Hey everyone,
First off, a HUGE plug for the Hocus Pocus Trade In Days! Each year I go through my stuff and find effects and props that for whatever reason just do not 'click' with my act. Maybe they don't fit in my new car (which I discovered to my horror with a large prop that, while cool, just did not fit into my new 2012 car) or maybe it's just the evolution of the act, but the Trade In Days concept is a great one - send Paul your unwanted magic in the form of a list along with what you're looking to get in store credit in return.
Paul will look it over and let you know whether he can take any of it. In my own experience, most of the time he has and the amount of store credit he gives is very generous indeed.
I just turned in some stuff and picked up a very nice chunk of store credit that I'm still figuring out how to spend.
A few months ago, I was able to pick up the John Kennedy Voodoo Doll - a pricey stage prop that's almost impossible to find - in near-new condition.
So, if you've got stuff you're not using, send your list of goodies to Paul. Rather than letting it collect dust, you can turn it in and get some stuff that may fit into your act...I have several times and it's always worked out very well for me.
On to this week's review: It's the final DVD of Monster Mentalism by Docc Hilford. It's Night of Monster Mentalism, available for $34.95 from Hocus Pocus. Here's the ad copy:
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!
------------------------
What I like about this DVD more than the others was the focus of the DVD was street mentalism, so most of the stuff here was designed for real-world 'stand up' conditions. A lot of great gems here.
Let's examine each in turn...
Impossible Choice - This is a mind reading card effect that looks completely fair with a couple of spectators. This was yet another card effect that did not thrill me. As I said, I'm not fundamentally opposed to card effects in mentalism but they really have to blow me away to get my attention. That being said, this was solid and an acceptable card effect in which the physical work involved is minimal in terms of effect.
Good effect. 5/10.
The Great Magazine Test - This really is strong! Two spectators are involved and the idea here is that the mentalist and one of the spectators each pick the same word in a magazine. This is incredibly clean looking and can be done with a wide range of readily available magazines.
Docc goes into which magazines to avoid and why (has to do with page numbers) incredible psychology, audience management to keep one of the spectators from blowing the ending too soon (great lesson in audience management and pacing).
This is REALLY strong and workable for the real world, and certainly not just limited to street work. This will kill from stage and if your cost-conscious of the price of book tests (or just want to make a book test type trick on the fly if the airline loses your stuff) I highly recommend this.
10/10.
Number of the Beast - Essentially, the spectator thinks of a three digit number and writes it down. You never handle the pad, there are no billets, no switches, no nail writers, and no impression devices. They write it down, you close your eyes and concentrate...eventually naming the number.
The method is really quite cool, something out of a James Bond movie in certain ways. It's also direct - my description is very accurate. Docc also gives you some great ways to 'stretch' the routine and get more meat of it rather than just naming the three digit number.
This is really strong and really easy. 8/10.
It's Personal - Essentially this is a card effect where the selected card appears in your local paper. Obviously this cannot be a spur of the moment effect, but this is a great version of the idea of using a newspaper to reveal a forced choice. This is another 'worker,' and if you're going to use cards in your mentalism show, this effect is worth your consideration.
Physically, the work is quite easy and most of the 'work' is presentation and build up.
8/10.
Killer on Tiber Street - This is essentially a telephone book test with an incredibly commercial and goofy presentation. I LOVED the presentation and felt it was brilliant.
Unfortunately, I felt the overall method to be convoluted and difficult to get to. The BEST phone book tests (or any book test) has what appears to be a wide open and fair and natural selection process, like Bob Kohler's Human Phone Number.
Docc's method, which he says hails from Anneman (I haven't read it) felt unbelievably clunky and full of procedure. I cannot stress enough how much the procedure dragged down Docc's terrific premise. If this truly is Anneman's method, I feel it's one of Anneman's worst.
Buy the DVD, then you'll ethically have Docc's delightful premise...then find another phone book test method, like the incredible Bob Kohler one I mentioned.
10/10 for the premise, 2/10 for the method.
Invisible Dice - Essentially, this premise involves 'invisible dice' that are rolled and called out by the spectator...and shown to be the only two cards reversed in a deck of cards. In other words, if the spectator says his two dice rolled up with a 2 and 3, then the two reversed cards in the deck are two and three.
