Issue 29 - Nov. 09
Art Of Magic
Wayne Houchin
Available from your favourite dealer
Price: £24.99
Wayne Houchin's Art of Magic is a groundbreaking instructional DVD on classic and contemporary magic tricks. This 120 minute performance and instructional DVD features a unique look at the current state of magic and includes interviews with David Regal, Aaron Fisher, Dan and Dave Buck and (of course) Wayne Houchin.
The interviews are combined with live performance footage of WH performing both on the street and at The Magic Castle - from South Beach, Miami to Hollywood, California.
The documentary and instructional portions of this DVD attempt to capture a modern look at the Art of Magic through personal anecdotes, advice, and live performance. The interviews touch on everything from the presentation of magic to advice for beginners, and why magicians fail. The effects taught are practical and suitable for both beginners and the intermediate student and are all worthy of a viewing.
Here’s a quick look at them:
TWISTING THE ACES - This is Wayne's handling of Vernon's classic effect.
FRENCH KISS - A simple transposition effect where your signed card is in the spectator's mouth and her card is in yours. Simple and powerful.
WH RING+STRING MYSTERY This is my favourite effect on the DVD. A piece of string visually penetrates through a borrowed ring. This is new, unique, easy, practical, and FUN.
MATCH BITE - A lit match is extinguished on your tongue. The magician then bites off the burnt end, chews it up, and spits it back onto the match. Impromptu and uses only one match but probably won’t be to everyone’s taste.
CARBON PAPER - Jay Sankey’s powerful effect where the back of a playing card is burned - your spectator feels the burn from that card travel through their hand and end up on a signed card that has been between their hands for the entire effect... leaving the originally burnt card completely unharmed. Great for tablehopping.
This is one of the most enjoyable DVDs I’ve watched for a while. The mix of magical effects and documentary style interviews works really well and is a joy to watch. There are also some really good magical effects to learn. Highly recommended. PS
What’s Hot: great mix of magic and interviews
What’s Not: the match effect probably won’t be to everyone’s taste
Star Rating: ****
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