Demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYvWQ4hNPmY
Another snippet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35FMxMMKocs
And yet another: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH-O6Qoeqqw
Price: $35
Buy it: (on Wayne's site or E, dunno if worldwide release is scheduled)
Since I'm clinically addicted to Reel Magic's interviews, and the very funny review spot with David Regal on such, Wayne's new project intrigued me greatly. Here we had not only Regal but Dan and Dave, Aaron Fisher and Wayne himself discussing fun topics along with memories of how magic touched their lives. Stir in 2 hours of Wayne's usual hard hitting tricks, Dana Hocking's music and movie-quality post production effects, and this was sure to be another home run.
Enter Art of Magic ...
What you get:
- Instant download: Part 1 and 2 MOV files, approximately 1 gig zipped
- Or DVD if you went that route
A huge thanks and one-kneed worship bow to Wayne for providing the instant download for my review.
The DVD:
The DVD is split into Part 1 and 2. Part 1 consists of effects intermixed with interview snippets lasting about 2-8 minutes that contain Regal, D&D, Fisher or Wayne discussing a single topic for a short period of time. You can see the interview style here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35FMxMMKocs
I liked the style, considering you received various opinions about a topic in a short burst, and it was placed between effects to break the monotony of performance after performance in the same setting. Although everyone has their favorite magician, I thought Aaron Fisher stole the show with his charm and charisma literally reaching out through the television screen.
The production value is normal Wayne Houchin. Easy to watch, very clear, exceptional sound quality, good transitions between segments along with black and white video, and some reversed video mixed in. His attention to detail to production is as always, exceptional.
Contents of PART UNO (57 mins):
(interview snippets) How they got into magic (5 mins)
French Kiss Performance (4 mins)
You ask someone to sign a playing card - the card is then folded up and placed in your spectator’s mouth. You take and sign another card - which you then fold up and place in your mouth. Impossibly, the 2 folded up cards switch places. Your signed signed card is in the spectator’s mouth and her card is in yours. Simple and powerful.
Card transposition with an interesting twist. Spectator selects, signs a card and bites on it, then magician does the same. While cards are in their mouth, they change places. Like a slobbery Ultimate Transpo, this provides a fun interaction with a girl (or another man, not that there's anything wrong with that) as you hold both of her hands and lean forward a little.
During the performance, Wayne leans forward a little and the girls lean towards him as a simulated kiss takes place. Sans the one girl with the hulky boyfriend attached, who would have probably tossed him off a side of a moving Catamaran if given the chance. I actually remember this trick appearing on Wayne's site a while back, and some discussion on various boards about it. Little did I know this video first appeared as a hidden Easter egg on Wayne's Indecent DVD.
Go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HfWyW49-v4
Well, the bulging breasted blond in that video doesn't lean forward but they actually do on the DVD I swear. At any rate, this trick can be performed in a variety of ways. Have the spectator name a card then sign, or select a random one from the deck, or even just scribble the top card, pluck it off and grip down like a dental x-ray.
You get multiple performances of this very simple and hard hitting trick varying from the beach to the bar, with of course a license to flirt.
Difficulty: Easy assuming you already know the sleight. If not, he explains it quite well.
Angles: Wayne states that your close-up immediate left may be an issue, but shows how to resolve that
Setup: 2 seconds of private time
Overall: Cool, fun effect using a standard deck. I'm definitely doing this.
CONS: Some will compare to Ultimate Transpo (or any transpo for that matter), but I liked the deeper connection with a spectator in this. Goes down smoother than tapping the back of their hand with a card, saying "Lookie what's in YOUR hand!". That said, it's still a transpo with a slight twist.
(interview snippets) How magic is presented interviews (2 mins)
Ring + String Performance (3 mins)
A ring is placed inside a 1 inch coin envelope (hello Staples.com), the outline of which can clearly be seen to all spectators. A string is then licked and inserted through a hole at the opposite end inside the spectator's hand. Finally, the magician yanks hard on the string, splitting open the small envelope to reveal it's attached now to the ring at the opposite end. Everything can be examined.
