Kayfabe Review

4 DVDs, 9 hours, 4 languages subtitled, 14 effects, $150 bucks and one Kayfabe Review. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.

Kayfabe Review: Effect

As you know by now, when there are 14 effects, I, likely, won't describe them all. Besides, the ad copy does a good job giving a detailed description of the effects.

However, I'll give a brief overview of what to expect. There are a total of 14 effects across the four DVDs. They are all some level of mentalism. Many of them rely on playing cards.

In addition to the 14 effects, there are four interview segments where Luis De Matos and Max Maven discuss the history of Max Maven and his former self (Phil Goldstein) as well as many of Mr. Maven's former career choices (some of which totally surprised me).

This is the most intimate and personal I've ever seen Max Maven, and It was definitely my favorite part of the DVD set.

My second favorite thing in the DVD set is the variety of clever (and relatively easy to do) methods we are taught. In many, many cases, I found the methods much more interesting than the effects themselves.

Then upon learning the methods, I gained a new respect for its accompanying effect. Let's take a deeper look at the methods.

Kayfabe Review: Method

Obviously I won't be exposing any methods. However, I think anyone who is into mentalism will find something useful here.

I found the super clever method for Zen Poker to be inspiring.

Pocket Nightmare (an effect where a thought of card appears in the magician's pocket) totally fooled me. According to the ad copy, Max Maven has never revealed this method before.

Maven's advice on the classic f**** and other f****s (in Singularity) is excellent. He actually f***ed a card on me during the explanation even when I knew it was coming.

Rorrim is yet another one that sent my mind into a loop. The method is very simple, but it's the combination of principles, scripting and presentation that make this piece truly magical.

With the effect Roundabout, three freely thought of cards are revealed. They are truly just thought of. This is an effect somewhat based on Triple Mate by Harry Lorayne that will take some relatively hefty mental gymnastics.

It's a clever (yet tricky) combination of multiple principles, and Mr. Maven goes into great depth to explain the concept. You need to be a bit sharp and able to calculate some stuff during the routine. However, it's structured such that the calculating can happen when at a relatively convenient low-key time during the performance so that you're not too busy thinking rather than interacting with the spectators.

Another overall powerful method at play in the above effect and many others on this DVD set is Max Maven's uncanny "guessing" ability. He has (and reveals to us how to have) the ability to, based on the circumstances, make educated guesses at what the spectator may do, and he's right a large chunk of the time.

This concept is another tool that can be added to your arsenal to improve your abilities as a performer.

Generally speaking, you'll find methods that are combined in clever ways. Some methods are old, some new, some original to Maven, some not, but all are good, effective and legitimate methods.

Some will take more time to master than others, but nothing is a pipe dream. It's all real and very much achievable for anyone willing to put in the time.

Regarding props and gimmicks, etc. needed, there is very little required. In some cases, you'll have to modify the contents of a deck of cards, or maybe get your hands on a couple of jumbo cards, but nothing too crazy.

Kayfabe Review: Ad Copy Integrity

Not much to say here folks. As is typical with the Essential Magic Collections, the ad copy is accurate, honest and fluff-less. You get what they say you get.

Kayfabe Review: Product Quality

This is the only section where there were a few issues. Let's get the negative out of the way first.

DVD Menu

As is common with the Essential Magic Collection, the menu is a pain in the butt. It's not well organized, and everything is way too many clicks away.

It's not as intuitive as it could be, and if you're watching it on a computer, clicking the menu buttons does nothing but highlight the button. A second click is required. I'm not sure what happens on a regular DVD player, but the computer experience is no fun.

Another example is on disk three, when choosing to have English subtitles from the menu, you get Japanese subtitles rather than English.

Production Quality

Overall, the production quality was solid. However, there were definitely a few glitches. On quite a few occasions, the audio would cut in and out making it difficult to hear at times.

Teaching Quality

Max Maven is an excellent teacher and definitely knows how to impart knowledge and techniques to his students. Another quality I appreciate about Mr. Maven is his commitment to honesty in performance footage.

He's not afraid to leave in a mistake in the performance. In the effect Rorrim he goofed up the performance slightly. He could have easily shot another performance with different spectators, but I like the fact that he left the mistake there. It gave us the opportunity to see how a real working pro handles such a situation.

His quick thinking and experience led to a clever and natural way to handle the situation that left the spectators none the wiser.

In addition to the above, you'll also find this DVD set to be an incredible reference resource. The history, credits, context, etc. of the routines, effects and methods are thoroughly discussed making this a well documented history of a ton of ideas and concepts.

Also, on a smaller note, I imagine that the international customers will appreciate the fact that he described the size and distance of things in terms of inches and centimeters.

Kayfabe Review: Final Thoughts

The question I'll be asked the most, is "Is it worth $150?" The answer is, "I don't know. It depends on what you're willing to pay for what you get.

There are 14 effects that have good, solid and clever methods and within the reach of just about any performer.

You also get lots of one-on-one time with Luis De Matos and Max Maven.

You get exposed to the inner workings of a full-time professional is the most prolific creator of mentalism in our time.

You also get the entire Donna Zuckerbrot documentary about Max Maven called Max Maven A Fabulous Monster. That may be a bummer or a good thing. Having the documentary is awesome. Read my review of it here if you need proof: Review of Max Maven A Fabulous Monster.

However, it might be a bummer if you've already spent the $20 bucks on the documentary previously. I'll leave that final analysis to you.

The bottom line is simple. This DVD set is full of a whole bunch of clever methods, a whole bunch of excellent historical information, a whole bunch of smart and effective teaching, and most importantly, a whole bunch of Max Maven.

Kayfabe Final Verdict:

4.5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM.

Available at your friendly neighborhood Murphy's Magic Distributor.

Check for more reviews of this product at My Lovely Assistant.