Price$20.00
Media TypeDVD
CategoryClose Up
Date AddedNov 24, 2008
The Complete Muscle Pass
David Kong
(Based on 1 review)
Learn nineteen powerful effects with the Muscle Pass, from simple visual productions to carefully-crafted routines. Absolutely nothing on this DVD requires gimmicks of any kind - just coins and your hands.
Bonus: John Cornelius himself teaches the Muscle Pass and three of his most famous effects.
Included are real-world performances in four countries and across the US.
Contents:
Intro: Introduction to the Muscle Pass, what it was designed for, and how and when to use it.
History: David discusses the Muscle Pass' hazy history. The Muscle Pass floated around for years as a quaint but unpractical move before its reinvention by John Cornelius.
Learn The Move: David demonstrates then teaches, step-by-step, the correct Muscle Pass position, how to learn the move, how to practice and pace yourself, how not to practice, which coins to use and why to use them, how to adjust your Muscle Pass for different effects, and how to Muscle Pass naturally without contorting your hand and giving the move away.
The Coin That Falls Up: The invention of John Cornelius that first made the Muscle Pass famous, rarely correctly performed. David teaches all the nuances that make the Coin That Falls Up a beautiful illusion instead of a throwaway trick.
Productions with the Muscle Pass: Five killer productions. Learn how the Muscle Pass can be used to create powerful effects that no other technique can rival.
Topits and the Muscle Pass: The ultimate ditching device for when the heat is on.
Sleeving with the Muscle Pass: Learn some of the cleanest vanishes with the Muscle Pass and how to keep your movements smooth and simple.
Dual Muscle Passes: New techniques allow you to Muscle Pass from both hands at once, creating impossible new Copper/Silver routines and gimmick switches.
Behind The Back: With one simple movement, switch any two coins invisibly. Learn how to disguise your sleights with little casual movements that add to your performing style.
French Drop Routine: One of the simplest routines with Muscle Pass, but extremely hard-hitting. Use this one to hone your skills and gain credibility with your audience.
Sky Routine: Add a new phase to a classic effect that doubles its impact.
Hand Penetration: Visibly push a coin right through your hand, with no cover.
Stenberg Penetration: The most powerful effect with the Muscle Pass. When correctly performed, this effect takes coin magic to a new level - your spectator can see and feel a coin pass right through his hand. Created by Patrick Stenberg, who has graciously given permission for its inclusion on this DVD.
Portal Routine: Transform an imaginary coin into solid reality, then pull it back again. Do it in your hands, in a spectator's hands, right in front of his eyes.
Quads - Extremely Difficult: That's right, quads. Simultaneously Muscle Pass two coins from each hand in a four-coin transposition, all invisibly. The ultimate un-gimmicked Copper/Silver routine.
John Cornelius on The Muscle Pass: Two-time FISM winner, inventor of all of the Muscle Pass' most famous effects, teaches the move, gives his tips, and teaches three tricks with the Muscle Pass.
Final Recap: A last recap of the entire DVD with some parting thoughts and routining tips and ideas.
"David Kong is a master of the Muscle Pass. This is the best, most complete, and only authorized DVD teaching my "Coin that Falls Up" and "Coin Through Window" since my tutorial on Micheal Ammar's Classic Renditions video. Beware the imitators............ get the real thing!" - John Cornelius
Running Time Approximately 69min
Reviews
(Top ▲)
On the one hand, I'm totally impressed with David Kong's mastery of the Muscle Pass, his knowledge and respect for the art at such a young age, and the quality of the DVD. On the other hand, I felt like there were a ton of areas where he rushed through and left us with explanations that were half way "there."
For example, he teaches an idea where he says that you'll need a lot of misdirection. Then as an example, he says, "'Hey look up there,' and while they're looking, do the move." There were a ton of places where it would appear that he openly puts a coin into classic palm during the presentation when the coin is supposed to have vanished. One example is where he has a coin classic palmed in each hand (Copper in left hand, Silver in Right). The coins are hidden and his hands appear empty as he pats his front pockets and back pockets. Then behind his back, he muscle passes both coins so that they swap hands (Copper now in right hand, Silver in left). Then he brings his hands out to show that they "magically switched."
What switched? Two seconds ago he was trying to convince the audience that both of his hands were empty as he patted his pockets in a gesture of "where did the coins go." It made no sense . . . what's the effect? Anyway, there were several instances of this type of behavior.
However, if you look at this DVD as a compilation of rough ideas and tips, pointers, etc, then you'll be very happy with your purchase. It's thoroughly explained and well produced. The lighting is excellent; the move is well taught, and you get to see some solid performances in front of real audiences. I will say that Kong's inexperience as a teacher and a performer did show in quite a few places.
Many of the explanations were extremely rambly and loaded with cliche-esque advice and "tips" that were more like someone trying to say something important rather than actually saying something important. During Kong's performance segments, he very often would sort of strike a pose at the end of every little move that he did . . . waiting for approval from his audience. It looked a bit amateurish. However, the effects look beautiful in his hands, and the audience reactions are genuine, and they are truly amazed.
He clearly has experience performing, but he's still "green." Also his youthful arrogance shows its face a time or two. Nothing I condemn him for; I only point it out in hopes that he reads this review. When I see performers with his level of skill, integrity and respect for magic, I want them to succeed and so I typically will offer personal advice. I only do that to the ones I like, so Mr. Kong . . . if you're reading this, know this: 1) I like you and your magic, and your creativity. 2) Hopefully you'll take my critique of your performance as a chance to grow and not defend.
Either way, for $20 bucks, you can't go wrong. Whether you're familiar with the muscle pass or not you'll find your money is well spent. If for no other reason, to see the footage included of John Cornelius performing coin through glass. Congratulations to Mr. Kong for creating a better produced DVD than many of the "big names" out there . . . a solid DVD menu, a huge range of information, solid credits, and an all around solid DVD.
4 stars with a Stone Status of Gem.