Price$39.99
Media TypeDVD
CategoryClose Up
Date AddedOct 08, 2014
Jonathan Levit: Ahead of the Game - Black Rabbit Series Issue #5
Levit, Jonathan
Anthony Asimov Magic
(Based on 3 reviews)
Jonathan is a magician, actor and television host. He has appeared on Fox's "Masters of Illusion," was the host of VH1's "Celebracadabra," and has been the magic consultant for many television shows and films.
Over 5 hours of content! Includes:2 live shows filmed at The Magic Castle 2 feature commentaries by Jonathan Professional magic routines that Jonathan has perfected over thousands of performances Detailed explanations 40-Minute interviewQUADROREVELATION - Jonathan's opener is a spectacular 4-card reveal. A real fooler with maximum audience involvement, this one trick is worth the value of this DVD set.
EVERYTHING CHANGES - An epic blue-to-red color change they never see coming and brings the house down.
DRAW A BLANK - Jonathan's Any Card at Any Number (ACAAN) has an ultra-clean presentation and a killer ending.
LEVIT TRIUMPH - This brilliant handling of the classic Triumph effect is an instant showstopper that always generates thunderous applause.
THE UN-MATRIX - Jonathan's signature matrix is famous in the magic community. Jonathan performs it for two live audiences, then shares its background and explains one key move to accomplish the routine. Performance-only.
Packed with dozens of valuable lessons and tips, including: The advantages of being "Ahead of the Game" Connecting with an audience Staying in control Time misdirection Psychological audience management Jonathan's method for loading a card onto a chair under a spectator Building your character Building the "moment" of an effect Creating realities for an audience Using a signature prop Jonathan's approach to mentalism Structuring an act Jonathan's Fan Forcing and Deck Switching Techniques Enhancing an effect by moving the moment of magic Challenging yourself Handling technical difficulties"Frankly, I'm surprised Jonathan has released the very routines he's taken years to perfect. Masterful, amazing routines I have quietly coveted since I first saw him wow an audience with them. Now, the 'wow' can be yours too."
- Bruce Gold
"Jonathan's show embodies roll-in-the-aisles comedy and jaw-dropping magic. This combination is exactly what is needed to leave your audiences with the feeling they've witnessed something completely impossible. Studying his comedic timing alone will enhance your show greatly. Learning the tools he uses to create his mind blowing magic will raise you to a whole new level as a performer."
- Suzanne
"Jonathan is a perfectionist. It shows in his pure sleight of hand and the way he thinks."
- Dean Dill
"After having given many Performance Workshops, it was a real pleasure for me to watch magic through the performance of a real actor. Is there a difference? You bet. Jonathan's performance is clear, focused, intelligent and professional. (Note: Like magic should be done.) The magic is well served by Jonathan's audience management. He knows how to tell a story, engage his audience and sell a trick. The effects, while different, are in everyone's reach, yet his style and presentation make them memorable. Do yourself a favor, watch this DVD."
- Bob Fitch
"Jonathan really 'gets it' when it comes to magic. Not only does he fool everyone with his magic, but he makes a real connection to the audience. More magicians need to think this way. More magicians need to see this DVD."
- Dan Garrett
"Jonathan Levit has put the time and thought into his magic to make it great, now he is willing to put time and effort with his fellow magicians We can now all benefit from his efforts."
- Stephen Bargatze
"I have seen Jonathan's live show numerous times at The Magic Castle and the audience reactions to his most powerful effects simply have to be seen to be believed. Jonathan is a highly skilled magician who is opening the doors to his repertoire on this DVD. If you want to become a better magician, watch this and learn as much as you can from a true master of the magical arts."
- Anthony Asimov
"Jonathan Levit: Ahead of the Game" is ISSUE #5 in the Black Rabbit Series, which features outstanding professional magicians from around the world who perform full shows for live un-coached audiences.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Your Mama Don't Dance by Poison
Ahead of The Game Review
Two DVDs, a handful of effects, multiple performances, a whole bunch of interviews/discussion, $40 bucks and one Ahead of The Game Review. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.
