Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Countdown To Extinction By Megadeth

This is part two of the discourse on taking your close up show to a stage show. In volume one a discussion on cameras and projectors got us set up for displaying our effects on stage. In volume 2, we learn 4 more effects and delve into topics such as what table to use, stage presence, eye contact, lighting and standing ovations.

The Essays

Overall there is some good information covered in the essays. However, I felt they were a little lacking on some levels. For example, the standing ovation essay was pretty much a pointless rambling that really didn't have any valuable points . . . maybe one . . . It certainly did not live up to the ad hype that says, "how to ensure this happens every time!" Not true folks. I think it would be bold to even say, "increase the chance of getting a standing ovation." Even that's pushing it. Other than that, the essays did contain a lot of good information. Things like theatrics and framing the magic were discussed and had some valuable observations.

The Effects

A no camera version of the Gypsy Thread is performed and taught. Though the cameras were not used for the stage performances of it, it was done in such a way that it could be clearly seen from anywhere in the theater. Allan discusses the lighting, music and type of thread to use to ensure maximum visibility.

The effect, Banded is pure crap in my opinion. It's an ambitious card where the signed card cannot be handled by the spectator, and they cannot keep it as a souvenir when it's over. Further, the gimmicking of the cards that is required to perform the effect is not convincing looking at all.

Allan's take on three card Monte, Executive Transvestite has a nice presentational hook, one that I might use myself. However, the gimmick and the method aren't the best for a well lit close up camera shot. Both the ambitious card and this effect were not shown being performed in front of a live audience. Rather, they were both done with a close up camera with only music for audio. In both cases the gimmick either looks bad or can't be shown in direct light. I think the fact that he showed us these without the audience is proof of the risk. Further, there's an audio component that would be a dead giveaway on the Monte effect. This would be a huge issue on a mic'd stage.

Finally, there is Cardtoon Rebooted. I think calling it rebooted is a bit of an oddity. The effect is the same as the original. The handling is basically the same (due to the nature of the gimmick). It uses the same deck of cards. He does say, during the explanation, that "this" is the subtlety that he added and that those of us familiar with the original would see the subtlety. I have no idea what he was referring to when he said "this" is the subtlety. I'm not sure what "this" is. Further, he never explained it or taught it or whatever.

That said, his points and additions that brought it to a stage effect are definitely good and worthy of your attention. Two live stage performances are shown using the camera/projector set up. I think this is really the only thing Mr. Allan added to the effect . . . the stage choreography. Don't get me wrong; that's a lot to bring to the table, and it's very valuable information.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, two of the effects were a bust. However Gypsy Thread and Cardtoon were good lessons in taking a close up show to the stage. The essays were pretty useful overall. Probably my biggest issue with this set of DVDs is that you must have both DVDs because they refer back and forth to material covered on the "other" DVD. Rather than pay $60 for 2 DVDs, I think it would have been better to cut the dead weight effects from both DVDs, clean up the miscellaneous ramblings in some of the essay sections, and combine the set into one DVD for $35 bucks. That would have been a much better deal.

Final Verdict:
3 Stars with a Stone Status of gem with a medium sized 'g.'