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zgecko Elite user 442 Posts |
Can anyone offer a review or other information regarding Ross Johnson's new DVD, "Simply Psychic"? It is listed by Hocus-Pocus and Hank Lee.
I get the feeling that it might be something for the beginner--especially since the price is relatively low ($14.95). Thank you for your help! Tom |
Magic CPA New user 81 Posts |
I have the DVD. The following is a very brief discussion of each effect:
1. Stroop Test – This is not really a trick. Rather, it is an interesting demonstration of how people perceive words, colors, and instructions. It is based on actual psychological studies by Dr. John R. Stroop and sets the tone for the rest of the DVD. 2. Odd Man Out – An effect with jumbo cards where the audience is led to believe that the cards are primarily red-backed when in fact they’re primarily blue-backed. It was originally marketed by Tony Corinda. 3. Lie Detector Test – A card is chosen (actually forced) and mentally divined after a series of questions which may or may not be answered truthfully. This effect utilizes the classic force which, IMO, is beyond the skill level of beginners like myself. 4. Voice Print – This is an ingenious “living or dead” type test. My favorite on the DVD. 5. Omar’s Prophecy – A one-ahead prediction type routine with a gambling theme. Nothing special. 6. Jackpot Coins – An indirect coin total prediction. It’s similar to one of the bar betchas on Dan Harlan’s mind boggler tapes. Always works due to basic mathematics. 7. Heads Up – A coin date prediction which utilizes a gimmicked coin. Most are probably familiar with this method. 8. Book Test – This is Ross Johnson’s handling of the Hoy book test. This one uses multiple books and is not bad. 9. Drawing Duplication – This is what it sounds like. Requires some pre-show work. In summary, this DVD meets its objective of introducing mentalism to the newbie (i.e. you’re not going to find any earth shattering effects here). The explanations are very good and thorough. Perhaps most valuable is the interview at the end of the DVD with Ross Johnson. Mr Johnson has over 40 years experience in mentalism and offers many tips and insights. And of course, you can’t beat the price… Joe |
zgecko Elite user 442 Posts |
Joe,
Thank you for your excellent commentary! Guess I'll have to take a look. Tom |
Arnon Inner circle 1320 Posts |
I would also like to add to a very nice review by Magic CPA_Joe that I think the DVD is worth getting by everyone, and not just beginners.
Besides the tips and insights mentioned, I like the attention to detail in Omar's Prophecy. Joe thought it was "nothing special" but I disagree. It is not for me, but it might be for others, no matter what skill level. The Stroop Test followed by Odd Man Out demonstrates how an interesting opener can set the stage for what is to come, and also how to introduce an interesting theme to an audience, namely, the ability of the performer to alter their perception. Voice Print was also my favorite, especially the way it was presented by Ross. All in all, I thought the DVD was very worthwhile. Arnon |
Quentin Inner circle 1020 Posts |
This DVD is grossly underpriced. The attention to detail in all the routines is exceptional. I know Ross uses many of these presentations in his own informal close-up presentations.
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10604 Posts |
I really enjoyed it and hope Ross plan on offering more DVDs in the future. I like his thinking, approach and presentation styles. Two thumbs up!
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Gerry Hennessey Special user 852 Posts |
An excellent DVD for beginner or pro. Great value.
Hennessey
"Every discipline effects every other discipline. You can't straighten out the corporation if your closet is a mess" Jim Rohn
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Bill Hallahan Inner circle New Hampshire 3226 Posts |
Magic CPA wrote:
Quote:
1. Stroop Test – This is not really a trick. Rather, it is an interesting demonstration of how people perceive words, colors, and instructions. It is based on actual psychological studies by Dr. John R. Stroop and sets the tone for the rest of the DVD. I learned of the Stroop effect many years ago when reading about psychology, and I made a laminated card that I've had in my wallet for many years. I've been using this to show people how a 3 year old is sometimes able to do some things that an adult can't do very well.
Humans make life so interesting. Do you know that in a universe so full of wonders, they have managed to create boredom. Quite astonishing.
- The character of ‘Death’ in the movie "Hogswatch" |
Paul Inner circle A good lecturer at your service! 4409 Posts |
I've just watched this DVD, and agree it's an excellent DVD for those getting into mentalism, and some nice bits for those already into mentalism.
The design duplication used to be in my act at one time, so I guess it appeared in Bascom Jones's "Magick" a couple of times, when I came across it, it was called "A Step Behind" and credited to Michael Leach. He used ESP symbols but I immediately changed it to simple pictures as used by Ross (but only five). The variant on Hoy is excellent, and the way he uses pencils in "Voice Print". Other nice subtleties are worth watching for too. This is a well produced, great value DVD and Ross teaches well (as he should, he used to be a teacher). There have been a few variations on "Jackpot Coins", Roy Johnson and Stewart James I recall have some interesting variants, but I had not come across this less complex one by Jon Racherbaumer (shared with permission)and liked the way if flowed into an old, secondary effect with coins. An example of good routining. If you are reasonably new to mentalism and have picked up a few of the classic texts, don't overlook this DVD, at the price its a steal, worth it for the book test handling and design duplication alone. Paul. |
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