I did think Wayne used the multiple cameras and popularity to make these hot girls in all demos lick, wipe, suck, touch or just about do everything possible. Which makes Wayne my ultimate hero.
As a side note, I did search for envelope flavored popsicles and Google returned nothing. Nor with envelope glue flavored popsicles. Maybe they sell them overseas, or it's a new Ben and Jerry's recipe.
Difficulty: Easy
Angles: Surrounded, naked
Setup: Requires an envelope with a hole punched through it
Overall: Best audience reaction of the DVD. One girl even says she'll think about it for the next month.
CONS: No idea, I'm open to suggestions
(interview snippets) Magic happening to someone interviews (2 mins)
Carbon Paper Performance (6 mins)
An incredibly powerful effect contributed to AOM by Jay Sankey. The back of a playing card is burned - your spectator FEELS the burn from that card travel through their hand and end up on a signed card that has been between their hands for the entire effect... leaving the originally burnt card completely unharmed. Performed and taught by Wayne Houchin.
Jay Sankey donated this effect, fresh from his Sankey's Secret Files DVD set, Vol 1.
Appearing here at 01:03: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DScTC-ovLt4
And also on Sankey's Best Street Magic here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLNzmWahhUs
And yet again on Sankey's Greatest Hits (3 DVD Set), Vol 1.
Oh that crazy Sankey. Anyhoo, spectator selects a card from the deck, signs the face and cups it into their hand. Magician chooses a card of his own, produces a lighter and allows another spectator to scorch the back of his card. After rubbing the burnt card on the original spectator's hand they feel it cool off, finally to see the burn mark vanish and appear on the signed card that's been sitting in their hands for the entire effect.
Note that the initial performance includes two spectators selecting different cards before the effect begins, that I didn't see again in the refresher performance inside the explanation section. So I'm not sure what was happening there, or why?
Difficulty: Easy
Angles: Surrounded, naked
Setup: Requires a pre-made card. Instantly resets.
Overall: Transpo with flames, how can you possibly go wrong?
CONS: Sankey's Carbon Paper is back for a fouth round. Like the cockroach in the kitchen you just can't find. Ok, all kidding aside it is good, however it's rapidly surpassing Paperclipped for the most appearances at the Prom.
(interview snippets) Magic inside the spectator's mind (3 mins)
(interview snippets) Magic Castle history (6 mins)
Ring and String Parlor version (10 mins)
WORTH DOUBLE THE PRICE OF THE DVD. Ok now that's off my chest (whew), Wayne appears inside the Magic Castle to perform a variation of Ring + String where the spectator wears a black rope around her neck. He attaches a large paperclip containing the small envelope you're already familiar with, then borrows a ring. After breaking out a bow and arrow, recounting days gone by about his childhood memories of archery fascinations, Wayne finally reveals the ring is attached to the rope the spectator has been wearing.
Although not explained, you get the general idea. Amazing use of props, fun stories, tension, uncertainty and expertly used misdirection to create a kicker ending everybody will remember. Wayne's stage presence and charisma brightly glow throughout. My absolute favorite effect off this DVD.
CONS: None. This is perfection wrapped in a sparkling red bow.
(interview snippets) Dai Vernon discussion interviews (2 mins)
Twisting the Aces Performance (3 mins)
Wayne Houchin's handling of Dai Vernon's classic effect. The four aces magically turn face up one at a time. Clean, beautiful, and amazing.
Wayne's back with the hot chicks at the club to perform his version of Dai Vernon's Twisting the Aces (Inner Card Trilogy or More Inner Secrets of Card Magic). Four ungimmicked aces are shown face down. One by one each turns over, even after all four cards have been shown to be face down in every phase.
Difficulty: Easy. If you don't already know the sleight, it's explained very thoroughly
Angles: Surrounded, naked
Setup: N/A, impromptu using a regular deck
Overall: A timeless classic, very well done
CONS: None.
Match Bite Performance (2 mins)
A match is lit, held high then extinguished on the magician's tongue. While it's in his mouth, he takes this opportunity to bite the burned head off the match and chew on it, finally spitting it back onto the other half to create a completely restored (but still burned) match.
