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Center Stage Review

Two DVDs, 2 hours, 14 effects, $40 bucks and one Center Stage Review. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.

Effect

There are 14 effects on this DVD set, and lucky for us, they're all spelled out in the ad copy, so I don't have to explain them all. You'll find some relatively standard effects on here (e.g., ace assembly, cards to/from box, homing card, mystery card, invisible deck, sandwich effect, multiple selections, etc.). However, using his concept of one degree tweaks, he's updated, validated, streamlined, clarified and simplified the effects making them much more likely to inspire better reactions from audience members.

Method

The methods are also standard methods. However, John G. has combined a few ideas in unique ways and added presentational ideas that are part of the method. He's created new an interesting methods and details that elevate the effects. For example, his Assembly Line effect is an ace assembly with no table. He uses four spectator's up on stage. But that's not all. That's an improvement already, but then he adds the extra feature of allowing the four spectator's to decide where the aces will assemble, and sudennly you have a whole new effect thanks to G's clever one degree change in method.

This DVD set is chock full of concepts like this. The really good news is that 98.73% of the techniques are easy and non-knucklebusting. I'd say that the majority of the magi out there can easily add the majority of this material to his/her repertoire. The methods are all legitimate and practical.

Ad Copy Integrity

The ad copy claims that within each of the 14 effects (actually 13 effects and one "move") is embedded a lesson. This is very true. There are lessons about, of course, the one degree changes. There are also lessons about creativity, thinking, performing, method, etc., etc. The ad copy also very accurately describes the effects with no hype and no outrageous claims.

Center Stage Review: Product Quality

Generally, the DVD is well produced, and it has that coveted play all button. On the first DVD, the audio was a bit low, but it was fine in the second DVD. It was, however, low enough on the first DVD, that you'll likely need to crank up your speakers to 20 . . . or put on headphones if that's an option. The video quality was solid overall with a few occasions where the lighting was not quite good enough to clearly see some of the magic moments in the performance section. All becomes clear in the explanation, but it was a bit of a bummer to be slightly robbed of the moments due to lighting.

John G. did a good job of covering the principles, sneaking in the "lessons" and inspiring the desire to improve as a magician. There's also an interview segment where G. answers a few questions about creating and about the one degree concept. All in all, this set is very enlightening.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for some clever adaptations of method and presentation to classic plots, you'll LOVE this DVD set. If you're looking to improve your creativity and your thoughtfulness, then you'll LOVE, LOVE this DVD set.

Final Verdict:
4.5 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem.

Available at your Favorite Magic Dealer. Dealer's see Murphy's Magic For Details.