Price$29.95
Media TypeDVD
CategoryStage
Date AddedJan 29, 2009
Magic of the Pendragons #2
Charlotte and Jonathan Pendragon
L&L Publishing
(Based on 3 reviews)
Now, for the first time ever on video, Jonathan and Charlotte Pendragon, the "First Couple" of magic and perhaps the greatest exponents of grand illusion ever to grace a stage, lift away the veil and show you the real secrets of stage illusion - the insider information that could only be gained by performing in over 50 countries for the last quarter of a century.
METAMORPHOSIS
- History
- Trunk Props
- Foulard
- Trunk
- Costume Change
- In And Out Of Bag
- Trunk Switch
- Hourglass
- Split Foulard
- Safety
An in-depth interview with Jonathan Pendragon by Patrick Martin (Part 2)
When the history of magic is written, Jonathan Pendragon will be remembered as one of its most creative performers."
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Overview
Metamorphosis is the name of a stage illusion invented by John Nevil Maskelyne, but most often associated with famous escape artist Harry Houdini. Many stage illusionists have performed the Metamorphosis most notably Doug Henning. However, The Pendragons have become renowned for the speed in which they had performed this illusion. Now, in the Magic of the Pendragons #2 by L & L Publishing, Jonathan and Charlotte Pendragon spend more than two hours discussing and demonstrating how they perfected this world famous illusion.Effect
With much fanfare, the lead performer is tied up in a sack and placed in a locked trunk. The assistant (typically an attractive woman) not only padlocks the trunk but places additional deterrents from getting out. She then steps on top of the trunk, raises a curtain above her head and then instantly the curtain falls and the lead performer is standing on top, much to the amazement of the audience. He then, unlocks the trunk and the assistant is tied up in the sack that once held the main performer.Method
The method is like any stage illusion, design to facilitate the magic. The “real magic” is in the choreography, timing, assembly and physical ability of the performers.Product Quality
The Magic of the Pendragons #2 DVD focuses exclusively on their signature illusion, The Metamorphosis. Unlike the other three DVDs in the set, the entire DVD is devoted to this one effect. Being transferred to DVD from the original videocassette the quality of the production is not what we are used to in the HD world. However, you get more than two hours of interviews, demonstration, and tips and techniques on how the Metamorphosis works and the finer point on the associated props.Virtually every detail you want to know about this illusion is discussed, nothing is held back.
Ad Copy Integrity
The ad copy is accurate. In fact, I was surprised as to how much detail they actually went into. This DVD is more informational for the curious. You will not learn how to make a Metamorphosis but it will give one insight to one of the world’s most famous illusion.(Top ▲)
Overview
1 DVD, 2 hours of training, 1 incredible illusion, $30 bucks, 2 Pendragons, and 1 Magic of the Pendragons review. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out. Hint: it starts with "G" and ends with "EM!"Effect
Metamorphosis. If you don't know it, watch the trailer. Trying to describe it just won't do it the justice it deserves.Method
In order to do this effect, you have to be extremely athletic, and willing to risk getting hurt. The props do some of the work, but the majority of it is your (and your partner's) physical capabilities.Product Quality
What you're getting here is Charlotte and Jonathan Pendragon breaking down every single detail you can imagine to be able to do this illusion exactly as they do it (assuming you've got the physical ability to do so). Further, you get the evolution of the effect, the history, and so much more. The leave out nothing.It's well produced (L&L Publishing), well lit, well mic'd, well structured, and the teaching, explaining, etc. is perfect.
As outlined in the ad copy, they cover everything. They go into great detail about each section below.
- History
- Trunk Props
- Foulard
- Trunk
- Costume Change
- In And Out Of Bag
- Trunk Switch
- Hourglass
- Split Foulard
- Safety
Further, the video ends with an interview of Jonathan Pendragon where you learn how they became the Pendragons, how their characters developed, how Jonathan dealt with / deals with his speech impediment, and a whole lot more. I'm a sucker for interviews like this. They're always my favorite part of DVDs like this. This interview was worth the price alone for me.
Ad Copy Integrity
Solid. True. Accurate.Final Thoughts
I've said this before, when products are excellent, often the review is kind of short. I know this video, filmed in 2008, is coming up on it's 20th birthday in a few years, but if you're a magician, I cannot think of a single reason not to have this in your library, and I can think of a dozen reasons to have it in your library. If youEven if you're not an illusionist -- I'm not an illusionist -- you'll likely enjoy this. You'll learn the secret if you're curious. You'll gain the knowledge to replicate it if that's your goal, and you'll be enlightened with a bit of history and deeper magic knowledge.
This was a joy to watch. It was informational, educational, entertaining, and a great way to spend a couple of hours that I'd gladly do again, and will do again.
Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM!
(Top ▲)
Volume two of THE MAGIC OF THE PENDRAGONS is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated volume because it's dedicated to one illusion, Metamorphosis.
As usual, Jonathan gives the viewer a long history lesson, starting with Houdini, stopping off at Doug Henning and ending where we are today, with John Gaughan's beautiful suede and chrome trunk.
Jonathan and Charlotte go into great detail here, describing what trunk works best and why. They go over the lock, the foulard, the trap, the bag, and how to do a quick costume change. There's much talk about safety and those of you who are thinking about doing the Sub Trunk should watch Charlotte over and over. She's been doing it the smoothest and fastest for many years and she's still been hurt many times. Jonathan said he's even been knocked unconscious during the transition!
But for all that's made over the props used, it's the performers that make this. When you see the way the transformation (notice I didn't say switch) takes place, you marvel at the thinking and athleticism here. When you watch Jonathan and Charlotte perform an exposed view in real time on Louis Falanga's deck outside, it feels a little....dirty....and thrilling.....and dirty. It really feels like you are being let in on a secret that you have no business knowing.
Part two of the interview with Jonathan is on this disc as well and it continues some of the same themes; mainly the history of the act and the advice many shared with the Pendragons along the way. Highly recommended.
As usual, Jonathan gives the viewer a long history lesson, starting with Houdini, stopping off at Doug Henning and ending where we are today, with John Gaughan's beautiful suede and chrome trunk.
Jonathan and Charlotte go into great detail here, describing what trunk works best and why. They go over the lock, the foulard, the trap, the bag, and how to do a quick costume change. There's much talk about safety and those of you who are thinking about doing the Sub Trunk should watch Charlotte over and over. She's been doing it the smoothest and fastest for many years and she's still been hurt many times. Jonathan said he's even been knocked unconscious during the transition!
But for all that's made over the props used, it's the performers that make this. When you see the way the transformation (notice I didn't say switch) takes place, you marvel at the thinking and athleticism here. When you watch Jonathan and Charlotte perform an exposed view in real time on Louis Falanga's deck outside, it feels a little....dirty....and thrilling.....and dirty. It really feels like you are being let in on a secret that you have no business knowing.
Part two of the interview with Jonathan is on this disc as well and it continues some of the same themes; mainly the history of the act and the advice many shared with the Pendragons along the way. Highly recommended.