Another snippet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35FMxMMKocs
And yet another: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH-O6Qoeqqw
Price: $35
Buy it: (on Wayne's site or E, dunno if worldwide release is scheduled)
Since I'm clinically addicted to Reel Magic's interviews, and the very funny review spot with David Regal on such, Wayne's new project intrigued me greatly. Here we had not only Regal but Dan and Dave, Aaron Fisher and Wayne himself discussing fun topics along with memories of how magic touched their lives. Stir in 2 hours of Wayne's usual hard hitting tricks, Dana Hocking's music and movie-quality post production effects, and this was sure to be another home run.
Enter Art of Magic ...
What you get:
- Instant download: Part 1 and 2 MOV files, approximately 1 gig zipped
- Or DVD if you went that route
A huge thanks and one-kneed worship bow to Wayne for providing the instant download for my review.
The DVD:
The DVD is split into Part 1 and 2. Part 1 consists of effects intermixed with interview snippets lasting about 2-8 minutes that contain Regal, D&D, Fisher or Wayne discussing a single topic for a short period of time. You can see the interview style here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35FMxMMKocs
I liked the style, considering you received various opinions about a topic in a short burst, and it was placed between effects to break the monotony of performance after performance in the same setting. Although everyone has their favorite magician, I thought Aaron Fisher stole the show with his charm and charisma literally reaching out through the television screen.
The production value is normal Wayne Houchin. Easy to watch, very clear, exceptional sound quality, good transitions between segments along with black and white video, and some reversed video mixed in. His attention to detail to production is as always, exceptional.
Contents of PART UNO (57 mins):
(interview snippets) How they got into magic (5 mins)
French Kiss Performance (4 mins)
You ask someone to sign a playing card - the card is then folded up and placed in your spectator’s mouth. You take and sign another card - which you then fold up and place in your mouth. Impossibly, the 2 folded up cards switch places. Your signed signed card is in the spectator’s mouth and her card is in yours. Simple and powerful.
Card transposition with an interesting twist. Spectator selects, signs a card and bites on it, then magician does the same. While cards are in their mouth, they change places. Like a slobbery Ultimate Transpo, this provides a fun interaction with a girl (or another man, not that there's anything wrong with that) as you hold both of her hands and lean forward a little.
During the performance, Wayne leans forward a little and the girls lean towards him as a simulated kiss takes place. Sans the one girl with the hulky boyfriend attached, who would have probably tossed him off a side of a moving Catamaran if given the chance. I actually remember this trick appearing on Wayne's site a while back, and some discussion on various boards about it. Little did I know this video first appeared as a hidden Easter egg on Wayne's Indecent DVD.
Go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HfWyW49-v4
Well, the bulging breasted blond in that video doesn't lean forward but they actually do on the DVD I swear. At any rate, this trick can be performed in a variety of ways. Have the spectator name a card then sign, or select a random one from the deck, or even just scribble the top card, pluck it off and grip down like a dental x-ray.
You get multiple performances of this very simple and hard hitting trick varying from the beach to the bar, with of course a license to flirt.
Difficulty: Easy assuming you already know the sleight. If not, he explains it quite well.
Angles: Wayne states that your close-up immediate left may be an issue, but shows how to resolve that
Setup: 2 seconds of private time
Overall: Cool, fun effect using a standard deck. I'm definitely doing this.
CONS: Some will compare to Ultimate Transpo (or any transpo for that matter), but I liked the deeper connection with a spectator in this. Goes down smoother than tapping the back of their hand with a card, saying "Lookie what's in YOUR hand!". That said, it's still a transpo with a slight twist.
(interview snippets) How magic is presented interviews (2 mins)
Ring + String Performance (3 mins)
A ring is placed inside a 1 inch coin envelope (hello Staples.com), the outline of which can clearly be seen to all spectators. A string is then licked and inserted through a hole at the opposite end inside the spectator's hand. Finally, the magician yanks hard on the string, splitting open the small envelope to reveal it's attached now to the ring at the opposite end. Everything can be examined.
