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nalu_magic Loyal user Paradise 297 Posts |
Ron,
I was just going to post that Quentin's DVD has influenced my magic tremendously. This DVD caused me to reflect on my performances using a whole new perspective. His words inspired me and I've seen the difference in my audience ever since. Every magician is at a different stage in magic- I'm don't mean skill wise, motive wise. Some use magic purely as a hobby, while others use it as a full or part time profession. This DVD opened my eyes at a point in my career when I needed it most. If you perform magic for others regardless of the venue, Quentin's DVD will teach you a lot. I recommend this DVD highly. |
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pikacrd Veteran user Florida 387 Posts |
Probably the best DVD’s that I have had the opportunity to review so far this year or should I say the DVD’s that I have enjoyed the most, were the Magic Makers “The Madness Behind the Methods” by Simon Lovell.
I really think that Simon did a great job of explaining the “why’s” of his work on this three disk set, and not just the how’s. Beyond that I really think that he has a great scene of humor and the tapes were enjoyable to watch. The only down side of the tapes may have been that the guy from Magic Makers never leaves the set and really doesn’t offer much other than some canned lines and a set of hands to select a card. Probably the worst DVD that I unfortunately spent money on this year was Magic For The Eyes from Luke Dancy. For those of you who don’t know it’s tape and not much more than tape. Included in this collection are ten of Luke's pet card routines that need to be put back in the cage and dropped in a cold deep river. I am sorry for everyone out there that likes his stuff and has bought into the hype of this tape but man was I disappointed. Please keep in mind that I am not attacking Luke here just the DVD. I am sure that Luke is a nice guy and a great magician I just felt that the DVD was very poor.
“Indubitably, Magic is one of the subtlest and most difficult of the sciences and arts. There is more opportunity for errors of comprehension, judgment and practice than in any other branch of physics”. William S. Burroughs 1914-1997 American Writer
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Luke Dancy Inner circle Las Vegas 1157 Posts |
Hi there, I'm certainly sorry to hear that the DVD wasn't to your liking. I understand that not everyone is going to like everything but I am truly sorry that you disliked it this much. You are only the 2nd person out of hundreds that have purchased the DVD through me or David Regal that have had these kind of words to say. Also in the DVD ads it states clearly that double-stick tape is the primary focus and I feel that I've used it in unique ways. Once again though you are entitled to your own opinion and I'm sorry it wasn't for you. Take care.
Your friend in magic, Luke Dancy |
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Paul Sherman Inner circle Arlington, VA 1511 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-08-08 16:50, pikacrd wrote: I'm curious what it is you didn't like about the DVD? You're certainly entitled to your opinion, but it's hard to defend against such a vague criticism. There's a number of people, myself included, who didn't "buy into" anything; we just considered the DVD to be full of visually-striking, innovative material. Luke has gotten more magic out of double-stick tape (and indeed, the DVD is advertised as being an exploration of the use of double-stick tape) than anyone else I've seen. If the fact that all the routines use double-stick tape is your only criticism, I don't think it's a fair one considering the openness with which it was advertised. I also fear that someone reading your review might dismiss the material out of hand, even though they might get a great deal out of the DVD. Was there something else that you found unsatisfactory? If so, would you care to elaborate as to precisely what it was? Paul
"The finished card expert considers nothing too trivial that in any way contributes to his success..." Erdnase
some youtube videos |
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pikacrd Veteran user Florida 387 Posts |
Luke,
Please do not think that I am attempting to attack you in any personal level. I just found the DVD to be less than appealing on a few levels. I watched the DVD with my wife in the room who is not a magician and does not perform and she called out your cull during the performance segment of one of your tricks (Chicago Closer). I went back and watched it again with a magician friend not saying anything about it and as sure I am sitting here he screamed out “did you see that”. I would be happy to share with you other specifics on what I did not like about the DVD if you wish I can contact you through your web page. Please note that this is not my first post at the café, I have had to re-create my User Name and Profile as I donated my last computer to a children’s charity when I moved and did not record what I was using as a user name and password, and my e-mail address has changed so getting it sent back to me is not an option. Again if I said anything that has made you feel bad on a personal level please accept my apologies it was not my intent. But I do stand behind what I wrote regarding how I felt about this particular DVD. Best regards,
“Indubitably, Magic is one of the subtlest and most difficult of the sciences and arts. There is more opportunity for errors of comprehension, judgment and practice than in any other branch of physics”. William S. Burroughs 1914-1997 American Writer
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Paul Sherman Inner circle Arlington, VA 1511 Posts |
Pikacrd,
Given the choice, I prefer that the performance on DVDs I purchase be flawless, but at the same time, the fact that Luke flashed on an under-spread cull doesn't actually detract from the quality of the material presented. The simple solution is--if you perform Chicago Closer--make sure YOU don't flash. Additionally, the format of the DVD (continuous close-up focus on Luke's hands) doesn't allow for much misdirection. In actual performance, the cull could easily be covered. Your observation is a valid one and on a perfect DVD that performance would have been re-shot. That said, I think a purchaser would be missing out on some solid material if they let production quibbles like that prevent them from appreciating the actual magic Luke presents. Paul
"The finished card expert considers nothing too trivial that in any way contributes to his success..." Erdnase
some youtube videos |
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Close.Up.Dave Inner circle Behind you! 2956 Posts |
I saw the cull too, I didn't find that my money was wasted though. Chicago Closer was one of my favorite things on the dvd, aside from Advertise This. I have used it many times and gotten good reactions.
