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Price$34.95
Media TypeDVD
CategoryMentalism
Date AddedMar 16, 2003

VIDEOMIND

Maven, Max

L & L Publishing

(Based on 1 review)
It's done under what can be the most difficult conditions: performing for a medium-sized audience with no formal stage setting to focus attention. Sightlines are often poor, and people must be drawn into the experience even if they can't see everything clearly. Too, you may be working surrounded, so you'd better be sure there are no angle problems. And, as it's likely to be a social occasion filled with potential distractions, your material needs to be compelling from the very first moment: intriguing presentations that build to powerful conclusions. This video features a range of commercial Parlor Mentalism. No pre-show work, no secret assistance; this is practical material for the solo performer, using subtle and unusual methods that are as fascinating as the effects they produce. You'll learn: The Mockingbird - A sampling from the fabled "Birds of Prey" series. At its core, an inexplicable demonstration of playing card telepathy - but you'll discover how audience participation and an unfolding plot structure can transform an already strong effect into a full - fledged routine. Autome - An extraordinary book test using plain, ungimmicked props under the fairest conditions. This is a remarkable routine in and of itself, but it also introduces principles for which you'll find a host of other uses. Divine Write - (Previously Unrevealed): Mutual mentalism with built-in appeal. The performer tries an imposing experiment in clairvoyance, working simultaneously with a member of the audience. Despite the overwhelming odds, the outcome is successful for both. Zenvelopes: - A test of intuition using several participants and a number of ESP symbol cards hidden inside opaque envelopes. These are thoroughly mixed by the spectators, who then pair them off by playing their hunches. When the contents are examined, all the symbols have matched perfectly. Kurotsuke - (Previously Unrevealed) An ancient game from the imperial court of Japan is turned into a delightful routine of stand - up mentalism that lets several people get involved. And, best of all, it can be done entirely impromptu using only borrowed materials. The Mind's Eye Deck - A pack of some 40 design cards is used. Each one is different, and the deck is shuffled. While the performer's back is turned, a spectator removes a card. Without turning around, the mentalist starts describing the thought - of design, eventually drawing it on a pad of paper. It's as straightforward as that.

Extra bonus photo gallery ONLY on the DVDs.

Reviews

Jeff Stone

Official Reviewer

Jun 15, 2012

First of all, let me just say that I feel a bit unworthy to review a Max Maven product. Pretty much everything from him I've ever read or watched has moved me or inspired me or given me gas - the good kind of gas.

From the three DVD set Videomind, we get Close up Mentalism, Parlor Mentalism and Stage Mentalism. What I like about this DVD, Close up is that there are a couple of effects that are totally impromptu. Additionally, there are a couple that just seem absolutely impossible. There are others still that are baffling, mysterious and use some interesting, yet ordinary props. It's just a solid mix of really powerful mentalism. Frankly some of them, were I the inventor, I would have kept to myself.

Below is a list of each effect, my commentary and a 1 to 5 rating:
Shape Up
My Thoughts: You'll need a deck of 25 ESP cards. This is a very powerful effect using one of my favorite principles in card magic. It's very clever, and very impossible seeming. The spectator deals cards from an ESP deck face up and stops whenever she wants. Yet you predicted exactly where she would stop
Rating: 4.5

Changeling
My Thoughts: Simple, clever, pretty much impromptu prediction of what number a spectator will name. It's a quickie that won't convert the non-believers, but it's baffling nonetheless.
Rating: 3.5

Isolation
My Thoughts: A nice touch on an old principle. Read the mind of the spectator . . . any word selected from any magazine.
Rating: 3.5

Key to The Future
My Thoughts: This one uses some fun and interesting props, and is virtually self-working. I've always like lock and key effects for some reason. In this one, a prediction is locked inside of a box. The spectator tries to find the right key out of 4 choices. When he unlocks it, the prediction names how many guesses it would take the spectator to find the right key. I love the self-referential nature of this effect - poetry folks.
Rating: 4.5

Symbalance
My Thoughts: Seriously . . . impossible. This is one of the strongest effects on the entire DVD series. It is pure mind reading with a deck of ESP cards that you NEVER touch.
Rating: 5

Positive Negative
My Thoughts: 100% impromptu if you have a business card and a pencil. Pure prediction. You predict what coin a spectator will name, and what side up it is (heads or tails). Perfectly clever.
Rating: 5

The Hawk
My Thoughts: Again . . . seriously . . . impossible. When it comes to downright pure mind reading and mind magic with playing cards, this is tough to beat. I'd be willing to bet that 99% of the people who watch this effect on this DVD will be absolutely fooled by this effect. It's brilliant in performance and method.
Rating:5

The average rating on the effects alone is 4.4. Add to that a real pro as prolific as Max Maven, the brilliant principles you'll learn from these methods and the top notch production quality and you've got yourself a 5 Star GEM in ALL CAPS!
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