - here Paul covers the basics of performing for kids in terms of stage, warmups, control, basics of theatre, performing style and various key elements of performing such as themes, plot, characters, dialog, music and more.
He continues on with thoughts on character, acting techniques, scripting and so much more.
Oh, and we're only on page 28 of a book that's nearly 300 pages. Quite frankly I could have stopped right here and felt as though I got my money's worth.
Mark Strivings (from the wonderful Desert Brainstorm Series of DVDs) chimes in with several routines, essays and professional advice on performing mentalism...for preschool age kids. I thought I was good because I performed mentalism for elementary and middle school age kids, but Strivings' thoughts on using mentalism for younger tots blew my mind away in a good way and expanded my thoughts.
David Kaye adds his thoughts on the subject, contributing thoughts on kids show performing pertaining to good kids show tips for success and understanding the mindset of kids.
This is all so good! Oh, and there were actual routines in the book too - a ton of great ones. Here are just a few that jumped out at me...
Around The World In 8 Minutes - a wonderful routine involving a three part prediction using three geometric shapes, a blow-up globe of the earth and references to Jules Verne.
Phantom Artist Halloween Card Routine - a paper "cut out" made by the performer in a 'trance' matches the selection of a child. Its fun and visual.
Psychic Santa - The premise: "This year, Santa brought me my gift even though I did not decide what I want yet. I think that's how he knows if you've been naughty or nice." Talk about one heck of a hook for a kids' trick!
Time Warp - A wonderful watch prediction effect involving a picture, a watch and a very fair handling. I love watch effects (I currently have three such effects in my set lists) and this one will find its way into a show very soon.)
Child's Play - an amazingly kid friendly twist on a drawing duplication that utilizes the game of tic-tac-toe. This was my favorite effect in the entire book. Simply amazing, clean and easy to do. A full-blown stage effect that requires ZERO preparation - completely impromptu and yet I couldn't figure out the method to save my life until I read the secret. Mindblowing and yet kid friendly!
I haven't even scratched the surface in this review of just how much "A" material is in this book. Again, if you have any desire to perform for kids, you NEED this book even if you have zero desire to perform mentalism for youngsters. The essays alone show forward thinking by experienced, real-world pros.
Paul is currently editing Volume 2 now. I can't wait.
A 10 out of 10 and my TOP PICK for the best release of the year!
Next week: My Top Picks List for the year 2011!
Best,
Cris Johnson
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Big Changes, Magic Book Of The Year, and REVIEW: Levent's Color Changing Half-Dyed Hanky
Hi all!
This week brings many changes. The first of which is my Cause & Effects ezine. I've decided to temporarily suspend the ezine for the time being. My reasons are many, the chief one being that the further I get into my hypnosis career, coupled with my ongoing performing career across North America, means that the process of starting a brand new biz while maintaining the current one is overwhelming in terms of what needs to be done. Additionally, I've got several new products in the pipeline to release in 2012, so while I enjoyed writing the Cause & Effects ezine, rather than produce a sub-par release, it's better to put it aside. I may some day make time to continue it.
The other news of the day is this weekly blog! One of my ideals with reviewing new magic effects is to, in an ideal world, road-test those effects from the standpoint of a working pro. With that in mind, one thing I will probably be doing is reviewing slightly fewer effects. Again, it comes down to having less time to road test new effects.
One idea I have to vary up the content of this blog is to, maybe once a month, do a "flashback" blog, where I look back at something I reviewed in the past and revisit it to see if my mind has changed after working with it.
I also have several DVD sets I want to tackle, and rather than burn through the review in one column, what I'm thinking of doing is devoting a week to each disk, so in the case of Doc Hilford's Monster Mentalism DVDs, four in the set, is to review one disk each week and then give a "total" review. Let's face it, some DVD sets have four great disks while others have two disks that are sub-par in a four DVD set. (I remember, many years ago, reading reviews of Dan Harlan's Pack Small, Play Big series. Three of the videos were highly praised by many while the fourth was panned by many.)
Finally, the other thing I may do to vary up the content of this blog by posting, perhaps once a month, content on topics like performing philosophy and routining...in other words, transferring some of the content from my ezine to this blog!