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pikacrd Veteran user Florida 387 Posts |
Paul,
That was just one of the issues that I had with the DVD and not a complete review, because it was just an opinion and nothing more. I gather that you enjoyed the DVD and found some very valuable pieces of magic here. I also assume that you perceive this DVD as a good value. I did not. It is my opinion that it was not a great DVD. I do not feel that I received my moneys worth or my perceived value for my money. But that is my perception I am not saying that it should be yours or any of the other readers. I assume that this will be a rather un-appreciated view by most of the readers, but it is never the less my view and as I said to Luke I will continue to stick by it. With all of that said, I will say this Luke should feel proud that he has a fan of his work like you, and I mean that with all of the respect that I can offer. I am glad that you enjoyed his work and I also look forward to seeing what else that Luke has to offer the Magic World in the future.
“Indubitably, Magic is one of the subtlest and most difficult of the sciences and arts. There is more opportunity for errors of comprehension, judgment and practice than in any other branch of physics”. William S. Burroughs 1914-1997 American Writer
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pikacrd Veteran user Florida 387 Posts |
Strange how things happen.
Today I opened last months Magic Magazine (I have not had time to get to it until now) and as usual I thumbed through the mountain of advertisements read the editors letter and then flipped to the section that I like the best Market Place where products DVD's and books are reviewed by Michael Close and there it was on page 40 a review of Magic for the Eyes. I read through and said to myself good lord did Mike just say what I thought he said so I read it again and sure enough he did not in my impression have a good review for the DVD as a matter of fact he said and I quote "Anyone planning on using these routines in the real world will have to find solutions for these problems (referring to the Gaffed up cards and routines that require some extensive set-up and how to get the cards in and out of play. But I digress) Mr. Dancy offers no help. So what's the bottom line? Hobbyists will amuse themselves and there friends with the routines offered on Magic for the Eyes. Professionals will have lots of problems to solve and may well decide that the double-stick tape should be used in ways that are more subtle than the material offered here”. I only point this out not to beat a dead horse but to make clear that I am not the only person with this impression of the DVD, and that a reputable, and famous magician who is probably more well versed in being a reviewing critic than myself feels at least in some way the same as I. I would suggest that anyone with the ability to read this article do so prior to questioning me on my opinion of this DVD. Good Luck and best wishes
“Indubitably, Magic is one of the subtlest and most difficult of the sciences and arts. There is more opportunity for errors of comprehension, judgment and practice than in any other branch of physics”. William S. Burroughs 1914-1997 American Writer
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Luke Dancy Inner circle Las Vegas 1157 Posts |
My only problem with the words said by Mr. Close is that 90% of the magicians out there are hobbyists and the rather small 10% are professionals. This alone would mean that the majority of the people would indeed have fun playing with the various possibilities available using tape in the ways I suggested. Take care.
Your friend in magic, Luke Dancy |
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shane_delon Regular user 114 Posts |
It may be true that 90% of the magicians are hobbyists, but I don't see why that creates a problem with his review. There have been plenty of informal but good reviews of this DVD in forums such as this one. At the same time, if you're looking for something to use in the restaurant you'll be glad to have a review such as the one that Mr. Close wrote to know that the material on the DVD may not be easily incorporated into a table hopping routine.
sd |
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Great Domino Special user Canada 545 Posts |
Best: Daryl's "3 card monte", Osterlinds "Breakthrough card system" disc 2" and Sankey's Secret files #1. I think the last is a little older.
