Official Review |
|
January 6th, 2010 8:47am
Rating: |
| Reviewed by
Jeff Stone |
Who knew? This set of 3 DVDs by Germany Native Alexander DeCova could be one of the best kept secrets. The range of material is excellent, everything from close up, to kids magic, to stand up, to stage.
A lot of the material on here is minor modifications or ideas to classics, however, there are also quite a number of original moves and presentations by Alexander as well.
One of the best parts of the series is the fact that it really sparked my creativity and gave me several more ideas and even inspired a few new tricks and handlings of my own.
Here's a sample of some of the stuff you will find. Let's start with two classic plots: Card to Wallet and Torn and Restored Card. How's this for a twist on Signed Card to Wallet: The wallet is removed and placed on the table before the card is selected. Once the card is selected, signed and replaced in the deck, the deck is tabled no where near the wallet. The wallet which has been sitting on the table the whole time is then immediately picked up and opened. The signed card is inside the wallet inside of an envelope. This is a killer effect and method.
Next, Torn and Restored Card... tear a card into four pieces. Place three of the four pieces on top of the deck. Slap your hand on the deck and the 3 pieces instantly are restored. Again beautiful magic and super visual. I will say, on this one however, that you couldn't do this in a strolling set. It's more for a set show environment.
DeCova has some incredible cups and ball moves that are quite freaky and deceptive. He has some beautiful methods of handling a thumb tip that are amazing.
There are a couple of coin routines that didn't really strike my fancy such as "Chinese Money Mystery" and "Stand-Up Flurry" and I don't know that I would call every effect a Gem, however, over 80 % of the material is Gem quality. It will either inspire you to improve your own effects, or it will add a new effect, method or move to your tool belt.
You'll see his work on the Vanishing Cane, Ball to Silk, Rope Magic, Sympathetic Silks (brilliant... a lot of work, but B.R.I.L.L.I.A.N.T.). He teaches you how to make a clever, albeit not entirely practical, deck switch utility device which is very cool and with the right "justification" would be an excellent utility item to have.
I could go on and on, but I think you've got the idea by now. These DVDs are loaded with great ideas, tips, tricks, methods, etc, etc, etc... Definite GEM! |
Product info for Treasures Set Vol 1-3 Author: Alexander De Cova Average Rating: Retail Price: $79.95 Manufacturer's Description: Multiple award-winner, Alexander De Cova has been one of Germany's top professional magicians for over 12 years. His creative and innovative thinking shines through in this, his first English language DVD series.
Here you will find visual, baffling and commercial magic that will delight you and your audience. Most of the material is relatively easy to learn and perfectly suited for the stand-up performer. You will also find many new tips and insights for enhancing your own present material.
All in all, enjoy the magic of one of Germany's most creative magicians!
DVD 1 FEATURES: - Chinese Money Mystery
- Super Easy Triumph
- Purse Swindle
- Premonition Box
- Stand-Up Deck Switch
- Ring-O-Matic
- Gumball Machine
- Boxed Transposition
- 9-Card Monte
DVD 2 FEATURES:- Flash Restoration
- Cups & Balls Moves
- Blank Cheque Transpo
- Pro Card To Wallet
- Ball To Silk
- A New Rope Move
- Chopstick Vanish
- Master Silks Routine
DVD 3 FEATURES:
- Vanishing Cane
- Stand-Up Flurry
- Seven Card Monte
- McDonalds Aces
- Hangman Plus
- Ordered Surprise
- Spring Gag
- Slot Machine
- Ultimate Coin Penetration
- Lethal Weapon
Disc 1 Running Time Approximately 1hr 9min Disc 2 Running Time Approximately 1hr 10min Disc 3 Running Time Approximately 1hr 32min |