I did think Wayne used the multiple cameras and popularity to make these hot girls in all demos lick, wipe, suck, touch or just about do everything possible. Which makes Wayne my ultimate hero.
As a side note, I did search for envelope flavored popsicles and Google returned nothing. Nor with envelope glue flavored popsicles. Maybe they sell them overseas, or it's a new Ben and Jerry's recipe.
Difficulty: Easy
Angles: Surrounded, naked
Setup: Requires an envelope with a hole punched through it
Overall: Best audience reaction of the DVD. One girl even says she'll think about it for the next month.
CONS: No idea, I'm open to suggestions
(interview snippets) Magic happening to someone interviews (2 mins)
Carbon Paper Performance (6 mins)
An incredibly powerful effect contributed to AOM by Jay Sankey. The back of a playing card is burned - your spectator FEELS the burn from that card travel through their hand and end up on a signed card that has been between their hands for the entire effect... leaving the originally burnt card completely unharmed. Performed and taught by Wayne Houchin.
Jay Sankey donated this effect, fresh from his Sankey's Secret Files DVD set, Vol 1.
Appearing here at 01:03: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DScTC-ovLt4
And also on Sankey's Best Street Magic here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLNzmWahhUs
And yet again on Sankey's Greatest Hits (3 DVD Set), Vol 1.
Oh that crazy Sankey. Anyhoo, spectator selects a card from the deck, signs the face and cups it into their hand. Magician chooses a card of his own, produces a lighter and allows another spectator to scorch the back of his card. After rubbing the burnt card on the original spectator's hand they feel it cool off, finally to see the burn mark vanish and appear on the signed card that's been sitting in their hands for the entire effect.
Note that the initial performance includes two spectators selecting different cards before the effect begins, that I didn't see again in the refresher performance inside the explanation section. So I'm not sure what was happening there, or why?
Difficulty: Easy
Angles: Surrounded, naked
Setup: Requires a pre-made card. Instantly resets.
Overall: Transpo with flames, how can you possibly go wrong?
CONS: Sankey's Carbon Paper is back for a fouth round. Like the cockroach in the kitchen you just can't find. Ok, all kidding aside it is good, however it's rapidly surpassing Paperclipped for the most appearances at the Prom.
(interview snippets) Magic inside the spectator's mind (3 mins)
(interview snippets) Magic Castle history (6 mins)
Ring and String Parlor version (10 mins)
WORTH DOUBLE THE PRICE OF THE DVD. Ok now that's off my chest (whew), Wayne appears inside the Magic Castle to perform a variation of Ring + String where the spectator wears a black rope around her neck. He attaches a large paperclip containing the small envelope you're already familiar with, then borrows a ring. After breaking out a bow and arrow, recounting days gone by about his childhood memories of archery fascinations, Wayne finally reveals the ring is attached to the rope the spectator has been wearing.
Although not explained, you get the general idea. Amazing use of props, fun stories, tension, uncertainty and expertly used misdirection to create a kicker ending everybody will remember. Wayne's stage presence and charisma brightly glow throughout. My absolute favorite effect off this DVD.
CONS: None. This is perfection wrapped in a sparkling red bow.
(interview snippets) Dai Vernon discussion interviews (2 mins)
Twisting the Aces Performance (3 mins)
Wayne Houchin's handling of Dai Vernon's classic effect. The four aces magically turn face up one at a time. Clean, beautiful, and amazing.
Wayne's back with the hot chicks at the club to perform his version of Dai Vernon's Twisting the Aces (Inner Card Trilogy or More Inner Secrets of Card Magic). Four ungimmicked aces are shown face down. One by one each turns over, even after all four cards have been shown to be face down in every phase.
Difficulty: Easy. If you don't already know the sleight, it's explained very thoroughly
Angles: Surrounded, naked
Setup: N/A, impromptu using a regular deck
Overall: A timeless classic, very well done
CONS: None.
Match Bite Performance (2 mins)
A match is lit, held high then extinguished on the magician's tongue. While it's in his mouth, he takes this opportunity to bite the burned head off the match and chew on it, finally spitting it back onto the other half to create a completely restored (but still burned) match.
