Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Stairway to Heaven By Dolly Parton . . . yes . . . Dolly Parton . . . and yes . . . there are Banjos.
Bill Malone is a lot like Senorita Parton here. She, like Malone took a classic and personalized it . . . made it her own. In the case of Mr. Malone, it was several classics. Malone even admits during his introduction that if you're looking for the latest and newest stuff, you won't find it here, but if you're looking for tweaks, personalization and touches that make routines better, you've come to the right place.
Malone is correct. This DVD contains a 20 minute show that is chock full of witty lines, funny gags, moments of hysteria and plenty of magic. Malone is truly a master at audience management and audience entertainment. It's hard to watch him and not laugh or be amazed or have a good time in some way.
For $35 bucks you basically get a 100-minute DVD with 9 effects/ideas several segments of Malone giving you tips on 'Taking It to the Next Level', 'Situating Yourself in the Right Place' and 'Secrets to Increase Your Quick Wit Abilities.'
All of the effects performed and taught are hilarious, magical and pure entertainment. Below is a list of the effects on the DVD. I'll quickly give a short sentence and a 1 to 5 rating:
Autographed Baby Gag
- 4 .5
Hilarious gag . . . with a kicker, but needs the type of pre-show work I don't like. However, even with the pre-show work, it's hilarious. This is definitely something I would put in my act, sans the preshow portion.
A Small Card Trick
- 4.5
Cute, funny and totally magical
Marlo's Miracle Ace Cutting
- 5
One of the Best Marlo effects ever, and Malone delivers it beautifully. I added this to my repertoire after seeing Malone perform it.
Jumping, Changing and Vanishing Aces
- 3
Probably my least favorite effect in the set, but it still has some strong magical moments.
Shuffling Off the Spots
- 3
All backs . . . not my favorite plot, but man there are some seriously convincing displays in this routine. It really looks like an all backs deck.
Lightning Fast Triumph
- 5
This one'll fool you . . . it's a super clever handling of the classic Vernon effect.
Rub-a-Dub-Dub / Cups and Balls
- 4
The 'routine' was ok, but the kicker ending (which is pretty much what cups and balls are all about these days) was beautiful and magical
Bill's Trademark Cards from Mouth
- 5
Duh . . .
Jack In a Box
- 3.5
Quickie that's visual and will teach you a really cool move that has many other applications.
The average rating of the tricks alone is a 4.2. Add in the tips from Malone, and the bonus of getting to be truly entertained by watching such a pro in action, and you got yourself . . .
Final Verdict:
4.5 star DVD with a Stone rating of GEM!