This blew me away when I saw it. Docc's gambling premise and explanation of where the word 'mark' came from in the trick's presentation was simply fabulous and the workings of the trick itself are so simple. It's actually based on a classic gimmicked card deck method but with some nice modifications and psychology thrown in.
THIS is a STELLAR card effect to add to a mentalism set and is highly recommended. I've used this and it really plays strong.
10/10.
So this final entry has a LOT of great stuff in it and in terms of the number of effects I loved is easily the best DVD in the set, so I'm giving this DVD a 9.5/10. No duds and mostly really commercial stuff.
In terms of the entire set, while every DVD had its share of turkeys, overall I would qualify this as a must-have set so my overal rating for the entire set would be 8/10.
Until next time...
Best,
Cris
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
REVIEW: Bride of Monster Mentalism DVD by Docc Hilford
Hi all,
Sorry it's been so long since my last blog. I had insane traveling the last couple of weeks, driving on average of 11 hours a day, followed by a plane trip to Florida for training. On top of all that, I became quite ill. Fortunately, I am 'back in the saddle,' so to speak and ready to write.
Big thanks to those of you who ordered my Corporate Magician's Newsletter System. All orders have been shipped. Those of you who made the investment will surely appreciate the simplicity of the system along with the booking dollars it will generate. Additionally, I've also included an UNADVERTISED bonus in the course.:) If you have any question, shoot me an email to crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net.
On to this week's review: Bride of Monster Mentalism DVD by Docc Hilford. It's DVD number 3 in the 4-DVD series. It's available for $34.95 from Hocus Pocus.
Here's the Ad Copy:
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
As with previous releases, there is a lot to like for any serious mentalist as well as a few things I did not care for. Let's look at each routine one by one...
A Letter From The Future: This is essentially a card prediction in which the selected card is very fairly selected and it's shown that a letter from the past predicted what card would be selected.
MY THOUGHTS: This is a good, clean revelation of a predicted card. The actual work is embarrassingly simple, allowing you to concentrate on presentation. The letter itself and the way it's constructed allows for some great psychology and if you perform this as Docc does, you'll get credit for predicting more than you actually did.
Of course, you can use any method of having the card selected, but Docc's looks very fair and the method harkens back to the boldness of classical mentalists such as Anneman and Dunninger.
The routine, like a lot of Docc's stuff, is lengthy in terms of exposition. Your performing have to be up to snuff on this one.
I wasn't blown away, but I did like this. 7/10.
Tridiction: This is essentially a one-ahead routine with some incredible Equivouqe work. (I probably spelled it wrong.) The routine itself is based on a gambling theme which is pretty common for such one-ahead three part predictions.
MY THOUGHTS: You may be thinking there is nothing new here, but Docc's presentational approach and acting throws off those in the know because he does not present this as a scripted (pre-planned) 3 part test, but rather the success of earlier part(s) seem to motivate further tests. It sounds more complicated than it really is.
The real beauty, however, was the extended "min'lecture" Docc gives on the old Magician's Force, or Equivoque. His handling of this often abused technique is stellar and this one section of the DVD is worth it in my opinion. Simple stellar as he really makes the selection process look fair and above board with several layers to his approach I've never seen anywhere before.
Overall, I'll give the routine itself a good solid 8, but the min-lecture on Equivoque gets my highest recommendation at 10/10. Simply wonderful.
Self Help: This is a multi-phase card piece. What more can I say?
MY THOUGHTS: This was OK, but again, for me to use card effects in either magic or mentalism, it really has to blow me away and while this was good in terms of airtight yet easy method, I just was not motivated to work on this.
This gets just a 5/10 from me.
Projected Force: The mentalist attempts to send a just thought of card to a participant. She is successful in that she receives his thoughts.
MY THOUGHTS: The description of the effect is just as it reads. You attempt to send a spectator a thought and she receives it. No actual cards are used, nothing is written down and there is no pre-show or stooges. Intrigued? This is GREAT stuff!!
The method has to do primarily with linguistics and a little NLP. With that in mind, I will say the method is not foolproof as many effects of a psychological nature are also not foolproof.
