L and L publishing has just released a 4 DVD set by none other than the Pendragons! Aside from this being a milestone in magic history, this is being taught for the first time by world famous and respected illusionists. The only video set that is on the same subject (roughly) is the 2nd volume of Rand Woodbury's Illusionworks videos from yesteryear.
Alright, Volume 1, what do we get? I am going to explain what is on the DVDs followed by my recommendation then a more thorough review.
Contents:
The Hindu Basket
Intro, History and Concepts, Why not to use fire, Sword choice and Safety, Basic Swordsmanship, The Foulard, How to get into the basket, Placing the swords in the basket.
Color of Emotion
Introduction, and Concepts, Materials, Preparation and Presentation.
The Shadow Box
The Work
Clearly Impossible
History and Discussion
Bonus Interview with Jonathan Pendragon by Patrick Martin
Alright, upon initially watching this DVD I was turned off, not because it was done poorly but because I could NEVER perform these illusions with the same presentational flare as the Pendragons. Honestly, while watching I was embarrassed for Jonathan at many of the poses and choreographed sequences him and Charlotte perform. Two minutes later, I realized that it wasn't awkward in performance, it was only awkward because a small segment of a much larger show with no proper video introduction to the Pendragons is presented.
Despite the lack of a full show in this DVD I have to say the information is truly priceless, To say that this DVD is thorough is the understatement of the year. Every aspect you could imagine is covered. I HIGHLY recommend this for anyone who is planning on doing illusions. If you are not planning to do illusions and only want to see the Pendragons perform, these might not be your cup of tea. That being said, any interest in illusions would justify purchasing this DVD.
Alright step by step, We start with the Hindu basket, and while I find it to be a particularly weak effect, Jonathan does mention that it is a perfect first illusion and proceeds to list many reasons why. If you look at this DVD from that perspective it is an amazing introduction to illusions. It is very clear and often superfluous with information. There are great pieces of advice imparted and it makes it very difficult to review these DVDs without leaving a few of those along. A great one of course is the section on not using fire, why to not use fire and why it costs so much more to get insurance with pyro in your show.
The only thing that stuck out as strange was the lengthy explanation on swords and sword combat. That being said, anyone using any swords in a show would be stupid to not buy, watch, re watch, and take to heart all advice Jonathan has put in this section. A prime example would be, "Never point a sword towards the audience" if your hand is sweaty or the sword isn't high enough quality you might end up with a blade flying into the audience and a lovely lawsuit on your hands!
The explanation on foulards was particularly information rich, mentioning specific fabric types and what you are looking for in a proper foulard and where to find fabrics for this sort of thing. How it should flow and what type of movement you want. You also get something invaluable, insight into the mind of Jonathan Pendragon, a brilliant thinker in illusions. He mentions the logic and thought process behind the lengthy of a cloth relative to certain illusions and what you must keep in mind for successful presentations.
How to get into the basket was a difficult segment as you can imagine, Charlotte, aside from being remarkably attractive, is also very limber and able to pop in and out with little trouble. The difficulty in this section is the sound, and this is a recurring problem throughout the whole DVD set, there tends to be a lack of consistent volume levels. I'm not sure if this could have been easily rectified but it would have been nice to not have to crank up and crack down the volume from time to time.
Placing swords in the basket might sound like an unneeded section but the wisdom imparted is amazing, especially the solution they used to put flaming torches through despite the current disdain towards pyro.
Color of Emotion
This is a great trick, designed by Jonathan for Charlotte, in short, an emotion is thought of by a spectator and Charlotte paints the emotion on a canvas then writes the emotion though of on the top of the easel. A great trick if you have an assistant to perform this type of effect. This also uses a marketed item by another magician John Cornelius' Thought Transmitter. If you are alright buying it or finding another way to accomplish this, great! Otherwise you might be a bit upset as they don't provide a friendly on the spot alternative. The painting once finished is given away to the audience member. Now you have to appreciate that this is not like close up magic, the tricks are described with more information than you could ever imagine, I suppose like sitting down with Channing Pollock and him explaining the fine touches of dove work, just brilliant!
Information like, how to keep paints from drying up, how to keep your palette fresh, using gloves unpowdered, all the information you might come across if you performed this stuff for years. Truly amazing the amount of "extra" information that you are given. By extra I mean information that you don't need to perform but that makes it much easier, more complete, and more practical for the working performer.