All in all, I really want to hear YOUR feedback. What do you think of the "Flashback" idea? The idea of stretching out the DVD reviews to make them more thorough? Send your comments to: crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net.
Next item: My buddy Paul's new book, Performing Mentalism for Young Minds is incredible! A more detailed review will be coming in the next couple of weeks (I have to really absorb this book!) but all in all, this is a landmark book, due in great part to the fact that there are essays on the developmental stages of children, routining ideas and advice, psychology of performing for kids and so much more. The main thrust of the book is mentalism for younger viewers, but honestly, I really feel this should be required reading for ANY magician/mentalist who wishes to perform for kids. Simply incredible.
The review will come soon!
This week's review: Levent's Color Changing Half-Dyed Silk Trick. It's available for $65.00 from Hocus Pocus. Here's the link: http://hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/product_detail.cfm?item=11805
AD COPY: Levent teaches his own handling of this now classic effect using a special single dye tube and no body loads whatsoever. Start and end the routine with your hands clean!
Learn the routine along with Levent's concise explanation and demonstration of his method. He includes a detailed history of the Color Changing Silk routine and how it was performed by the masters of the past.
Everything is clearly explained on a 50-minute DVD. Complete with everything you need - Silks, DVD and the unique new gimmick designed by Levent.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: A well-produced, very detailed DVD and Levent's own custom dye tube and three silks - one red, one white and one half-dyed white/red silk.
QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION: Levent covers a great deal of history of the effect, different handlings and so much more. Many of these handlings are more difficult than Levent's own handling. It's clear that with this release (just as his Salt Pour release) that Levent has really done his research. While he could have just taught his handling, I like his approach of teaching the history of the effect because you get to see & appreciate Levent's own progression of the effect and why he's gone in certain directions with his own handlings.
When it comes to teaching his own handling, Levent is a very thorough teacher. To use a cliche, no stone is left unturned.
DIFFICULTY: Happily, Levent's handling retains the mystery and beauty of the effect (you can "preview" Levent's routine on youtube) while making the handling easier. That's not to say you won't have to put some work into it...you will, but Levent's advances are just that: advances. With other handlings of this effect, I found the changeover moves more difficult to pull off without it being apparent that I was 'doing something,' but Levent's unique custom dye tube makes the handling and certain steals, etc much easier.
ANGLES: With the exception of the final move (when you ditch the gimmick) you can easily do this routine for most normal stage situations - three-quarter surrounded. The final move, the ditch, is very angly, but Levent teaches you an altered handling to leave that move out. Granted, you're not "clean" at the end, but honestly, for a stage show, I rarely have anyone "examine stuff" anyway, as I feel it just slows the show down.
MY THOUGHTS: One of the things I've been doing the last couple of years with my set lists is to explore classics of magic is fun ways. In recent years I've added the linking rings (well, coat hangers) to one of my shows, a classic escape, cut-n-restored rope and on and on.
There's a reason why classics are classics so I really wanted to embrace many of these classics in my own work.
I've always liked the Half Dyed Hank routine, made popular by the late great Billy McComb. However, when choosing which commercial version of this to buy, I considered Billy McComb's but after watching the performance, and after hearing details of his routine's handling, I decided that while it's a classic in Billy's hands, it just did not appeal to me.
Levent's handling is something you can do with short sleeves, is easy to get into and if your venue's angles permit, you end clean.
About the only "negative" (and this is not a negative, truly) is Levent's script. Levent is a wonderfully unique performer and his style works great for him. His script for this trick have a few nice laugh lines, but in my opinion, only Levent himself can use the script he provides without sounding like an alien!
Don't misunderstand me - Levent's script is funny and works for him, but it's so unique to his own style that I feel to use his script would be a disservice to anyone buying this. So, in my opinion, you'll need to put some work into this as far as scripting goes.
FINAL RATING: I'm giving this a rock-solid 9 out of 10. It's a great take on a classic effect. Be prepared to put some work into the scripting, but Levent's handling and in particular his innovative dye tube makes the handling much more accessible to us mere mortals.:)
Until next week...