However, this is just so damn good that I highly recommend this DVD just for this routine. If you were to put this routine right before a sure-fire piece of mentalism that is foolproof, then this effect comes off as as a sort of pre-test, so if the end result is not spot-on, that's OK. I LOVE this.
I'm giving this another 10/10.
Peek Book - This is just as the name implies, a peek book test, but Docc's routine is structured in such a way that apparently the audience forgets a book was used, leaving the impression of a totally clean routine.
MY THOUGHTS: This was good. as always, Docc's psychology is pot-on. Im not sure how well the notion of getting the audience to forget a book was ever in play really works with a modern corporate audience, but even if they pick up on the fact that a book was used, it's still strong. I personally the book test in the previous DVD was stronger, but this was definitely worth exploring.
I'll give it a solid 7/10.
ESPed - This is essentially a drawing duplication test in which everything is designed to look 'above board,' almost test conditions.
MY THOUGHTS: I felt this was the weakest piece on the whole DVD. If this "hits," you've got quite amiracle, but again, with modern audiences, selecting the wrong participant for this routine means that you've got the potential for the person to blab out part of the method.
Plus, in a corporate environment, people can and do get asked all the time after a show about "what was really going on," so while Docc's psychology is sound, I personally feel there are stronger drawing dupes out there that offer methods in which the participant is as in the dark as the audience.
I'm only giving this a 3/10...not because it's a bad routine. In actuality it's a good routine, but the risk factor (to me) is too high. If I'm going to do a "risky" routine, I only make that choice when there are no other methods of accomplishing the effect I'm going after.
With that in mind, I'm going to give the DVD a very high 9 out of 10. Projected Force and the mini-lecture on Equivoque (Magician's Choice) makes this DVD a must have in my view.
Next week I finish up the Monster mentalism review series with DVD #4 and a summation of the whole set.
Until next time...
Cris
Sorry it's been so long since my last blog. I had insane traveling the last couple of weeks, driving on average of 11 hours a day, followed by a plane trip to Florida for training. On top of all that, I became quite ill. Fortunately, I am 'back in the saddle,' so to speak and ready to write.
Big thanks to those of you who ordered my Corporate Magician's Newsletter System. All orders have been shipped. Those of you who made the investment will surely appreciate the simplicity of the system along with the booking dollars it will generate. Additionally, I've also included an UNADVERTISED bonus in the course.:) If you have any question, shoot me an email to crisjohnsoninfo@verizon.net.
On to this week's review: Bride of Monster Mentalism DVD by Docc Hilford. It's DVD number 3 in the 4-DVD series. It's available for $34.95 from Hocus Pocus.
Here's the Ad Copy:
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
As with previous releases, there is a lot to like for any serious mentalist as well as a few things I did not care for. Let's look at each routine one by one...
A Letter From The Future: This is essentially a card prediction in which the selected card is very fairly selected and it's shown that a letter from the past predicted what card would be selected.
MY THOUGHTS: This is a good, clean revelation of a predicted card. The actual work is embarrassingly simple, allowing you to concentrate on presentation. The letter itself and the way it's constructed allows for some great psychology and if you perform this as Docc does, you'll get credit for predicting more than you actually did.
Of course, you can use any method of having the card selected, but Docc's looks very fair and the method harkens back to the boldness of classical mentalists such as Anneman and Dunninger.
The routine, like a lot of Docc's stuff, is lengthy in terms of exposition. Your performing have to be up to snuff on this one.
I wasn't blown away, but I did like this. 7/10.
Tridiction: This is essentially a one-ahead routine with some incredible Equivouqe work. (I probably spelled it wrong.) The routine itself is based on a gambling theme which is pretty common for such one-ahead three part predictions.
MY THOUGHTS: You may be thinking there is nothing new here, but Docc's presentational approach and acting throws off those in the know because he does not present this as a scripted (pre-planned) 3 part test, but rather the success of earlier part(s) seem to motivate further tests. It sounds more complicated than it really is.
The real beauty, however, was the extended "min'lecture" Docc gives on the old Magician's Force, or Equivoque. His handling of this often abused technique is stellar and this one section of the DVD is worth it in my opinion. Simple stellar as he really makes the selection process look fair and above board with several layers to his approach I've never seen anywhere before.
