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Steve V Inner circle Northern California 1878 Posts |
I didn't want the review to get lost at the end of the thread on this fine dvd.
Title: Tivoliland Presented by: Arthur Tivoli Medium: DVD Arena: Parlor, strolling/close up Ability level: all Available: any shop, distributed by Murphy’s Magic Cost: $32 I’ll have to admit I didn’t know who Arthur Tivoli is. I had not heard the name but I had heard his new DVD Tivoliland was pretty good. I looked up the DVD and found he had released, previously, a balloon DVD. I love balloon art, I make ‘em badly (note to self, learn to be a better balloon artist) so a balloon guy had to have something going for himself. I read the list of effects and while the titles were not really descriptive the descriptions of the effects covered a wide range and looked interesting…well, let us take a look at what Mr. Tivoli has brought us. First the quality of the DVD is pretty good. The sound was really done well and for someone who is hard of hearing, such as I am, any DVD with sound that goes from loud to soft drives me nuts. The sound is good and the camera work was alright, not the best I’ve seen, but acceptable my any standard. If there was one problem I had with production value I would say that the instructional part of the DVD was done with a black background and the set was dark. I like well lit sets and I think better lighting and a more cheerful background would have been more reflective of the charming and humorous Arthur Tivoli. Not a distracting background, just a brighter one, make a note of that DVD makers! The editing was fine and the authoring (is that the right term?) was good. Interestingly this almost 2 hour long DVD is in both English and French, Mr. Tivoli is French, you make the choice. I will advise you watch the performance in French just to enjoy the flow and interaction Arthur has in his own language. The DVD opens with Arthur doing his entire set, none of that do a trick then explain a trick here. Interestingly, and I think this is of value, he opens with half of a routine involving getting money from an audience member and then doesn’t finish the routine until the end of the show. This is a busker method of getting the attention of your audience and holding it. You can actually show your non magician friends the show and not worry about tipping anything to them. Arthur’s show in English is easy to follow and even with the distraction of working in a foreign language his timing and sense of humor shines through. Each routine, which I’ll explain later, is very nicely scripted and has a beginning, middle, and end… very professional and how it is recommended to be done. While I’m not familiar with Arthur it is very clear that he is a very polished performer. Watching him perform in French, which I don’t understand, was a pleasure because he really flowed. The explanation part of the DVD was interesting. Because Arthur speaks English as a second, third, or fourth language he had the help of a young man in his explanations. I was able to follow what Arthur was saying and felt that the young man, while very pleasant, caused some distraction during the explanations. Not a major point and not enough to make it so you won’t learn the effects but I think that the value of these effects was such that it deserved more. Perhaps someone who was there to help in translating the moves into clearer English or if the young man was more familiar with the magic it might have helped. That is just my thought and others have disagreed with me and felt that the young fellow added a great deal. I may just being picky. Either way you do have to pay attention to the explanations. The routines are very good and you will not only learn good effects but how to routine them, that is something folks too often ignore. I found that Arthur’s English was better than I think he realizes and he explained well. I will say, after second thought, that the young man did direct Arthur to explain aspects that were important but I do think Arthur would have told us anyway cuz he’s that type of guy. I do think that distractions during the explanations should be avoided as you may miss a fine point. You will learn how to do the effects from the explanations but you will want to formulate the presentation to fit your character or style. I was glad the lines were not fed to you like some do, the effect is taught and you need to work on your own presentation. Good stuff. Now the routines! Coco Chanel is a handling of Gypsy Thread. I’ve seen similar preps but the handling is a bit different and I liked it. The routine was strong and I think it is the strongest presentation I’ve seen, a case where the presentation carries the day and also what many think is one of the best parlor routines, the Gypsy Thread. Youssoupof Three Fly. Again we have a wonderful piece of parlor magic in Arthur’s version of Jonathon Townsends Three Fly (in the hands coin across) concept. This is a bit like 3 Fly 3 in handling (Daryl) with some significant changes that I think is stronger than 3 Fly 3. The routine is absolutely outstanding and is a great example of an idea carried to completeness. The routine, which I think many will do as shown, has productions of silks and