Price$45.00
Media TypeDVD
CategoryMentalism
Date AddedDec 12, 2014
Meridian Technique
Elsdon, Mark
Vanishing Inc.
(Based on 1 review)
The basis of the technique is that you end each strolling performance with one parlor piece performed for everyone, gathered around you. To build interest in this amazing ending to your evening's performance, you "tease" what you will do to each group that you perform for. You talk deliberately about how impossible the trick is, when you will do it, and that they are all invited to see you there later. There are many advantages to doing this, both theatrically and economically. Best of all, your host remembers that you did something far beyond what any other magician at a strolling performance would do.
The running time is 3 hours, and you will see over 45 minutes of performance footage from Mark's restaurant residency in the UK. Some tricks are discussed, but the focus is really on the Meridian Technique, and how to take tricks you already do, and turn them into climactic showpieces at the end of your strolling magic. Truly, this simple, brilliant strategy could have a huge impact on the way you work close-up.
Two DVDs and slipcase. Running time: 3 hours. Includes Meridian Technique ebook.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Leader of The Pack by Twister Sister
Mark Elsdon: Meridian Technique Review
Two DVDs, one concept, a ton of examples and discussion and live performances, three hours and $45 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.
Effect/Method/Ad Copy Integrity
What you're getting is a concept. It's a way to truly add value to your paid performances. The concept is based on the style of T.V. magic specials where there is a big trick at the end, but all throughout the T.V. show, the narrator teases the upcoming final big trick. It keeps people watching. Mark Elsdon has applied this to strolling magic at a restaurant. During his strolling sets, he teases a big event that will be happening at the end of his shift.
This concept adds huge value to the owner/manager of the venue and/or the person who hired you. At the end of the shift you have a huge crowd of 40 or so people gathered around for one last final effect. Read the ad copy, which is 100% accurate, to get a feel for the concept.
Product Quality
This concept was originally released as a booklet. For your $45 you get two DVDs and a PDF version of the original booklet.
DVD
The DVDs are well produced, well lit, well mic'd and easy to navigate.
The PDF looks great and covers the same concepts that are in the DVD as well as the same effects plus a couple more effects. I didn't read the whole thing. I just skimmed to see what information is covered.
Teaching
The teaching on the DVD is done extremely well. First, we're given a brief overview of the concept. Next we see several live clips of Mark Elsdon at the tables "teasing" the upcoming grand finale. Then we see the performance of the grand finale. Several different effects are used as the grand finale and there is live footage of most of them. This is to give you an idea of what kind of effect could be used as the grand finale. Obviously if you're working a venue on a regular basis, you'll want to change what the grand finale is each night you perform.
Some of the effects he uses for the grand finale are marketed effects. However, he covers the methods (with permission of the creators) of everything. You'll still need to purchase the effects if you decide to use them. However, this is not necessarily needed. In other words, you don't have to use the effects he does. He's teaching you a concept, and the chosen effects help to illustrate the point.
After watching this set of DVDs, you'll be able to decide what type of material works for you and your grand finale. Every detail about how to tease the finale, why to do it, where to do it, how to do it, who it benefits, etc., etc., etc. is covered in great depth.
Final Thoughts
If you're a working pro, this concept is a must-add to your repertoire. It will keep you employed longer. It will ensure that people (audience and booker) will remember you. It adds tangible value to your marketability and to the venue. If you do strolling magic at all, this is a must-have DVD.
Final Verdict:
4.5 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem.