I can¡¦t agree with you more.

Not to mention that those regular price (UD$35) DVD need to add extra shipping and handling too.

Allow me to say more, recently, while I talk with my friends, I found out that we all have some sort of communication problems with young people (special born after mid 80¡¦s). We do not know why, it just we cannot understand what they are thinking about. On the other hand, we cannot understand what they talk about either.

Is that a social problem? Or just the generation born in 70¡¦s have the same problem like I have? Even my wife¡¦s collegues work in banks has the same problem too¡K

TA, for me, is a collaboration of project and ideas of many people, lead by Paul, and present to us the direction of magic in future. Some people, do disappoint that Paul is not performing but it is okay, because cookies already with many old footage of Paul¡¦s effect (his performance too.)

Actually there are 2 Paul¡¦s DVDs which include his earlier tapes (total 5) in such a bargain that we all cannot miss. In my opinion, you do not need other DVD to be a working pro after you got those Stars of Magic DVD under Paul Harris titles.

Years ago, I discuss Paul¡¦s effect with some magicians, and they quite agree that effects inside AOA are WAY AHEAD OF OUR TIME. We keep on witness those effects in Blaine¡¦s (1997 ~) , and even Cyrl¡¦s TV special (2004~) Please note that AOA first release was in early 90¡¦s.

In my little magicians¡¦ circle, we assume that Paul¡¦s effects are 15 ¡V 20 years ahead of magician¡¦s and audience¡¦s mind. These days, while I watching back and forth of the TA set, I have the same feeling in many of effects performed by Bro Gilbert that in near future, it is not difficult to see those piece will be in any TV special of famous magicians. It is just a matter of fact that we as being supporting the project of TA are a group of fortunate (unfortunate) ones to absorb the impact TOO EARLY before our mind can perceive and accept the impact.

Indeed, there is a lot of praise (hype ¡V word for the new generation) and anticipation of TA before it is available. Maybe because they cannot see those 52 packet false cut and two-handed four coin roll that¡¦s why they do not like the DVD. Maybe we have too many knuckle-busting finger dexterity DVDs in the last 5 years. TA is just like an alien in the mind of new generation.

Or¡K

The new generation tend obcessed with being one man director and all they can performed is in front of webcam and display their magic via youtube, these live performance with audience and especially girls they cannot stand, I do not know.

In terms of money issue, US$300 is quite a sum of money, no matter how good / bad the economy situation is. A XBOX 360 console cost around the same price, some trendy clothes and a pair of sneakers cost even more than that. It is a matter of perception value in this case. People¡¦s mind is just about spending $300 for a product. They did not realize they got more than 60 plus items inside (effects, bonus effects, interviews with the best mind in industry to make them a better performer, Phnootes¡K) plus a bag of props.

Worst of all, magic DVDs are sold for US$1 in pirated copies in the other cities of country where I belong¡K How can we persuade the true value of magic to the new generation that what they spent is worth that much? They are simply cannot define what is the meaning of ¡¥value¡¦ in magic.

Of course, we can buy the set and sell it whatever we like, but in this initial stage I doubt, I really doubt those did that ever spend enough time to understand every effects¡¦ impact to audience / participants.

Regarding to Paul¡¦s influence to new generations, I always surprise to see young people with a year or two in card magic proudly perform ¡¥Reset¡¦ in front of webcam but saying that they improved the trick using Clip Shift 4 times in a row for each transformation¡K Not to mentioned that a infamous Asia Magic Company even publish a DVD with more than 10 variations of Reset. As far as I know, the Reset plot exist since 70¡¦s and it is now still a piece of repertoire almost every magician will perform in their show piece.

My final word, TA is like a new bottle of red wine release in the year 2009, and it takes years to make people realize how good it is.

I hope that my little thinking will not offend anyone (probably will) and my little idea sharing with you all.

---

Oh by the way, we can understand the thinking of our cafˆm member here by pressing on his name and check his previous post. That is what I always do before I post anything here so that I will not use improper language / attitude. My only problem is, will this member sold the TA for $240 will ever understand an aged mid 30s thinking about¡K.

I have been very slowly going through the first two disks. The material is wonderful for folks like me who do effects exclusively for intimate groups of people in close-up settings. Once I have practiced them sufficiently, I know the majority of those I have seen on these first two disks will be amazing for the spectator to witness. I have had communication with Jason regarding a problem with one of the props, and he was amazing at correcting the problem. The customer service I have been reading about by Tim and Jason speaks so very highly of their levels of integrity and brings much credit to those who are creating and distributing effects to our craft.

Best,

David

Posted: Feb 17, 2009 11:42pm
I meant to say, as well, that I personally consider the price a serious bargain. Without question. I think that the DVDs alone are easily worth the asking price, not to mention what is gained when one considers the props included and the wooden puzzle box - and the additional bonus Easter Eggs. There are quite a few instances where I have happily paid $25 for a single effect - and gotten my money's worth many times over for just a single effect. For a serious student of close-up magic, this is a treasure trove - at a very, very reasonable price.