The Shadow Box is another great illusion for the first time illusionist, it can be said that Volume 1 is a great introduction to illusions and the illusions for the most part are great for the beginner!
Jonathan explains how he made his own, perhaps a high school student student looking to build something bigger would look towards this illusion. The Work section is lacking, a lot, there is just a discussion with Jonathan and Charlotte but no prop to examine, no demonstration without paper up, nothing... I was a bit shocked at this and thought there would be more, they also reference that you can find working of a shadow box in Tarbell or Greater Magic. I took a quick look through some books and found the following for plans for the trick:
Tarbell Vol, 4 pg 413 The Girl From The Light
The Oriental Magic of The Bambergs Pg 215 The Girl From The Light
Illusion Builder to Fu Manchu Pg 58 The Girl from the Light
Great Illusions of Magic Pg. 259 Lady from Light
Clearly Impossible is The Pendragon's see through sawing in half and it is tremendous, it fooled me terribly and upon reviewing just the performance fooled me again! Only after the explanation did I have a chance in hell of seeing what was going on. Now that being said, owners of the DVD DO NOT have permission to construct their own. This seems odd to me, and I'll explain why. If you are going to product a DVD set with many of your original things on them surely since they are explaining the effects owners feel there is some entitlement to perform them as shown. That being said, it could be argued that you are purchasing The Pendragon's work on these illusions and tricks and therefore you are only privy to the information, tips, and routines presented to you by them. I tend to sway towards the latter but understand the thought of building what you see. Which is why I don't quite understand why this was put on the DVD. We have 3 wonderful tricks, The Hindu Basket and Shadow Box, for beginner illusionists and Color of Emotion for a stage or parlor piece, why would you go ahead and explain a much more sophisticated, complex, and secretive illusion on what appears to be a very beginner to illusions friendly DVD? While I don't understand or agree with it being on here I think the trick is magnificent and I am sure you will too!
The interview with Jonathan is a fun look back at starting out, meeting Charlotte, etc. Nothing too magic heavy in here.
In terms of cons, the sound could have been improved in a number of places, it would have been nice to have a full performance by the Pendragons, even if it meant taking up half a DVD. While the two intro illusions are great perhaps Clearly Impossible could have been switched out with something more beginner friendly. An actual demonstration of the Shadow box would have been great.
Alright, Volume 1, what do we get? I am going to explain what is on the DVDs followed by my recommendation then a more thorough review.
Contents:
The Hindu Basket
Intro, History and Concepts, Why not to use fire, Sword choice and Safety, Basic Swordsmanship, The Foulard, How to get into the basket, Placing the swords in the basket.
Color of Emotion
Introduction, and Concepts, Materials, Preparation and Presentation.
The Shadow Box
The Work
Clearly Impossible
History and Discussion
Bonus Interview with Jonathan Pendragon by Patrick Martin
Alright, upon initially watching this DVD I was turned off, not because it was done poorly but because I could NEVER perform these illusions with the same presentational flare as the Pendragons. Honestly, while watching I was embarrassed for Jonathan at many of the poses and choreographed sequences him and Charlotte perform. Two minutes later, I realized that it wasn't awkward in performance, it was only awkward because a small segment of a much larger show with no proper video introduction to the Pendragons is presented.
Despite the lack of a full show in this DVD I have to say the information is truly priceless, To say that this DVD is thorough is the understatement of the year. Every aspect you could imagine is covered. I HIGHLY recommend this for anyone who is planning on doing illusions. If you are not planning to do illusions and only want to see the Pendragons perform, these might not be your cup of tea. That being said, any interest in illusions would justify purchasing this DVD.
Alright step by step, We start with the Hindu basket, and while I find it to be a particularly weak effect, Jonathan does mention that it is a perfect first illusion and proceeds to list many reasons why. If you look at this DVD from that perspective it is an amazing introduction to illusions. It is very clear and often superfluous with information. There are great pieces of advice imparted and it makes it very difficult to review these DVDs without leaving a few of those along. A great one of course is the section on not using fire, why to not use fire and why it costs so much more to get insurance with pyro in your show.
The only thing that stuck out as strange was the lengthy explanation on swords and sword combat. That being said, anyone using any swords in a show would be stupid to not buy, watch, re watch, and take to heart all advice Jonathan has put in this section. A prime example would be, "Never point a sword towards the audience" if your hand is sweaty or the sword isn't high enough quality you might end up with a blade flying into the audience and a lovely lawsuit on your hands!