Worst: ?????????????? |
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stevenamills Veteran user 397 Posts |
This may be a function of "over expecting", but I thought the Fielding West DVDs were lame - very lame.
I had heard so much about him over the years and I found his show unfunny and the tricks, in general, pedestrian. I also think it is tine we require producers to give value for our money - I see Mike Close does this regularly. There is not enough material here for 2 DVDs - period (as much as I like Kohler's stuff, the Korn series is overpriced for the same reason). The best - Scott Alexander - not even close. Later..... Steve |
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ScottLeavitt Special user 730 Posts |
While I don't have Scott Alexander's DVD (yet), I did recently purchase his "Final Answer" effect and the instructions on the accompanying DVDs are absolutely first rate. He really appears to respect the customers of his products and is willing to take the time to create instructional material that is done the right way.
Thanks Scott! |
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gkfreed Special user 532 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-08-09 23:29, Luke Dancy wrote: Luke, Still seems almost impossible that one can make-up a commercially viable trick using little more than a piece of double stick tape! Then again.......... I enjoyed the DVD..keep up the good work. Gary Freed |
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Luke Dancy Inner circle Las Vegas 1157 Posts |
I understand that not everyone is going to enjoy magic using adhesives, it's a niche thing. People like my mentor Don England put out books on magic using unique gaffs and you know that the magic you are getting is indeed gaff-oriented. Thusly people realized the magic on my DVD was indeed tape/gaff oriented and would in fact know the limitations the above mentioned items have in the real world. Anyway, I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the DVD Gary. Hopefully we'll run into each other sometime so that we can share ideas with the tape and such. Take care.
Your friend in magic, Luke Dancy http://www.lukedancy.com |
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Kozmo V.I.P. 5473 Posts |
Luke,
I did not see our dvd....and I have no idea whats on it....but I can tell you this....not everyone is going to like what you do.....the art of street performing (cellini) is still selling well to this day ...its been 3 years...someone likes it although the youngster on the last page didn't...he would trade it for a snickers bar....i want to say something like he doesn't know crap...but cant becuase he knows what he likes...it seems top me that you have some fans here that liked it....so good luck with it and all that you do and if you ever want to do top grade production get in touch with me....check out the quality of production that I have done hope all is well koz |
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Joey Evans Special user Fort Myers, FL 535 Posts |
Okay, whoa. I was one of the people that said I didn't care for Cellini's DVD. It wasn't anything I would use and if I see nothing I can use out of a DVD, I then do not like the DVD. It is no reflection on the author whatsoever. I like Bavli's Spoon Bending DVDs, but I will not buy his mentalism. Why?? Do I disrespect him. No. I don't do mentalism. I leave that to the people who are more experienced in that realm. I can say this also about some Ammar DVDs. I love Micheal Ammar, but some of the DVDs I didn't think any of the tricks fit my persona or where nothing I would use. I am not a youngster by any means, to this Earth, or to magic. I am entitled to my opinion as every person in this Café is. As far as Luke's DVD, I have it. I didn't see anything on it I would use, but that is my personal preferences. However, I will say, his production quality was great, it seemed professionally done. This is a great topic, but please keep all this in mind as people voice their opinion, there is no DVD that everyone likes, and their shouldn't be, or we would all be doing the same effects. So I stick with my observation that the Cellini DVD was not good for me.
Joey Brummett
The Visual Comedy and Magic of Joey Evans
http://www.Evansmagic.com/ The Impossible Has Never Been So Funny! |
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cpatchett Veteran user My current prediction is that I have 337 Posts |
Best purchases of 2004 (so far): Hamman, Osterlind, Guastaferro, and Malone (Guastaferro is copyright 2003 and Malone 2002 but I bought them this year). Guastaferro is the first magician I've seen who reacts to his effects as strongly as a spectator...I loved it! I could watch Hamman all day.
Ammar's ETMCM 7-9 were entertaining but I couldn't name a single effect from any of them three months after watching them. (Not true of 1-6 years later.) Bought Luke's DVD, thought it was OK and will probably try a few of the effects. Not the best or worst of the year. Liked Gaft Card Magic better. Worst: Pinnacle. Looks cool but good luck learning it from the explanation. Craig
Magician: Someone willing to spend $15 to learn how to make $1 disappear.
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Kozmo V.I.P. 5473 Posts |
Joey.you are right...the cellini dvd is not everyone..it is for a maerket that is interested in the real street performing...not david blaine crap stuff....it really has nothing to do with magic at all
kbut it serves a purpose and thankfully is still doing very well koz |
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