noses and vanishes and all kinds of good stuff in it as well as a great way to get into and out of the routine with the coins. I really liked this routine and while I’ve done 3 Fly for years this routine has inspired me to take it to my actual show. Mon-Gobelet: A very nice one cup routine that can be carried with you in the pocket. No magic props used other than a wand, the cup you can get at an import store. This routine is fast, magical, and entertaining. This is another well thought out routine that ends well and has additional magical components outside the cup and ball. I’ll be working on this one. Josie The Mouse: A zombie routine for the rest of us! I never did the zombie cuz I am not graceful. This is perfect for kids shows or family shows. I don’t know how I, and you, failed to think of this before and I’m putting this into the show. Rodin: This is a really creative piece. Combining mentalism, cards, art, and balloon sculpture into an entertaining routine takes thought, very entertaining. Puzzle: I like torn and restored cards and this is one where the card is fully restored. It isn’t difficult and the handling is great. There is one move, and I am going to assume it is Arthur’s, that is a smooth as silk. His routine for it is pretty darn good as well. Tivoli’s Bill Switch: The switch looks great, the switch from bill to coin is amazing, you will love this, I did. Clement Ader: A torn and restored cigarette paper routine. I believe it was based on Martin Lewis’ work, which I’m familiar with, but the switching and handling are different where it counts and I like this version. Arthur has gotten around the angle issues with his changes. Martin’s method is very good, this one is also very good. The routine fits Arthur perfectly and you will have to re do it to fit you, unless you are French. William Tell: A very nicely routined bill to impossible location used to open and close the show. Pretty good effect and involved balloons. A good routine for an older crowd. There you have it! I recommend this DVD, the material is just great but do watch it in peace and quiet so you don’t miss anything. |
Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
Also, Arthur is a very charming performer and his love of magic comes through. I really like him as a person and am amazed by him as a magician!!
Steve, your review was on the money as they say. Nicely detailed!!! Chris
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
Xiqual Inner circle Upper left quadrant 4935 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-07-07 15:54, Steve V wrote: Arthur's balloon DVD is also very different. Ha actually does a whole balloon act on stage in front of a live audience. It's a amazing. The way he works with people is really great. There is one scene in which a little girl comes on stage and does not smile while he is making ballons for her. He gets down next to her and immitates her sad face. He does not mock her, but does a bit that reminds me of Jackie Gleason in "Gigot". Arthur is first class all the way.
Still with the Chinese circus
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Jeremy L. Special user 800 Posts |
Great review!
Xiqual- Can you tell us more about the balloon DVD? |
Xiqual Inner circle Upper left quadrant 4935 Posts |
I have the VHS actually. Arthur Tivoli is widely considered one of the premier balloon sculptors in France. Now, for the first time ever, you have the chance to watch Tivoli perform live in front of an audience. After the show, Arthur shares the tips and bits of business on balloon modeling he's gained from years of experience, including several new sculptures: Dolphin, Pirate and Cowboy Suits, Bee on a Flower, a Poodle Riding a Motorcycle (using only one balloon), Monkey on a Tree, the Statue of Liberty and more.
The dolphin uses only one balloon and it looks great. The costumes are very creative too. I like the video, Arthur performs with a band and it is really a great show. James
Still with the Chinese circus
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Tivoli Loyal user Paris (France) 252 Posts |
Hi folks
Xiqual is talking about the vhs "Tivoli Live" you can purchase it from Hocus pocus or from www.tmyers or any magic shop I suppose. Yes I do my balloon act in front of a real public and I have with me on stage a jazz band. This vhs was taped 4 years ago but it's still alive, I mean the balloon sculptures and the way I do my show. Here is what T Myers from tmyers. com says about my work : http://www.tmyers.com/video/tivoli.html Take care arthur |
Tivoli Loyal user Paris (France) 252 Posts |
T Myers has done some mistakes on my name ,but I'm kidding it's not a problem I want to thank him for his kind words on my work
arthur |
Gideon Sylvan Special user Deerfield, IL 541 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-07-12 11:32, Tivoli wrote: Will it ever be a DVD?
You know you are a magician when you have boxes full of lecture notes you have never read, but still are excited about going out and buying more.
www.gideonsylvan.com |
Tivoli Loyal user Paris (France) 252 Posts |
I don't think so But I hope it will not stop you to purchase it if you want
arthur |
Tom Cutts Staff Northern CA 5930 Posts |
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