Overall, I'll give the routine itself a good solid 8, but the min-lecture on Equivoque gets my highest recommendation at 10/10. Simply wonderful.
Self Help: This is a multi-phase card piece. What more can I say?
MY THOUGHTS: This was OK, but again, for me to use card effects in either magic or mentalism, it really has to blow me away and while this was good in terms of airtight yet easy method, I just was not motivated to work on this.
This gets just a 5/10 from me.
Projected Force: The mentalist attempts to send a just thought of card to a participant. She is successful in that she receives his thoughts.
MY THOUGHTS: The description of the effect is just as it reads. You attempt to send a spectator a thought and she receives it. No actual cards are used, nothing is written down and there is no pre-show or stooges. Intrigued? This is GREAT stuff!!
The method has to do primarily with linguistics and a little NLP. With that in mind, I will say the method is not foolproof as many effects of a psychological nature are also not foolproof.
However, this is just so damn good that I highly recommend this DVD just for this routine. If you were to put this routine right before a sure-fire piece of mentalism that is foolproof, then this effect comes off as as a sort of pre-test, so if the end result is not spot-on, that's OK. I LOVE this.
I'm giving this another 10/10.
Peek Book - This is just as the name implies, a peek book test, but Docc's routine is structured in such a way that apparently the audience forgets a book was used, leaving the impression of a totally clean routine.
MY THOUGHTS: This was good. as always, Docc's psychology is pot-on. Im not sure how well the notion of getting the audience to forget a book was ever in play really works with a modern corporate audience, but even if they pick up on the fact that a book was used, it's still strong. I personally the book test in the previous DVD was stronger, but this was definitely worth exploring.
I'll give it a solid 7/10.
ESPed - This is essentially a drawing duplication test in which everything is designed to look 'above board,' almost test conditions.
MY THOUGHTS: I felt this was the weakest piece on the whole DVD. If this "hits," you've got quite amiracle, but again, with modern audiences, selecting the wrong participant for this routine means that you've got the potential for the person to blab out part of the method.
Plus, in a corporate environment, people can and do get asked all the time after a show about "what was really going on," so while Docc's psychology is sound, I personally feel there are stronger drawing dupes out there that offer methods in which the participant is as in the dark as the audience.
I'm only giving this a 3/10...not because it's a bad routine. In actuality it's a good routine, but the risk factor (to me) is too high. If I'm going to do a "risky" routine, I only make that choice when there are no other methods of accomplishing the effect I'm going after.
With that in mind, I'm going to give the DVD a very high 9 out of 10. Projected Force and the mini-lecture on Equivoque (Magician's Choice) makes this DVD a must have in my view.
Next week I finish up the Monster mentalism review series with DVD #4 and a summation of the whole set.
Until next time...
Cris
Sunday, February 5, 2012
REVIEW: Curse of Monster Mentalism
Hi Everyone,
This week's review picks up where last week left off. We move to Volume 2 of Docc Hilford's "Monster Mentalism" series of DVDs. It's available for $34.95 from Hocus Pocus.
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 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.
As I wrote last week, this DVD series features effects performed in front of the ever-overacting L&L group. I should also point out that most of the time, the effects are presented out of sequence...in other words, in one sequence, Docc may be standing performing a parlor or 'stage' effect then the DVD cuts to a crowd reaction shot of applause and then we see Docc seated at a table preparing to perform a close up set. This is a tad unfortunate because from my perspective, seeing a pro transition from one effect to another in a set list would be invaluable in addition to seeing said performer perform and get a sense of why s/he puts their routines in the sequence they do. (As we had the opportunity to do with Max maven's Nothing performance).
Be that as it may, there are some gems in each DVD as well as a few things I did not care for.
Let's go through each effect in turn...
NIGHTMARE COIN: Essentially, this is a story-telling routine that links to three invisible (as in just talked about) coins and one real coin is produced from thin air, the one a spectator chooses.
From a story telling standpoint, this routine is terrific. The effect, a production of a coin selected by a spectator, is an OK effect. It didn't blow me away but it was very nice. This routine is anchored by a strong story which illustrates why Docc is so charismatic.
The workings of the routine from a technical standpoint are not difficult at all. Good effect, better routine...this is one I'd probably find a different "trick" to use with the story. Docc's was just fine, but to my tastes, all of the build up could be better spent on a more appealing effect. I should also point out that I'm not a coin guy. Other than a good 3 Fly routine, most coin work bores me to tears, so I'm not exactly objective.
My rating: 5/10. Four of the points were for the story and Docc's acting.
RASPUTIN'S SECRET: This is a mentalism card effect wrapped around the tale of Rasputin. Honestly, if I try to recap the effect, I'll just muck it up, so I'll skip to the chase and say it's a mind reading trick done with a gimmicked deck. I don;t mind spilling the beans on that because Docc's ad copy mentions that the trick deck is still sold for $25. He tips the workings here, so you can decide for yourself whether to buy it or make it.
Honestly, after watching the effect several times, I personally felt it was a bit on the convoluted side, so I'm even habing trouble recalling it.
I am also not opposed to mentalism with cards, but I feel the most straightforward effect possible is preferable. I did not care for this at all. Docc has a much better card effect on this very DVD that I loved.
My rating: 2/10.
FOR ONE TO END: This effect is based on that old psychological force where you tell someone to name a number between 1 and 4 and most of the time a person says "3." Then you turn over your little card and it says, "Why does everyone pick 3?" (In more crass versions, the card says something like "Why do all jerks pick 3?" Ugh.)
In Docc's version, he's added some nice psychological subtleties to guarantee 'success' even when another number is named. The degree of perceived 'success' depends on which number is named, but there are outs for every number. The entire presentation is wrapped around the idea of subliminal advertising. It's a fascinating topic, one I explored for a couple of projects when I was in college.
It's easy to see Docc put a lot of work into this and the premise is fasconating, but ultimately, it's a one out of four choice. I wasn't blown away, but I didn't hate it. Ultimately I was not motivated to work on this myself, so to me it's a miss.
If you're hanging around a group of people and your are the psychological type of mentalist as opposed to a 'psychic' in terms of presentation, you may want to work with this.
My rating: 5/10.
40,000 WORDS: In essence, this is a book test done with a dictionary that is gimmicked. You must gimmick it yourself and once you get into it, you'll see that this gimmick is not something you can whip out in a couple of minutes. It's a pain in the butt not because of any technical demands but only because it will take time and Docc almost admits as much, but once done, you'll have a helluva book test. The presentation is masterful, too.
To add even more intrigue, the chosen words can be different every performance - in other words, no force.
Docc gives a lot of great tips on when to do the dirty work, the psychology, even where your eyes look. Great, great stuff here. Reviewing it again, I really MUST put one of these together as I enjoy book tests.
I'd give it a perfect 10, but it does have some angle issues so instead I'll bump it down to...
My rating: 9/10.
To expand on those angle thoughts, you can mask the 'issue' fairly easily but I would not try it surrounded. If you're in a parlor or stage situation and you're not surrounded, you'll be fine. From my standpoint as a working pro, I'm just fine with it, but I know a lot of people are looking for things you can do informally for your friends and this most assuredly will NOT fit the bill as no way can this book test be examined.
Honestly, this is so good it's worth the price of the DVD.
RHINELESS ESP: This is a simple effect with ESP cards and a very simple two-person code. It's so simple that this is one of those things you could teach the CEO of a company to do with you on stage. I personally am against trying to teach a member of an adult party anything (too much distraction, booze, etc) but the idea of the CEO reading minds during your act has great marketing potential.
The flip side is adults in corporate situations love to blab, so if you're going to do this, you'll really have to do your best to convince him not to blab the secret.
Of course, if you have a partner with you, all of this is moot as you have a pretty cool two person mindreading routine you can do just about anywhere. Zero angle problems and it's really easy to learn.
You can apply this to other effects, but due to the nature of the system, your list of possible choices is limited....in other words, you can't do this with all 52 cards out of a deck of cards but the principal could be applied to another small list of 5 or so objects, potentially, though it's really designed for an ESP deck.