Effect
While there are effects taught on this DVD, that's not what this is all about. Check the ad copy for the effects. I'll mention a few things about the effects in the method section below. That said, what you're really getting is a Master's Course on being a magician. This is like a Mini Tarbell Course for the modern day. Again, glance at the ad copy for the bullet point list of the things taught on this DVD. We'll dive in more in the Product Quality section below.
Method
The methods for these effects are simple, standard, methods that work and have stood the test of time. Jonathan Levit adds some excellent touches and subtlties and "things" that take some of these effects to that all too coveted proverbial next level.
The color changing deck routine uses several sneaky and clever bits o' business that make the moment(s) of the change truly surprising and shocking. Over the years many, many, many (ad infinitum) methodolical variations for Vernon's Triumph routine have been offered to the magic community (including my own humble offering, Most Triumphant found in Stone Cold Magic Magazine Year One). However, very few, if any have attempted to improve the presentation. Jonathan Levit's handling and presentation is very smart and clever and even more logical/legitimate way to perform this effect than most that I've seen.
Know this: if you're just looking for "the tricks" you'll find them here. The methods are solid. However, what you're really getting is "Jonathan" and everything that comes with that. You get his take, thoughts, angles, etc., etc. on the who, what, when, where, why and how of performing magic.
Ad Copy Integrity
The ad copy is modest to say the least. You get a lot more than you might think based on reading the ad copy. Watch the trailer, and you'll get a good sense of the energy, passion and content of this DVD set. They (both the written and video ad copy) do a great job of representing this product.
Ahead of The Game Review: Product Quality
There are several things to discuss here. Let take 'em one at a time.
DVD Navigation
This is really the only negative thing I have to say about this project. There is no "play all" button. This makes for a little bit of an annoying viewing experience. After each segment, the main menu comes back up, and you have to click the next thing you want to watch. However, when you consider the quality of the rest of this project, this is a small problem to deal with.
Production Quality
The videos are produced well. However, there's always something about the videos shot in the Magic Castle that doesn't quite feel as HD as they probably really are. That is nothing that is enough to cause any problems enjoying and learning from these DVDs, however. The audio, camera angles, lighting, etc. were all well done. Another thing I found very useful was the use of performance footage during the explanation.
Jonathan Levit and Suzanne would be discussing a point, concept, etc. and while they were talking, the screen would cut to the live performance segment to help drive home the point. Further, due to the fact that they shot multiple performances of the same show, they would refer to some footage from the shows that weren't shown on the DVD live section, so you could see different audience reactions to the same routine.
This product, as with all of the Black Rabbit products I've reviewed, is very well produced. It's clear that some time was spent in the pre-production and in the post-production efforts.
Teaching/Content
Jonathan Levit and Suzanne work well together to explain and teach the effects, principles and concepts found on this DVD set. You really get a good look into a true working pro. Take a look at the ad copy to see all of the concepts covered. They are taught well, effectively and clearly. Levit is a great teaching in the traditional "lecturer sense" but also in the learn by example school as well.
The DVDs have two different full live performances. Each one can be watched with and without audio commentary. I recommend watching both shows with and both shows without the commentary. There is so much to be learned from this alone. On top of that, you get the interview with Anthony Asimov interviewing Jonathan Levit. Plus you get all the individual segments and discussions about the effects and the concepts with Suzanne.
Lastly, the big theme of the DVD is about being "Ahead of The Game." After all, this is the Ahead of the Game Review. This concept is gold. It's an old principle, but you get to see it in action on so many levels. This concept is used in each effect, but it's also used in the entire show, and Levit does an incredible job of imparting this information — nay . . . wisdom — to those paying attention.
Ahead of The Game Review: Final Thoughts
If you're looking for "just tricks" you'll be satisfied with your purchase. However, if you're looking to learn about the art of performing magic (not just tricks) and all the principles, concepts and insider tips involved, then you will ecstatic with your purchase.
Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM!
Available at your Favorite Magic Dealer. Dealer's see Murphy's Magic For Details.
(Top ▲)
“Ahead of the Game” is a two DVD set devoted to Jonathan Levit’s complete close up act, as performed at the Magic Castle. The set contain two full performances, both of which can also be viewed with a real time commentary by Mr. Levit and his producer, Anthony Asimov. The discs also include explanations for the majority of the effects seen, as well as an interview of Mr. Levit by Mr. Asimov, plus discussions between Mr. Levit and Suzanne covering several ideas related to his approach to performance.