The explanation on foulards was particularly information rich, mentioning specific fabric types and what you are looking for in a proper foulard and where to find fabrics for this sort of thing. How it should flow and what type of movement you want. You also get something invaluable, insight into the mind of Jonathan Pendragon, a brilliant thinker in illusions. He mentions the logic and thought process behind the lengthy of a cloth relative to certain illusions and what you must keep in mind for successful presentations.
How to get into the basket was a difficult segment as you can imagine, Charlotte, aside from being remarkably attractive, is also very limber and able to pop in and out with little trouble. The difficulty in this section is the sound, and this is a recurring problem throughout the whole DVD set, there tends to be a lack of consistent volume levels. I'm not sure if this could have been easily rectified but it would have been nice to not have to crank up and crack down the volume from time to time.
Placing swords in the basket might sound like an unneeded section but the wisdom imparted is amazing, especially the solution they used to put flaming torches through despite the current disdain towards pyro.
Color of Emotion
This is a great trick, designed by Jonathan for Charlotte, in short, an emotion is thought of by a spectator and Charlotte paints the emotion on a canvas then writes the emotion though of on the top of the easel. A great trick if you have an assistant to perform this type of effect. This also uses a marketed item by another magician John Cornelius' Thought Transmitter. If you are alright buying it or finding another way to accomplish this, great! Otherwise you might be a bit upset as they don't provide a friendly on the spot alternative. The painting once finished is given away to the audience member. Now you have to appreciate that this is not like close up magic, the tricks are described with more information than you could ever imagine, I suppose like sitting down with Channing Pollock and him explaining the fine touches of dove work, just brilliant!
Information like, how to keep paints from drying up, how to keep your palette fresh, using gloves unpowdered, all the information you might come across if you performed this stuff for years. Truly amazing the amount of "extra" information that you are given. By extra I mean information that you don't need to perform but that makes it much easier, more complete, and more practical for the working performer.
The Shadow Box is another great illusion for the first time illusionist, it can be said that Volume 1 is a great introduction to illusions and the illusions for the most part are great for the beginner!
Jonathan explains how he made his own, perhaps a high school student student looking to build something bigger would look towards this illusion. The Work section is lacking, a lot, there is just a discussion with Jonathan and Charlotte but no prop to examine, no demonstration without paper up, nothing... I was a bit shocked at this and thought there would be more, they also reference that you can find working of a shadow box in Tarbell or Greater Magic. I took a quick look through some books and found the following for plans for the trick:
Tarbell Vol, 4 pg 413 The Girl From The Light
The Oriental Magic of The Bambergs Pg 215 The Girl From The Light
Illusion Builder to Fu Manchu Pg 58 The Girl from the Light
Great Illusions of Magic Pg. 259 Lady from Light
Clearly Impossible is The Pendragon's see through sawing in half and it is tremendous, it fooled me terribly and upon reviewing just the performance fooled me again! Only after the explanation did I have a chance in hell of seeing what was going on. Now that being said, owners of the DVD DO NOT have permission to construct their own. This seems odd to me, and I'll explain why. If you are going to product a DVD set with many of your original things on them surely since they are explaining the effects owners feel there is some entitlement to perform them as shown. That being said, it could be argued that you are purchasing The Pendragon's work on these illusions and tricks and therefore you are only privy to the information, tips, and routines presented to you by them. I tend to sway towards the latter but understand the thought of building what you see. Which is why I don't quite understand why this was put on the DVD. We have 3 wonderful tricks, The Hindu Basket and Shadow Box, for beginner illusionists and Color of Emotion for a stage or parlor piece, why would you go ahead and explain a much more sophisticated, complex, and secretive illusion on what appears to be a very beginner to illusions friendly DVD? While I don't understand or agree with it being on here I think the trick is magnificent and I am sure you will too!
The interview with Jonathan is a fun look back at starting out, meeting Charlotte, etc. Nothing too magic heavy in here.
In terms of cons, the sound could have been improved in a number of places, it would have been nice to have a full performance by the Pendragons, even if it meant taking up half a DVD. While the two intro illusions are great perhaps Clearly Impossible could have been switched out with something more beginner friendly. An actual demonstration of the Shadow box would have been great.
Despite all this I still found the DVD very helpful and worthwhile. Available from L and L Publishing for $34.95.
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