Best,
Cris
This week brings many changes. The first of which is my Cause & Effects ezine. I've decided to temporarily suspend the ezine for the time being. My reasons are many, the chief one being that the further I get into my hypnosis career, coupled with my ongoing performing career across North America, means that the process of starting a brand new biz while maintaining the current one is overwhelming in terms of what needs to be done. Additionally, I've got several new products in the pipeline to release in 2012, so while I enjoyed writing the Cause & Effects ezine, rather than produce a sub-par release, it's better to put it aside. I may some day make time to continue it.
The other news of the day is this weekly blog! One of my ideals with reviewing new magic effects is to, in an ideal world, road-test those effects from the standpoint of a working pro. With that in mind, one thing I will probably be doing is reviewing slightly fewer effects. Again, it comes down to having less time to road test new effects.
One idea I have to vary up the content of this blog is to, maybe once a month, do a "flashback" blog, where I look back at something I reviewed in the past and revisit it to see if my mind has changed after working with it.
I also have several DVD sets I want to tackle, and rather than burn through the review in one column, what I'm thinking of doing is devoting a week to each disk, so in the case of Doc Hilford's Monster Mentalism DVDs, four in the set, is to review one disk each week and then give a "total" review. Let's face it, some DVD sets have four great disks while others have two disks that are sub-par in a four DVD set. (I remember, many years ago, reading reviews of Dan Harlan's Pack Small, Play Big series. Three of the videos were highly praised by many while the fourth was panned by many.)
Finally, the other thing I may do to vary up the content of this blog by posting, perhaps once a month, content on topics like performing philosophy and routining...in other words, transferring some of the content from my ezine to this blog!
All in all, I really want to hear YOUR feedback. What do you think of the "Flashback" idea? The idea of stretching out the DVD reviews to make them more thorough? Send your comments to: crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net.
Next item: My buddy Paul's new book, Performing Mentalism for Young Minds is incredible! A more detailed review will be coming in the next couple of weeks (I have to really absorb this book!) but all in all, this is a landmark book, due in great part to the fact that there are essays on the developmental stages of children, routining ideas and advice, psychology of performing for kids and so much more. The main thrust of the book is mentalism for younger viewers, but honestly, I really feel this should be required reading for ANY magician/mentalist who wishes to perform for kids. Simply incredible.
The review will come soon!
This week's review: Levent's Color Changing Half-Dyed Silk Trick. It's available for $65.00 from Hocus Pocus. Here's the link: http://hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/product_detail.cfm?item=11805
AD COPY: Levent teaches his own handling of this now classic effect using a special single dye tube and no body loads whatsoever. Start and end the routine with your hands clean!
Learn the routine along with Levent's concise explanation and demonstration of his method. He includes a detailed history of the Color Changing Silk routine and how it was performed by the masters of the past.
Everything is clearly explained on a 50-minute DVD. Complete with everything you need - Silks, DVD and the unique new gimmick designed by Levent.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: A well-produced, very detailed DVD and Levent's own custom dye tube and three silks - one red, one white and one half-dyed white/red silk.
QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION: Levent covers a great deal of history of the effect, different handlings and so much more. Many of these handlings are more difficult than Levent's own handling. It's clear that with this release (just as his Salt Pour release) that Levent has really done his research. While he could have just taught his handling, I like his approach of teaching the history of the effect because you get to see & appreciate Levent's own progression of the effect and why he's gone in certain directions with his own handlings.
When it comes to teaching his own handling, Levent is a very thorough teacher. To use a cliche, no stone is left unturned.
DIFFICULTY: Happily, Levent's handling retains the mystery and beauty of the effect (you can "preview" Levent's routine on youtube) while making the handling easier. That's not to say you won't have to put some work into it...you will, but Levent's advances are just that: advances. With other handlings of this effect, I found the changeover moves more difficult to pull off without it being apparent that I was 'doing something,' but Levent's unique custom dye tube makes the handling and certain steals, etc much easier.
ANGLES: With the exception of the final move (when you ditch the gimmick) you can easily do this routine for most normal stage situations - three-quarter surrounded. The final move, the ditch, is very angly, but Levent teaches you an altered handling to leave that move out. Granted, you're not "clean" at the end, but honestly, for a stage show, I rarely have anyone "examine stuff" anyway, as I feel it just slows the show down.