Any time a successful working professional shares what he or she performs for paying audiences, magicians should sit up and take notice. In this case, Mr. Levit doesn’t just reveal the tricks he performs; he reveals his entire act. The magic is incredibly well constructed, not just within the methods of the individual effects, but throughout the entire show. The name of the set says it all: Mr. Levit is far, far ahead of the audience at almost every point in the act. He accomplishes this using a combination of, among other things, subtle time misdirection, clever construction, and an extremely engaging and entertaining presentation. This combination results in magic that has a very deep level of deception. The level of thought and time that has gone into the development of every moment of his act is incredible and is an example of the level of work every magician should put into their performances.
Of course, trying to teach how a well-constructed act is built can be a challenging endeavor, but thankfully the instruction on this DVD set is excellent. The discussions of methods are extensive and complete, and include not just the method, but also the practical theory behind the method’s construction. His instruction also includes tips learned through hundreds of performances, and he offers suggestions for classic methods and effects that will make them not only more practical, but also more deceptive. In additional to the explanations, Mr. Levit also discusses show structure, character and connecting to the audience, concepts that are critical to the success of any performance.
The material covered includes a four-card revelation, a color changing deck routine, a version of ACAAN, triumph and a matrix. In writing this review, I hesitated to list the contents because these bare bones titles do not do justice to these effects as performed by Mr. Levit. In his hands these routines are not only wildly entertaining and incredibly powerful, but he has woven them into an act that feels like a show, not a disjointed series of tricks. And even if the viewer has one or more of these routines in his or her repertoire, there are likely ideas and approaches that can be appropriated to improve one’s own handling. And to reiterate an earlier point, Mr. Levit’s approach to show design and method construction can be applied to any effect and any act, regardless of the actual magic performed.
It should be noted Mr. Levit’s matrix and color changing card case are not explained on the DVD set. (Both are available as separate purchases.) The color changing card case is gimmicked and the matrix is truly a showpiece, which I believe justifies their separate releases. Regardless, the quality and volume of valuable content in this set eclipses any disappointment one might experience not learning these two routines. And given the quality of this release, as well as how powerful the effects are in performance, I’m certain both the color changing card case and matrix are worth every additional penny.
“Ahead of the Game” contains a complete act, filled with extremely powerful and deceptive magic, performed by a wildly entertaining and engaging performer. The methods are clever, deceptive, practical and have been used in the real world in hundreds of performances. The theories and ideas presented are useful, impactful and can be seen practically applied in shows performed for real audiences. Purchasing this DVD set is an absolute no brainer. There is no magician who couldn’t benefit from studying it. I give it my highest recommendation.
Any time a successful working professional shares what he or she performs for paying audiences, magicians should sit up and take notice. In this case, Mr. Levit doesn’t just reveal the tricks he performs; he reveals his entire act. The magic is incredibly well constructed, not just within the methods of the individual effects, but throughout the entire show. The name of the set says it all: Mr. Levit is far, far ahead of the audience at almost every point in the act. He accomplishes this using a combination of, among other things, subtle time misdirection, clever construction, and an extremely engaging and entertaining presentation. This combination results in magic that has a very deep level of deception. The level of thought and time that has gone into the development of every moment of his act is incredible and is an example of the level of work every magician should put into their performances.
Of course, trying to teach how a well-constructed act is built can be a challenging endeavor, but thankfully the instruction on this DVD set is excellent. The discussions of methods are extensive and complete, and include not just the method, but also the practical theory behind the method’s construction. His instruction also includes tips learned through hundreds of performances, and he offers suggestions for classic methods and effects that will make them not only more practical, but also more deceptive. In additional to the explanations, Mr. Levit also discusses show structure, character and connecting to the audience, concepts that are critical to the success of any performance.
