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Dai Vernon Revelations

Vernon, Dai

L&L Publishing

(Based on 1 review)
Imagine spending a week with Dai Vernon...History was made September 2-6, 1982 in a filming studio in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, as the life and magic of Dai Vernon was permanently recorded for future generations. Inspired by Bill Larsen, the project was undertaken by Videonics, owned and operated by Hans Zahn. The co-hosts of the filming project were Michael Ammar, Gary Ouellet and Steve Freeman.

L & L Publishing has now taken this original footage, digitally re-mastered it and released it on 8 DVDs. Not only can we learn by actually seeing and hearing the Professor at work, but our great grandchildren and their great grandchildren will be taught that most elusive of crafts by the grandest master of them all. Some of the important points to be considered are:
  • The format is that of a jam session, with Vernon discussing his tricks, moves and routines, and generally holding court.
  • All the moves, techniques, routines, tips and handlings discussed are actually performed by Vernon or one of the co-hosts, along with a complete explanation.
  • Roughly half of the subjects covered relate to the published record; half the material was new and disclosed for the first time (at the time of the video shoot).
  • Many times, Vernon teaches important new techniques on the Vernon classics, including improvements, or previously undisclosed handlings, even as regards the famous Stars of Magic effects.
  • Some world famous routines, such as the Coins in Champagne Glass or the Fred Kaps Coins and Silk (invented by Vernon and taught to Kaps) are publicly revealed.
  • Important revelations about the Erdnase techniques, which Vernon has spent a lifetime studying, form a major part of the material.


The idea behind these videos was to capture Vernon live so future magicians can experience him. No magician should miss these videos. Dai Vernon was the Dean of modern magic and he shares great things on these tapes. AND now the beauty of DVD offers: Superior Picture Quality Dolby Digital Sound Interactive Menus Take You To Every Trick & Explanation with just a Click of Your Remote Multi-Region for Worldwide Viewing.

Complete 8 DVD Set

Reviews

David Acer

Official Reviewer

Oct 22, 2004

The recent reissue of the Vernon Revelations series will likely prove to be one of L&L Publishing’s greatest contributions to the art. Originally released on video in the early 1980s by a Canadian company called Videonics, Revelations was a seventeen-volume session with Dai Vernon, moderated by Michael Ammar, Gary Ouellet and Steve Freeman. These volumes have now been condensed into (onto?) eight DVDs, and are perhaps the only DVDs in magic that I would ever suggest should be required viewing.

With some coaxing on the part of the skilled and knowledgeable moderators, Vernon, at this point unquestionably past his prime, still manages to unleash a wealth of fascinating, practical, ingenious material, all of which serves to further solidify his reputation as the greatest close-up magician who ever lived.

To single out individual sleights and routines would be to belittle the overall significance of the series, but suffice it to say that there are enough advances and innovations with cards, coins, silks, linking rings, cups-and-balls and more to warrant years of study.

Moreover, many of Vernon’s classics are discussed and performed, a small few by Vernon (such as the Symphony of the Rings), but many more by our hosts, all of whom do credible (sometimes exceptional) jobs with the techniques, but offer nothing in the way of presentation (contrary to how Vernon himself performed the routines).

Despite this shortcoming, and the occasional poor camera angle, Revelations is absolutely overflowing with the magic, methods and experiences of one of our most intriguing icons. A must-buy for any student of the art.

David Acer
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