1 IN 10: This was one of the highlights of the entire series for me. Essentially what happens is a spectator simply thinks of a card (really, no force) and you think of a card. You spread a deck of cards face up and give the spectator 10 chances to pluck your card out of the spread. Of course the spectator fails and then you spread the deck facedown on the table and reach down and pick up the spectator's card.
Sounds incredible, doesn't it? It is.
Granted, as with all things Docc Hilford, there is a lot more going on than what I just described, but if done correctly, all the spectators should perceive is what I typed. This is really a master class in spectator management in terms of what they recall, how you can influence them to forget things and so much more.
I LOVED this routine. Docc took around 10-15 minutes explaining the nuances of this routine in the explanation section and there he claims when he does this in a lecture setting, it's an hour just on this routine. I'd LOVE to sit in on that hour!
The only potential drawback is that the routine is long and the whole process of the spectator trying ten times to pick your card could draw out too long in the wrong hands, so this routine requires your "A" game in terms of pacing and management. The physical work is very easy. I feel this is a classic.
My rating: 10/10.
Once again, there were highly rated items on this DVD and low rated items. Be that as it may, I'm going to give the overall rating of this DVD a 9 out of 10. Despite what I felt were a few "misses," the 40,000 Word routine and 1 in 10 are sooooo worth the asking price. Rhineless ESP is pretty good too.
Next Week: Volume 3 of Monster Mentalism!
Best,
Cris Johnson
This week's review picks up where last week left off. We move to Volume 2 of Docc Hilford's "Monster Mentalism" series of DVDs. It's available for $34.95 from Hocus Pocus.
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 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.
As I wrote last week, this DVD series features effects performed in front of the ever-overacting L&L group. I should also point out that most of the time, the effects are presented out of sequence...in other words, in one sequence, Docc may be standing performing a parlor or 'stage' effect then the DVD cuts to a crowd reaction shot of applause and then we see Docc seated at a table preparing to perform a close up set. This is a tad unfortunate because from my perspective, seeing a pro transition from one effect to another in a set list would be invaluable in addition to seeing said performer perform and get a sense of why s/he puts their routines in the sequence they do. (As we had the opportunity to do with Max maven's Nothing performance).
Be that as it may, there are some gems in each DVD as well as a few things I did not care for.
Let's go through each effect in turn...
NIGHTMARE COIN: Essentially, this is a story-telling routine that links to three invisible (as in just talked about) coins and one real coin is produced from thin air, the one a spectator chooses.
From a story telling standpoint, this routine is terrific. The effect, a production of a coin selected by a spectator, is an OK effect. It didn't blow me away but it was very nice. This routine is anchored by a strong story which illustrates why Docc is so charismatic.
The workings of the routine from a technical standpoint are not difficult at all. Good effect, better routine...this is one I'd probably find a different "trick" to use with the story. Docc's was just fine, but to my tastes, all of the build up could be better spent on a more appealing effect. I should also point out that I'm not a coin guy. Other than a good 3 Fly routine, most coin work bores me to tears, so I'm not exactly objective.
My rating: 5/10. Four of the points were for the story and Docc's acting.
RASPUTIN'S SECRET: This is a mentalism card effect wrapped around the tale of Rasputin. Honestly, if I try to recap the effect, I'll just muck it up, so I'll skip to the chase and say it's a mind reading trick done with a gimmicked deck. I don;t mind spilling the beans on that because Docc's ad copy mentions that the trick deck is still sold for $25. He tips the workings here, so you can decide for yourself whether to buy it or make it.
Honestly, after watching the effect several times, I personally felt it was a bit on the convoluted side, so I'm even habing trouble recalling it.
I am also not opposed to mentalism with cards, but I feel the most straightforward effect possible is preferable. I did not care for this at all. Docc has a much better card effect on this very DVD that I loved.
My rating: 2/10.
FOR ONE TO END: This effect is based on that old psychological force where you tell someone to name a number between 1 and 4 and most of the time a person says "3." Then you turn over your little card and it says, "Why does everyone pick 3?" (In more crass versions, the card says something like "Why do all jerks pick 3?" Ugh.)
