Brown
16th October 2003, 10:32 AM
I want to take this opportunity to recommend Larry Anderson's Jaw Droppers (http://www.jawdroppers.com/), a set of videos that show a variety of magic tricks. I believe this set of videos is excellent for several reasons.
First, most (but not all) of the tricks are good! A lot of other magic instruction videos include a few really good tricks and a whole lot of lame tricks. Anderson's good-to-lame ratio is better than most. You get a lot for your money.
Second, the tricks are designed for informal settings, not for a stage setting. The videos are designed for the amateur, not the pro. The tricks are good for provoking a laugh among friends or for exchanging business cards (Larry demonstrates a lot of really good business card tricks).
Third, little technical skill is needed for most tricks. There are only a few moves that require skill. You will need to practice the tricks, yes, but your practice will emphasize timing and presentation, rather than technical skill. Some of Larry's patter is a little corny, but it isn't too difficult to come up with your own.
Fourth, many tricks can be performed impromptu or with very little notice. Many of them use borrowed items.
Larry's explanations of the tricks, while informal and a little unpolished (i.e., in the format of one friend teaching another), are nevertheless good enough to show you almost everything you need to know for a successful performance. Larry points out common mistakes to avoid and warns you about ways a trick can be ruined. Not all magic videos explain tricks this well.
Naturally, anyone else who has seen this set of videos should feel free to comment on them.
First, most (but not all) of the tricks are good! A lot of other magic instruction videos include a few really good tricks and a whole lot of lame tricks. Anderson's good-to-lame ratio is better than most. You get a lot for your money.
Second, the tricks are designed for informal settings, not for a stage setting. The videos are designed for the amateur, not the pro. The tricks are good for provoking a laugh among friends or for exchanging business cards (Larry demonstrates a lot of really good business card tricks).
Third, little technical skill is needed for most tricks. There are only a few moves that require skill. You will need to practice the tricks, yes, but your practice will emphasize timing and presentation, rather than technical skill. Some of Larry's patter is a little corny, but it isn't too difficult to come up with your own.
Fourth, many tricks can be performed impromptu or with very little notice. Many of them use borrowed items.
Larry's explanations of the tricks, while informal and a little unpolished (i.e., in the format of one friend teaching another), are nevertheless good enough to show you almost everything you need to know for a successful performance. Larry points out common mistakes to avoid and warns you about ways a trick can be ruined. Not all magic videos explain tricks this well.
Naturally, anyone else who has seen this set of videos should feel free to comment on them.