Exitmat
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« on: August 05, 2006, 08:18:41 pm » |
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I know some people are wondering about this, so I thought I'd put up a quick review. First off, let me say that I am a big fan of Jay Sankey's material. Sankey is a true working professional who has earned my trust as far as publishing good magic magic for "real people" goes. I do a number of his effects, and they always serve me well in creating believable magic for my spectators. So when this DVD came out, I ordered it without reservation.
The Art of Sleight of Hand DVD
So, what exactly is this Art of Sleight of Hand DVD thing about? Basically, it's a series of interviews with a diverse group of magicians. Each of them performs one routine at some point on the DVD as well from a close-up show they all did together. There are no tricks taught on the DVD (although it comes with two tricks--see below)--the DVD focues on theory, performance, and advice. The magicians interviewed are pretty different style-wise, so the answers, opinions, and advice on the quetions posed vary. The questions asked on the DVD are:
What is one of the keys to sleight of hand?
If you could only choose one (sleight), which one might you choose?
How do you practice?
Which magical performers have inspired you?
What do you dislike about magic?
Which sleight is one of your favorites?
What advice would you give a beginner magician?
If you had supernatural powers, which effect might you perform?
Do you believe there is such thing as "real magic?"
What do you say when people ask "how did you do that?"
Each magician on the DVD provides an answer to every question. So who's all on here? Jay Sankey, Richard Sanders, Mike Skutt, Jason Maloney, David Peck, Wij, Allan Nackan, Colin Bartlett, and Ray Chance. Some may be thinking this DVD might be focused on Sankey--it's not. In fact, Sankey may have less screen time on here than anyone else. I was unfamiliar with the majority of the performers on here and I'm glad I got to see some new faces. Mike Skutt is someone I really connected with while watching this, and I think I'm going to look into the Sankey/Skutt Sessions int he very near future (lots of cool Signed Coin To Whatever effects on that tape I'm interested in looking at). There are also interspersed musings on other topics without stated questions that cover things like: the keys to outstanding sleight of hand, the importance of timing, and what they love about performing magic.
The DVD also comes with two tricks:
Private Property
I have not constructed the gimmick or tried this out yet, but I really like the concept. It's a mindreading "think of any card"-type effect.
Locomotion
My friend and mentor actually gave me this trick about two weeks ago (now I have two!). It's a moving pips effect done with a gaffed card (you get two cards in the package too). Sankey also provides some clever patter that allows you to always keep the card in your deck and never worry about a spectator choosing the card and the card being exposed as a gaff. I highly recommend this trick--especially for all those who want to do a visual moving pip effect but don't want to drop $30 on E's gaff deck.
This is defintiely worth the $25 pricetag. The DVD is 45 minutes in length, but it's one of those things you'll want to watch multiple times, or even turn it on and let it run in the background while you practice magic. I got it yesterday and I've already watched it three times.
I'm not going to hype it and scream ADD TO CART NOW!!!!! at you, but for anyone who enjoys magic theory or is interested in the tricks (which Sankey used to sell individually), I recommend checking this DVD out. A very good buy in my opinion.
Happy Magic.
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