I am a big fan of Barrie Richardson. And his books on mentalism are the best books on the subject I have read.

But I really hate watching magic DVDs - unless they have important infomration or tricks which are not available in print.

With that in mind - is it worth getting hold of the Barrie Richardson DVDs?

Cheers!

Joe

Why is it that you hate DVDs? A lot can be explained through video that can be challenging to do so in books. I will admit I prefer books over video, but as I've said the technology of video these days gives us an advantage.

As for your original question, I don't have his DVDS. I have Curtain Call, and it's wonderful.

Matthew

I'm a book guy. DVDs are fine - but I just prefer books.

I don't see the point of a DVD unless it is to learn from a truly great performer like Penn And Teller, Ricky Jay, Derren Brown or David Williamson.

Well like I said, I haven't seen his DVDS, so I can't offer much help on the material. But maybe I can offer another thought...

I enjoy books because I can read the authors thoughts and savor them like a fine wine, conveniently going back to the bookshelf whenever need be. But I also enjoy DVDS because they show how that same performer interacts with his audience. They show how he might build his rapport with his audience, how he carries himself, what his act looks like, and showcases his charm (or lack thereof). All of these things simply aren't possible with books.

I know for me to see DVDs, YouTube videos, and penguin lectures of other pro performers such as Cassidy, Osterlind, Derrren Brown, Docc, etc..it makes me feel confident in my own act, as it allows me to see "how it's supposed to be done" coming from the pros. I would put Barrie Richardson right up there with the rest of these gents. The man has "been around the block", and knows his stuff. My conclusion...

Get his DVDs. There's some people you just can't go wrong with. He's one of them.

Hope this helps.

Matthew

I would say if you hate watching DVDS you've pretty much answered your own question. I hate liver, l don't like the smell, or texture. Why would I ask someone if liver was worth getting and consuming.

Just an observation.

J

I don't think the DVDs do his effects justice.
At least for this set of DVDs, Barrie's performances are pretty long-winded, and he is less than dynamic.
But hey, you don't pay to see Dai Vernon sing either. Barrie is a brilliant creator of effects.
You'll find all the material on the DVDs and more in the books.

I disagree.
I've bought the dvd set a few weeks ago.
So far I have only watched the first performance-section and a few of the explanations.
So I can't really give you any advice if you should buy the set.
But I can say that I really enjoyed watching Mr. Richardson perform.
First of all I love his material. Doesn't really matter if I'd perform it or not.
But for me there is so much creativity in his routines and presentations that this is a thing of beauty in itself.
His performance needs to be put a little bit in context I think.
I don't know how much he performs these days, but I guess not as much as he used to do.
And I think he used to perform in the context of beeing a professor at university or as a motivational speaker.
I wouldn's see him neccessarily in a theatrical context.
His presentations are carried by the idea of empowering the spectator and the participants.
All his presentations seem to revolve around this idea. Again I haven't seen all three dvds so far, but that is
the impression I get from the first dvd and his three books.
I think that is very nice to watch.
Again I don't think that tthis is the way one has to do it in a theatrical context, but it is a very inspiring thing to watch.
Also it is interesting to see that this motivational background carries both the mentalism and the more magical effects.
Mr. Richardson can perform mentalism and mental magic in the same context.

Just a few thoughts before breakfast. Sorry, now I need to get my coffee...

Best,
LeXa