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Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
Received this DVD from John a couple weeks ago. I already had the book and loved it. If you're not familiar with John or his stuff, you should be, because it is outstanding. Just ask guys like Paul Chosse, Paul Green, Ron Bauer, Daryl, etc, all of whom use material by John. (His book LINT--Luka In New Tops--is also superior.)
This DVD showcases a number of effects from the book of the same name. It is not the kind of DVD with the super-enthusiastic audience on energy drink highs that has become so popular, so be prepared for that. It is, though, some VERY strong, commercial magic expertly performed and explained. It's heavy on card magic, but there's not a bad item on the disc. WOW Revisited - The Biddle trick with some comedy thrown in, this is John's trademark type of magic: commercial, strong, entertaining. Michigan Monte - The Sidewalk Shuffle without gaffs that will fool anyone not familiar with the principle. Licked at Last - Probably my favorite item on the disc, this one is a Triumph routine on steroids. Absolutely KILLER, and all in-the-hands! The Airplane Card - Another killer routine, this one is a repeat card to pocket that would make a great closer to a strolling card set. Chromo Balls - John is known worldwide for his handling of the classic 3 ball routine. This one has it all. SUPER strong! Card to Wallet - Watching the performance, you'd never guess that this one was so easy--no palming and virtually self-working! Flipper Coin Routine - A 3 coin routine that flows magically, comes full circle, and that anyone can do. Back to the 19th Century - My other favorite routine on the disc. If you like card assemblies, you need to check this one out! No dupes, gimmicks, or gaffs of any kind. Strong, practical, do-able. What more could you want? One last thing: John is an easy-going, laid-back kinda guy. If you're expecting a Bill Malone, David Williamson, or Jay Sankey personality, you're not gonna get it. Personally, I don't think that's a bad thing at all. John reminds me a bit of an Earl Nelson. He seems to just effortlessly cruise along and BAM! MAGIC happens. IMO, this can often make the magic even stronger. I give this DVD my enthusiastic recommendation. It's available from http://www.kozmomagic.com Scott F. Guinn
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
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motown Inner circle Atlanta by way of Detroit 6127 Posts |
I have both John's book and DVD. Scott's review is spot on.
John's card to wallet is just one of many excellent routines on the DVD.
"If you ever write anything about me after I'm gone, I will come back and haunt you."
– Karl Germain |
(a)ndy Regular user New Zealand 164 Posts |
I own the book and DVD and think they are both great. John's magic is very clever and the effects very direct and hard hitting. All are delivered on the DVD by John in a very laid back and effortless style, which I guess matches my own.
Highly recommended. |
Corbett Inner circle Indiana 1161 Posts |
I also have John's book and DVD and agree with Scott's assessment. I've also had the pleasure of seeing John lecture in the recent past. The routines are not knuckle-busters, but are fun to perform, and strong. I continue to use his ACR and CTW regularly. Love it.
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Darrin Cook Special user 621 Posts |
I recently got this DVD and am very pleased with it. This is a DVD that didn't get a lot of hype, but it is very solid.
John is an example of a performer who is low key, yet funny, and he connects well with an audience. His audience sometimes consists of both children and adults (a typical family restaurant audience), and it is instructive to see how well he handles both children and adults, as well as how his routines appeal to all age groups. I know everybody wants to do the super funny manic magician character --"WHOA! AM I TOTALLY CRAZY OR WHAT?!!", but John is a better role model for the typical magician. I'm glad that I didn't have to sit through another cringe-inducing DVD with a magician desperately trying to get laughs with a cartoonish persona and risque jokes. The in-the-hands triumph is a great routine. I plan on performing this one. I've been recently researching three ball routines, and John's three ball routine is the best. It's one of the few that stands out from the others. The Biddle trick has a very smooth, motivated handling. The card to wallet reminds me of a routine by Scotty York. Very good and nearly effortless. Throughout the DVD are great patter lines, presentational ideas, and extra touches on moves and routines (like helping to clarify a transposition effect). For instance, the routining of triumph and card-to-pocket so that the finale of one sets up for the next trick is an example of great thinking. The bottom line is I feel this is a strong offering of worker-type material that would be great for the restaurant, strolling, and close up performer |
mumford Special user 652 Posts |
Good, commercial, doable stuff. Congratulations!
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