MY THOUGHTS: One of the things I've been doing the last couple of years with my set lists is to explore classics of magic is fun ways. In recent years I've added the linking rings (well, coat hangers) to one of my shows, a classic escape, cut-n-restored rope and on and on.
There's a reason why classics are classics so I really wanted to embrace many of these classics in my own work.
I've always liked the Half Dyed Hank routine, made popular by the late great Billy McComb. However, when choosing which commercial version of this to buy, I considered Billy McComb's but after watching the performance, and after hearing details of his routine's handling, I decided that while it's a classic in Billy's hands, it just did not appeal to me.
Levent's handling is something you can do with short sleeves, is easy to get into and if your venue's angles permit, you end clean.
About the only "negative" (and this is not a negative, truly) is Levent's script. Levent is a wonderfully unique performer and his style works great for him. His script for this trick have a few nice laugh lines, but in my opinion, only Levent himself can use the script he provides without sounding like an alien!
Don't misunderstand me - Levent's script is funny and works for him, but it's so unique to his own style that I feel to use his script would be a disservice to anyone buying this. So, in my opinion, you'll need to put some work into this as far as scripting goes.
FINAL RATING: I'm giving this a rock-solid 9 out of 10. It's a great take on a classic effect. Be prepared to put some work into the scripting, but Levent's handling and in particular his innovative dye tube makes the handling much more accessible to us mere mortals.:)
Until next week...
Best,
Cris
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The Year's Best Coming, Murder By Magic Custom Trick Available and REVIEW: Okito Voodoo Doll
Howdy All!
Some quick notes before I get to this week's review...
- In a week or two, I will devote this blog to covering my favorite new effects for 2011. Like last year, I will try to restrict myself to effects released in 2011...otherwise Bobby Motta's Lethal would win hands down as MY favorite new purchase of the year, but considering it was released years ago, I'm taking it off the table for this list.
- The ezine for December's issue of "Cause & Effects" will go out in a day or two. I've (delightfully) been quite busy with hypnosis, so I'm a little behind.
- For those of you who have purchased Murder By Magic, I was recently able to get a custom version of one of the effects I use in the show. It's a Tim Wisseman effect that I refer to and happily, the custom version is around HALF the price of the regular version. I bought a custom version that does not look "bizarre" like many of the great props puts out. I wanted a simple version of the prop that looked more modern and thus mundane and fits in better with the Murder By Magic show, as it's a modernistic show for corporate audiences. If you own Murder By Magic, email me the show set list that I personally use and I'll share details of this custom prop with you. Tim says he enjoyed building it, so I'm guessing he'll be comfortable making more.
- Just as a reminder, Murder By Magic will be PULLED after this month ends, so time is running out!
This week's review: The Okita Voodoo Doll. It's $10.00 from Hocus Pocus. Here's the link: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/product_detail.cfm?item=59
One reason why I'm tackling this little prop is because I've had some readers express a desire for me to review more close-up effects, so here we are!
AD COPY: Performer shows a small straw VooDoo doll, and lays it on the palm of his hand. Upon his command, the doll slowly begins to rise until it is in a full upright position. Magician then gestures and slowly the doll lays back down in his hand. The doll may be handed out. Can be performed in any type situation. No threads, wires, or wax. So simple to do.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: You receive the little doll that is self-contained along with simple written instructions.
QUALITY: If treated with care, the doll will last years. I've had mine for 10 years and can't even imagine how many hundreds of times I've been performing this. This is a rock solid investment, and for the price an unbelievable value.
DIFFICULTY: The ad copy is correct - from a technical standpoint this is extremely easy to do. There's a touch of 'get ready' that you'll need to occupy the audience's attention as you do this. With any effect, audience management is key.
ANGLES: Since the doll goes in your hand for the effect, it's easy enough to mask the 'work' from virtually any angle, as long as your audience is at least a foot away. Once you understand the method, it's easy enough to do literally anywhere.
MARKET: Technically this effect would work for just about anyone over the age of five which includes kids, teens and adults. It's a close-up levitation effect so it appeals to all age groups and plays beautifully. I will admit that since I use it in a voodoo type of storyline, I play this effect for teens and corporate groups...but again, right storyline, you could do this for youngsters as well.
