Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Machine Head By Bush

Introduction:

As my resolute review readers know, when reviewing a multiple effect DVD, I frequently attempt to list each effect and give each effect it's own rating.

Though this DVD is over 3 hours long and has a ton of Effects on it, they are all essentially the same 2 or 3 basic methods. Of course there are slight variations and the presentations and props for each effect are vastly different from each other.

The whole point of the DVD is to teach you a few principles that will take your mentalism to a whole different level. The basic techniques used for teaching are 1) discussions with Eugene Burger, and seeing it in action. Theory and Practice.

It's an excellent method of teaching, but it's not just 'teaching you the methods.' There are also some complete routines covered that could be added right into your repertoire. Normal Mailer is one that I always carry with me in my brief case. It's a brilliant effect.

How I'm gonna Do This:

Because of the nature of this project, rather than breaking down each effect, I'm going to make two effect categories. First will be the section that is appropriately labeled Tour De Force on the DVD, and the second section which I will cleverly label Cleverly Labeled Thing.

In the former category I will lump the review and rating of each component into one piece, while the former category will offer details on each effect within.

Tour De Force, etc

The first half of the DVD introduces you to the basic concepts, opening with an effect that should get your heart pumping - Eugene, likely, had to pop a nitro pill or two after it was over. Following this intensity, we're treated with some excellent theory and concepts on equivoque.

This section was very enlightening. It covers everything from wording, inner monologue, procedure, key phrases to ensure clarity, history, and so much more. Following this, we are taken on the Tour De Force where we see over a dozen different routines ranging from the adorable to the abhorrent, from the eccentric to the everyday. Each effect uses equivoque allowing you to watch for the tips and ideas that were discussed in the theory section.

A wide assortment of props and presentational premises are offered. The intent isn't necessarily to give you new effect to add to your repertoire - though you certainly could do just that with these offerings - but rather to show the variety that is possible using this method.

The best thing about watching these performances is that you get to see different paths that an equivoque procedure might take and more importantly, how a pro like Max Maven handles each one. This is by far the most instructional part of the DVD. There is so much to be learned by watching this that I could almost recommend this DVD on the merits of this section alone.

This entire section I give an overall rating of 4.5 stars out of 5

But wait; there's more . . .

Cleverly Labeled Thing

Below you will find a list of effects that use both equivoque and 'something else.' I'll save the surprise of what that something else is for when you watch the DVD. Next to each effect will be my brief commentary along with a star rating (1 is worst; 5 is best).

Neometric (4 stars)

This feels so free. Pick a Coin; name a shape . . . Bam, you predicted both well in advance.

Cointext (4.5 stars)

I really like this effect. I've used it a few times already. The presentational premise is solid; the procedure is about as straight-forward as you can get.

Future Tense (4.5 stars)

I love this effect. It combines ESP cards and Playing cards (and your business card). You do need a 'special thing' but you probably have one, and if not, they're only 7 or 8 bucks.

Normal Mailer (5 stars)

This one is in my repertoire. I carry it with me everywhere. It's in my briefcase (read: laptop bag, which I'm pretty much never more than 50 feet from. Simply put: you display a few envelopes that have been sent to you. The spectator chooses one. It's the ONLY one that has a custom message specifically for them. It's brilliant. The revelation is beautiful.

A Small Fortune (4.5 stars)

One of the best parts about learning this effect from this DVD is that you get to actually be the audience and select one of the objects and play along. The effect itself is very clever, portable and, on many levels, very deep. I love the 'tell your fortune' angle.

Leap of Fake (4.5 stars)

Borrow a deck of cards. Remove 4 of them. Place them in the shirt pocket of a volunteer. He names a number, and that many cards vanish from his pocket and end up in yours. It's that powerful and that direct.

Shrödinger's Slot Machine (3 stars)

This one is fun and can play pretty well, but the procedure is a little bit contrived and a little bit dull. However, the method and overall effect is still pretty decent.

Locker (5 stars)

This is a very clever effect with a lot of potential that allows you to give your spectator a souvenir that they will keep forever. In short: four kings have holes pre-punched. You lock them together with a padlock. The spectator makes a free choice of one king and names a number. While the cards are still locked, you magically turn their selected card to face the opposite direction and place it in the position named (the number the spectator named). Then you let them keep the cards and the lock . . . beautiful.

The Number of The Least (4 stars)

The look on Eugene's face when he turned over the first card was priceless . . . almost worth the price of the DVD. This effect is very clean and has a funny and interesting in line that I think will hook people in. You prove that spectator does NOT know what his favorite six is.

Final Thoughts

When you average all of the above listing individual ratings, you end up 4.4 stars. Consider how indepth you'll be learning these principles as well as who the teacher is plus all of the presentational ideas . . . on top of all that, watching a pro perform plus the production quality . . . etc, etc, etc . . .

It's hard to give this anything but 5 stars even with the hefty price tag of $75.00.

Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of 100% Absolute GEM!