IMHO,

#1 had impressive height and was very fluid, but the just going straight up and down while sitting perfectly still was distracting.

#2 looked very mechanical. Each time she stopped and started she looked like she was being jerked into another gear. (not how it works, BTW) I used to "operate" one so I am probably over critical on this.

#3 was very fun. I agree with the previous comments that the hoop was not necessary. It almost declared that the boa was holding her up in my eyes.

My humble comments only...

I am surprised that no one mentioned that the third effect was a suspension and not a levitation. I personally enjoyed the third effect.

The RIGHT illusion depends on the type of show you are performing and the type of atmosphere you want to convey. If the atmosphere is light hearted and fun, then number #3 would be ideal. However, from what I have seen of Tim's web site (both old and new), he presents beautiful magic with a classical tone.

In that case, the whimsical nature of the third illusion would not be in keeping with the atmoshpere and character of the rest of Tim's show. In contrast, #2 is beautiful and elegant. It takes a classic illusion and injects a modern element to it.

I say all of this without any specific knowledge of the technical benefits or disadvantages of any particular illusion. I'm simply trying to use a spectator's set of eyes.

Kent

Thanks for sharing these three levitation/suspension video-clips Tim!

(Also check out the three “gamolo” clips in the Grand Illusion thread:
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......rum=7&27

All three (six with the gamolo thread) examples go to prove a few things:

There are drawbacks to almost every levitation illusion method…
they either require a full-stage set-up, and assistants,
and/or are bulky and heavy to transport,
and/or very expensive to have made and maintain,
and/or there are shortcomings and compromises in deception.

There is no “one perfect” approach or method for anyone,
and there is no deceptive, magical, wondrous method that is cheap or portable…
Again there are going to be compromises one way or the other.

Also, it is NEVER the equipment that makes the illusion either entertaining, enchanting, or magical!
It is the carefully chosen and rehearsed PRESENTATION, look, theme, premise, and plot which makes it work for the audience.

It is like searching for the holy-grail or the fountain-of-youth…
to keep seeking the “perfect” affordable, portable, deceptive levitation or suspension.

My advice, is to approach whatever method you have built for your shows,
with a theatrically creative, original and fresh vision, and to think OUT OF THE BOX.

Find some ways to camouflage or overcome most of the flaws in design or premise,
and work on making it an emotionally meaningful, enchanting, and beautiful sequence.

And, if you don’t have a substantial budget,
or always the right venues,
or the assistants and a van/truck,
or even a creative, imaginative bone in your body,
then FORGET putting this type of illusion in your shows,
and be happy doing the best size/style magic you can manage to do.

That said, I like the third clip--
I like the chair (except for the hoop hook on the back… why?)
as it seems “unprepared” and needs no platform or base.
I like that she “floats” wearing the boa and not connected to the chair.
I like that they’ve found a theme and feel for the piece which translates to their audience!

Last, as the post above says, before you choose an illusion,
for heaven’s sake, don’t look at it like a magician,
try to become a lay spectator, and look at it through their
(both innocent, but discerning) eyes!

Magically,
Walt

Great words of wisdom Walt. So many times it looks like the magician just got the levitation for X-mas and pulled it out of the box and said, Wow look what I can do! To make a levitation truely wonderful you need a very good presentation.

btw..I liked #2 as well.

Tim, correct me if I am wrong, but you do/did an asrah as well right? Why did you leave that out, I know it's not a true levitation, but it really packs a punch!

Hi Banester,

I only included these 3 levi's because I think these (or variations of them) are the most common in stage illusion. I also stuck with these 3 because they are all performed by the same performer (Greg Gleason) who as far as I know still performs all 3 depending on his venue. If I had listed others performed by different performers the vote might have been influenced by the fact that we may have a preference of one performer over another. By focusing on this one performer I think it makes the voting for each illusion more about the illusion.

I could surely use #3 in more shows but the kid in me wants to own a #2. He really wants a #1 but the adult in me (and some experience) tells me I'd rarely use the #1. I was curious what others may have thought. I felt for sure everyone would vote for #1 but am glad to see so many focusing on practicality as well.

Best,

Tim

I liked the third one the best. The others seemed to lack something. One had no reason for the poles to be there and the other seemed to have no reason for the water to be there. Others have presented similar effects, yet they were well motivated.

Without walking to center stage and sitting down, the pole one looked kinda ghetto, like a kid was doing a one-time garage show in the backyard. Just looks pre-attached. Why not make a fake, styrofoam sculpture of yourself, and levitate that, instead? I mean, c'mon, if you're not gonna walk and get into position, right?

The greatest trick in Greg's act is how the *^%# does Kristi still look the same, if not better than when they were in my garage 20 years ago?

There's obviously a dead vampire somewhere, who got mugged for his book of secrets.

JF

Hey Tim, give us some credit- when I saw those three, I immediately knew #3 would be the best for a traveling performer, because it has the lowest stage footprint and the least setup issues. (Imagine trying to convince your local church or college to let you haul 50+ gallons of water up onto their stage...)

I just held off because:
a) you threw me with "My answer might surprise you,"- did you know something I didn't about those effects? and
b) I've never been particularly enamored with levitations or suspensions. Most of them have always seemed too mechanical for me. Copperfield's "Flying" is probably the smoothest one I've seen. And since he's still got the patent and performance rights on that one, I'll stick with the Zombie, for now, I guess...



(On a side note, I did build my own full levitation once, but it had some severe limitations. For one, the weights involved were problematic- when I realized I needed to replace some of the load bearing bolts after every performance, I retired the design, and the illusion. I may rebuild it some day, once I figure out how to work around the mechanical stresses on the gimmick.)

LOL... There was a day when I'd have picked #1 right off the bat, then #2 would be my second choice and I would never have chosen #3 at all. A lot of experience had taught me better since then. I was curious how many others would jump at #1. I think everyone chose well and with a lot of thought in their choice.

Best,

Tim

I forgot to mention in the previous posts that I think the Boa suspension is a really nice twist on the classic Broom Suspension. I've seen it done with many other items including a hockey stick but the boa idea is clever.

This is Gregs own addition to this effect. Anyone know of any others where the broom was replaced other that the previously mentioned or the florescent tube?

Best,

Tm

Here Tim,
An interesting and rather well thought-out variation of a pole/chair suspension.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPzqaaBc290

Magically,
Walt

Tim,
Here are a few other items that I can think of right off the top of my head.
The Pendragons had a giant sword.
The magician that did the Superbowl half time show several years ago used a mic stand (Don't know his name, sorry).
I saw a "Crutch" (used when you break a leg). Built by Bill Smith. I just saw it for sale too. Here's a link: http://www.magicauction.com/Mag_auc/Illu......ries.htm
I have also seen a guitar used a few times.
Also a stack of basket balls (appeared to be balancing), it was on the auction some time ago.
Also, The water levitation is a beautiful illusion and as you probably know the water is extremely messy. I curently own the same type of levitaion but without the water, mostly because of the mess it makes.

Hans Moretti did it with a rolled newspaper tower, but there must be endless possibilities of what a person can use for this suspension.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km1SwiLpLp8

Excuse me, Tim, but the suspension from the chair is not a levitation. And your topic is "Levitations Levitations, Levitations".

Thanks for the links guys.

And Lou....picky picky picky. LOL

Best,

Tim

Whoaa,whaaaat?? Please elaborate on how you perform this.

Tom

I personally like the pole suspension but the one in the Greg Gleason video looked like the cheapest thing I've ever seen. Is is a knock off?

Take care,

Bryan

I'd go with the 3rd one (suspension) it's the most impromtu and easy to set up.

Zach