MY THOUGHTS: I've been doing this as a close-up corporate routine for over a decade (in conjunction with another effect) and can honestly say that in a corporate close-up performance or a strolling set, this is one of my closers. With the right routine, this is strong as hell. (I tip my own routine in one of my "Cause & Effects" books available here at Hocus Pocus).
The effect is enchanting, easy to do and as a close-up levitation that does not use thread, it's worth its weight in gold. (Okay, I know since it involves the doll standing up in your hand does not mean it's truly a levitation, but that's how I sell it to my audiences!!).
RATING: An easy 10 out of 10. I know this prop is old as dirt compared to the latest greatest whatever that's released but I really encourage magicians to comb through the good stuff that's been out a while.
Questions? Email me at crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net
Best,
Cris
Some quick notes before I get to this week's review...
- In a week or two, I will devote this blog to covering my favorite new effects for 2011. Like last year, I will try to restrict myself to effects released in 2011...otherwise Bobby Motta's Lethal would win hands down as MY favorite new purchase of the year, but considering it was released years ago, I'm taking it off the table for this list.
- The ezine for December's issue of "Cause & Effects" will go out in a day or two. I've (delightfully) been quite busy with hypnosis, so I'm a little behind.
- For those of you who have purchased Murder By Magic, I was recently able to get a custom version of one of the effects I use in the show. It's a Tim Wisseman effect that I refer to and happily, the custom version is around HALF the price of the regular version. I bought a custom version that does not look "bizarre" like many of the great props puts out. I wanted a simple version of the prop that looked more modern and thus mundane and fits in better with the Murder By Magic show, as it's a modernistic show for corporate audiences. If you own Murder By Magic, email me the show set list that I personally use and I'll share details of this custom prop with you. Tim says he enjoyed building it, so I'm guessing he'll be comfortable making more.
- Just as a reminder, Murder By Magic will be PULLED after this month ends, so time is running out!
This week's review: The Okita Voodoo Doll. It's $10.00 from Hocus Pocus. Here's the link: http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/product_detail.cfm?item=59
One reason why I'm tackling this little prop is because I've had some readers express a desire for me to review more close-up effects, so here we are!
AD COPY: Performer shows a small straw VooDoo doll, and lays it on the palm of his hand. Upon his command, the doll slowly begins to rise until it is in a full upright position. Magician then gestures and slowly the doll lays back down in his hand. The doll may be handed out. Can be performed in any type situation. No threads, wires, or wax. So simple to do.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE: You receive the little doll that is self-contained along with simple written instructions.
QUALITY: If treated with care, the doll will last years. I've had mine for 10 years and can't even imagine how many hundreds of times I've been performing this. This is a rock solid investment, and for the price an unbelievable value.
DIFFICULTY: The ad copy is correct - from a technical standpoint this is extremely easy to do. There's a touch of 'get ready' that you'll need to occupy the audience's attention as you do this. With any effect, audience management is key.
ANGLES: Since the doll goes in your hand for the effect, it's easy enough to mask the 'work' from virtually any angle, as long as your audience is at least a foot away. Once you understand the method, it's easy enough to do literally anywhere.
MARKET: Technically this effect would work for just about anyone over the age of five which includes kids, teens and adults. It's a close-up levitation effect so it appeals to all age groups and plays beautifully. I will admit that since I use it in a voodoo type of storyline, I play this effect for teens and corporate groups...but again, right storyline, you could do this for youngsters as well.
MY THOUGHTS: I've been doing this as a close-up corporate routine for over a decade (in conjunction with another effect) and can honestly say that in a corporate close-up performance or a strolling set, this is one of my closers. With the right routine, this is strong as hell. (I tip my own routine in one of my "Cause & Effects" books available here at Hocus Pocus).
The effect is enchanting, easy to do and as a close-up levitation that does not use thread, it's worth its weight in gold. (Okay, I know since it involves the doll standing up in your hand does not mean it's truly a levitation, but that's how I sell it to my audiences!!).
RATING: An easy 10 out of 10. I know this prop is old as dirt compared to the latest greatest whatever that's released but I really encourage magicians to comb through the good stuff that's been out a while.
Questions? Email me at crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net
Best,
Cris
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