In Docc's version, he's added some nice psychological subtleties to guarantee 'success' even when another number is named. The degree of perceived 'success' depends on which number is named, but there are outs for every number. The entire presentation is wrapped around the idea of subliminal advertising. It's a fascinating topic, one I explored for a couple of projects when I was in college.
It's easy to see Docc put a lot of work into this and the premise is fasconating, but ultimately, it's a one out of four choice. I wasn't blown away, but I didn't hate it. Ultimately I was not motivated to work on this myself, so to me it's a miss.
If you're hanging around a group of people and your are the psychological type of mentalist as opposed to a 'psychic' in terms of presentation, you may want to work with this.
My rating: 5/10.
40,000 WORDS: In essence, this is a book test done with a dictionary that is gimmicked. You must gimmick it yourself and once you get into it, you'll see that this gimmick is not something you can whip out in a couple of minutes. It's a pain in the butt not because of any technical demands but only because it will take time and Docc almost admits as much, but once done, you'll have a helluva book test. The presentation is masterful, too.
To add even more intrigue, the chosen words can be different every performance - in other words, no force.
Docc gives a lot of great tips on when to do the dirty work, the psychology, even where your eyes look. Great, great stuff here. Reviewing it again, I really MUST put one of these together as I enjoy book tests.
I'd give it a perfect 10, but it does have some angle issues so instead I'll bump it down to...
My rating: 9/10.
To expand on those angle thoughts, you can mask the 'issue' fairly easily but I would not try it surrounded. If you're in a parlor or stage situation and you're not surrounded, you'll be fine. From my standpoint as a working pro, I'm just fine with it, but I know a lot of people are looking for things you can do informally for your friends and this most assuredly will NOT fit the bill as no way can this book test be examined.
Honestly, this is so good it's worth the price of the DVD.
RHINELESS ESP: This is a simple effect with ESP cards and a very simple two-person code. It's so simple that this is one of those things you could teach the CEO of a company to do with you on stage. I personally am against trying to teach a member of an adult party anything (too much distraction, booze, etc) but the idea of the CEO reading minds during your act has great marketing potential.
The flip side is adults in corporate situations love to blab, so if you're going to do this, you'll really have to do your best to convince him not to blab the secret.
Of course, if you have a partner with you, all of this is moot as you have a pretty cool two person mindreading routine you can do just about anywhere. Zero angle problems and it's really easy to learn.
You can apply this to other effects, but due to the nature of the system, your list of possible choices is limited....in other words, you can't do this with all 52 cards out of a deck of cards but the principal could be applied to another small list of 5 or so objects, potentially, though it's really designed for an ESP deck.
1 IN 10: This was one of the highlights of the entire series for me. Essentially what happens is a spectator simply thinks of a card (really, no force) and you think of a card. You spread a deck of cards face up and give the spectator 10 chances to pluck your card out of the spread. Of course the spectator fails and then you spread the deck facedown on the table and reach down and pick up the spectator's card.
Sounds incredible, doesn't it? It is.
Granted, as with all things Docc Hilford, there is a lot more going on than what I just described, but if done correctly, all the spectators should perceive is what I typed. This is really a master class in spectator management in terms of what they recall, how you can influence them to forget things and so much more.
I LOVED this routine. Docc took around 10-15 minutes explaining the nuances of this routine in the explanation section and there he claims when he does this in a lecture setting, it's an hour just on this routine. I'd LOVE to sit in on that hour!
The only potential drawback is that the routine is long and the whole process of the spectator trying ten times to pick your card could draw out too long in the wrong hands, so this routine requires your "A" game in terms of pacing and management. The physical work is very easy. I feel this is a classic.
My rating: 10/10.
Once again, there were highly rated items on this DVD and low rated items. Be that as it may, I'm going to give the overall rating of this DVD a 9 out of 10. Despite what I felt were a few "misses," the 40,000 Word routine and 1 in 10 are sooooo worth the asking price. Rhineless ESP is pretty good too.
Next Week: Volume 3 of Monster Mentalism!
Best,
Cris Johnson
Sunday, January 29, 2012
REVIEW: Attack of Monster Mentalism DVD by Docc Hilford
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
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 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:
-----------------------------
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:
-----------------------------
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.
---------------
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
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
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