The material covered includes a four-card revelation, a color changing deck routine, a version of ACAAN, triumph and a matrix. In writing this review, I hesitated to list the contents because these bare bones titles do not do justice to these effects as performed by Mr. Levit. In his hands these routines are not only wildly entertaining and incredibly powerful, but he has woven them into an act that feels like a show, not a disjointed series of tricks. And even if the viewer has one or more of these routines in his or her repertoire, there are likely ideas and approaches that can be appropriated to improve one’s own handling. And to reiterate an earlier point, Mr. Levit’s approach to show design and method construction can be applied to any effect and any act, regardless of the actual magic performed.
It should be noted Mr. Levit’s matrix and color changing card case are not explained on the DVD set. (Both are available as separate purchases.) The color changing card case is gimmicked and the matrix is truly a showpiece, which I believe justifies their separate releases. Regardless, the quality and volume of valuable content in this set eclipses any disappointment one might experience not learning these two routines. And given the quality of this release, as well as how powerful the effects are in performance, I’m certain both the color changing card case and matrix are worth every additional penny.
“Ahead of the Game” contains a complete act, filled with extremely powerful and deceptive magic, performed by a wildly entertaining and engaging performer. The methods are clever, deceptive, practical and have been used in the real world in hundreds of performances. The theories and ideas presented are useful, impactful and can be seen practically applied in shows performed for real audiences. Purchasing this DVD set is an absolute no brainer. There is no magician who couldn’t benefit from studying it. I give it my highest recommendation.
(Top ▲)
REVIEW
What an amazing performer and what a great set of DVDs! He shows his entire Magic Castle Act, not once, but twice. It is really educational to see two sets of performances where you see how he reacts to different audiences. His set is masterfully crafted, the magic is very strong, and the audience entertainment is tremendous!
He presents a series of card effects and ends with a coin matrix. In all his routines, you can see how he has thought them through and created effects that draw the audience in. You can see how he has worked on his character. He talks about how his character is the person he “wishes he could be” in his day to day life. What a wonderful way to build a character! His routines are mostly classic routines like ACAAN, Triumph, Matrix, etc. However, he has worked them out to the point where you either don’t recognize them for what they are until the end, or you see just how entertaining a classic effect done by so many magicians can be in the hands of someone who has thought them through creatively.
CAUTION
I really wanted to give this a five star rating, but… His act consists of five routines. Of those, you don’t get the full explanation for two, the everything changes routine and the Un-Matrix routine. You get a partial explanation and they are sold separately. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, when I’m watching a DVD, I would like to be able to take everything that I have seen and learn how it is done. On the other hand, it was really nice to see his entire set, even if a couple components are sold separately. One item sold separately is the card box color change. It looks awesome! On the matrix, he just teaches one move as the entire routine is sold separately. The move he teaches is very good.
VERDICT
This is an awesome glimpse at Jonathan’s entire set at the Magic Castle with very detailed descriptions of every move and motivation… with the exception of two biggies not explained because they are sold separately.
What an amazing performer and what a great set of DVDs! He shows his entire Magic Castle Act, not once, but twice. It is really educational to see two sets of performances where you see how he reacts to different audiences. His set is masterfully crafted, the magic is very strong, and the audience entertainment is tremendous!
He presents a series of card effects and ends with a coin matrix. In all his routines, you can see how he has thought them through and created effects that draw the audience in. You can see how he has worked on his character. He talks about how his character is the person he “wishes he could be” in his day to day life. What a wonderful way to build a character! His routines are mostly classic routines like ACAAN, Triumph, Matrix, etc. However, he has worked them out to the point where you either don’t recognize them for what they are until the end, or you see just how entertaining a classic effect done by so many magicians can be in the hands of someone who has thought them through creatively.
CAUTION
I really wanted to give this a five star rating, but… His act consists of five routines. Of those, you don’t get the full explanation for two, the everything changes routine and the Un-Matrix routine. You get a partial explanation and they are sold separately. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, when I’m watching a DVD, I would like to be able to take everything that I have seen and learn how it is done. On the other hand, it was really nice to see his entire set, even if a couple components are sold separately. One item sold separately is the card box color change. It looks awesome! On the matrix, he just teaches one move as the entire routine is sold separately. The move he teaches is very good.
VERDICT
This is an awesome glimpse at Jonathan’s entire set at the Magic Castle with very detailed descriptions of every move and motivation… with the exception of two biggies not explained because they are sold separately.