David

Ok, question for Jason Messina, is there refills available for the Coffee Press cards? I need a nice fat stack of them, I'm using them up quite fast (it plays soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo strong).

When I first heard $300 for 9 discs and did the math, I knew immediately it was not expensive. I did say in an earlier post I was going to wait because I did not buy into the pre-hype, but I am glad I did buy them and receive a signed set.

Okay. I'm interested in what people are already performing.

I'm so overwhelmed, I don't know where to start. And I can't put something right into my pro act without proper rehearsal. And the act is good like it is.
I would add maybe one at a time. But just doing it is not enough. I have to take the time to study the presentation, as I would want to get the reactions Bro gets. And that will take rehearsal for me.

So, what are ya'll performing already?

I might start with the first, Twilight Angles. I sent for some refills. Next I'm out to buy a Zippo!( I don't smoke, and other ideas for that? )

ACE

I have been working with the cards across. It's great. One suggestion for those who are trying this- after you have given the spectators the 2 packets it is really important to immediately put away the excess cards. In this type of effect clarity is crucial. This little extra adds a lot. By keeping the cards out you really have 3 similar size packets in play and it just creates some confusion. I cannot tell you how strongly this effect plays. It's got the strength of the cards across plot and the Biddle Card effect. If you have not tried this effect I'd recommend giving it a shot.

I head off to Blackpool tomorrow so look forward to meeting some of you at the convention.

Tim

Posted: Feb 18, 2009 2:49am
Joe, on the Twilight Angels effect there area few other suggestions provided on TA in lieu of the zippo lighter such as the screen or back side of some cell phone, etc. - anything reflective. The lighter adds a nice touch with warming things up. I might recommend considering this then going into the voodoo effect (but instead of using the drawing ending use the scorching of the card).

Tim

My cell phone is 10 years old and scratched silver, so that will not work. And I don't want to depend on someone else, I need it ready for timing.
I did see some 'Pouring Discs" in the liquor section of my Grocery Store. They are dull reflective aluminum and curl up to put into the top of a bottle to pour.
I will probably just get the Zippo, and ad other fire tricks.
It's been a week and a day since I watched the first DVD, my mind is swimming with info.
I'll go back and watch everything again slowly this time.
thanks

ACE

I've been watching these for quite some time and am still maxed out with info LOL. It's a lot to take in.

Tim

About the price increase. If I remember correctly, the price we paid was a PRE-ORDER special. And we had to wait. So I thought the price was going up anyway. I expected it to.
And now you can buy it and get it pretty much instantly or at your local magic store and have it the same day.

So no complaints are allowed. If you did not pre-order, consider yourself lucky you can still get it at the "Introductory Price". Which, when you do the math, each DVD is still less than the cost of any one regular DVD.

Thank you. Now I'm off to start watching the set again, and start practing. I'll post again when I come up for air!

ACE

PH, wow what a genius!

Not sure if others have asked this already:

Does anyone know if it is possible to buy an extra TA pen?

It would be great to be able to set up a couple of pens for different purposes.

Good question! I would also buy some!

Jason said (some pages back) that we would be able to buy the accessories seperatly later on. I would assume that means the pen too. (At least I hope so)

Two of my disks rattle, one wasnt even in the case, and both of my TA pens do not work. What luck I have.....

I've looked at 2 disks & so far I've concluded that all of the effects are within my limited skill level. Some may take more work before they're ready for prime time but none are in the category of "too hard".

In purchasing effects, I find that some are much more demanding in the skill department than what I expected, especially when I rely on the description. When this happens, I feel shortchanged.

I don't feel that way with the TA set. I believe in determining the "value" of a collections of effects, the "do-ability" is an important feature. So far, the TA excels in this area.

Another vote: $300 is a bargain.

regards,

jay68

One of the pens is just for spare parts .

Posted: Feb 18, 2009 10:45am
Has anyone tried the pen with a £5 note ?

You may not have this either, but the back of an iPod works nicely too!

Yep! The only problem is all the pocket space the Ipod will take up. I would go with a chrome Zippo lighter as it could be used for other magic or even smoking. (I don't smoke)

Best,

Doug L.

Ripped and Fryed is genius. I am so glad that Charlie Frye is on this set. A few months back MUM had a big article on him. Amazing guy, amazing effect, amazing method. This one will definitely go in my arsenal. Forget about all the other ripped and restored card effects. Why bother with anything else?

Anybody else not able to access the offical True Astonishments Forum?

Joe

Nope. I was in an hour or 2 ago, but it looks like it's down now.

Ripped and Fryed doesn't feel like a t'n'r effect but it does have it's own appeal.