Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Even The Nights Are Better by Air Supply

Wayne Houchin is a smooth operator for sure. In a world of extreme 'magic' like Criss Angel and low key presentation-less magic like all the Blaine and Angel wannabes, Mr. Houchin is a breath of fresh air. He has a knack for striking that balance between distant mysterious figure and up close and personal down to earth guy. It's not an easy balance. You see it all the time on the trailers for a lot of the crap put out these days. The teaser shows dark moments and eerie effects making the so called magician look all mysterious and mystical. Then cut to the performance of said wannabe, and you get some doofus with his lack of personality and brilliant look-watch-watch-look presentation.

With Houchin, it's all about the WYSIWYG. That's geek-speak for What You See Is What You Get. He's the real deal, and it comes across perfectly in this DVD. The effects are perfect, and the performances are beautiful and artistic. He leaves an impression on his audiences. At the very moment they feel that they can totally relate to him, they are simultaneously and paradoxically feeling that he's truly an untouchable mystic. It is the very definition of the Art of Magic.

For $35.00 you get 5 effects plus an hour long documentary on the Art of Magic. The documentary features guest stars such as The Buck Twins, David Regal and Aaron Fisher. I don't know that there's anything revolutionary in the documentary segment, but it's definitely worth watching. I've always been a fan of listening to and reading other people's theories on magic, so I enjoyed much of this segment. As for the effects, they are all classic effects and/or classic plots.

I'd say take a look at the ad copy, and you'll know if you like these effects or not. The ad copy is very much straight up and representative of what you'll get. My favorite effect, ironically, is one that I'll never perform . . . French Kiss. It's not my style, but man it's such a brilliant and smooth performance piece, and the impact on the spectator is off the charts. I also really enjoyed Houchin's performance of Sankey's Effect Carbon Paper. This effect lets them feel, literally, the magic. Again, it leaves a powerful impression on the spectators.

I think that's the main thing you'll get from this DVD . . . you'll see magic that is impactful, that leaves an impression rather than just getting a 'reaction' to the effect. That's a lesson that we can all grow from. Thank you Mr. H.

Docked slightly for being a bit more expensive than the market average.

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