The Real Secrets of Magic, vol. 1 Review
The Real Secrets of Magic, vol 1 by David Stone
Price: $39.16
Available from: Your favorite dealer
David Stone delivered what is quite possibly the best magic DVD I’ve ever seen. Not only do you learn almost 20 amazing effects, this DVD is filled with great advice from one of the most talented close-up performers out there. If you are currently working or planning to work in the table hopping or walkaround magic business, this is a must have.
The effects play very well with audiences, and are relatively easy to learn. This isn’t a beginner’s DVD by any means, but if you’ve been doing magic for a while, you’ll be able to pick things up rather quickly. My favorite effects fromt this volume are Ghost, Hierling, and Voile Rouge. My favorite part about those three effects is that two of them are impromptu and the third just requires the addition of another (ungimmicked) card into your deck. Because of this, they’ve been used more and more when I need something hard hitting and off the cuff.
As I’m sure you no doubt already know (unless this is the first review of this you’re reading, in which case, I’m sorry) the teaching sections are done in silence. To some people this might seem to be a bit of a turnoff, but it’s really not that big of a deal. I was able to pick up the explanations rather easily, as long as I paid attention and followed along. There are some things you’ll need to have a previous knowledge of (a riffle force being one thing that immediately comes to mind) because they are more “shown” rather than “taught”, but as I said before, if you’ve been doing magic for a decent period of time, you should be fine.
Another thing that I absolutely love about this DVD is the fact that it was filmed as though it was a movie. This is not a bussed in L&L audience for the demos and a bad lapel mic for the explanations. I’m talking great camera work, multiple angles, special effects, comedy, location shots, the whole bit. The short film and the special features alone are, in my mind, almost worth the price of the DVD. Throw in 20 awesome effects, and you’ve got a definite winner.
I don’t think I can recommend this enough. If you’re a close-up magician, no matter what venue you choose to work, there’s probably going to be something on here for you. Go buy it.
Andster