Price$39.99
Media TypeDVD
CategoryClose Up
Date AddedAug 13, 2013
Alien Concepts
Asimov, Anthony
Anthony Asimov Magic
(Based on 2 reviews)
VOLUME 1:
The Alien Concept
An eerie journey in thought manifestation that uses a toy plastic alien and a burst of light to make an alien face appear on a signed playing card being held tightly between the spectator's hands.
Cosmic Appearing Cards
Three cards randomly named by different audience members suddenly appear inside of a hat that has been inspected and sitting on the table the entire time... ends with a diabolical twist.
The Alien Thread
Asimov's visual and clever update on the classic Gypsy Thread plot enhances this stunning effect with new and colorful (im)possibilities.
The Twin Card
In a self-working routine, a spectator pairs two cards together using only his decisions and a single die.
The Skulls of Anarchy
A surreal and visual matrix-style effect that uses supernatural props... 3 tiny stone skulls, a gemstone, and 4 Tarot cards.
VOLUME 2:
The Cloned Cards
A mind-boggling yet simplified version of the classic Wild Card routine where a stack of duplicate cards unexpectedly begins changing one at a time into a card the spectator "accidentally" chooses.
This Is Nuts
A showstopper... a card freely chosen by a spectator appears inside of a walnut that is randomly selected from a bowl of walnuts on the table.
he Untamed Dollar
In a baffling routine with a borrowed dollar bill, a walnut, a shot glass, and an empty card box, the dollar seems to have a mind of its own when it starts vanishing and reappearing in unexpected places.
A Close-Up Encounter of the Third Kind
After three spectators select and sign their cards, they are shuffled into the deck and then revealed in visual ways... the first is torn and restored, the second teleports to a tiny box that's been in view the entire time, and the third visually changes right before the spectator's eyes without any cover whatsoever... signature and all.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Overview
Anthony Asimov is a very likable guy and fun to watch (both in performance and explanation), so you'll likely enjoy the DVDs from an entertainment perspective. Between both DVDs you'll get 9 effects. Most of the material is relatively familiar. However, Asimov has a decent skill for putting an interesting spin on things. For example, his Skulls of Anarchy routine is a matrix like you've never seen before. It uses Tarot cards and miniature human (ish) skulls. It has a nice feel to it, and it's probably THE most motivated matrix I've ever seen. Vernon's Queen's Soirée is a close second or even tie for first.Asimov really puts a lot of thought and himself into his magic. There's much to learn from his way of thinking. Further, much of his material was inspired by guys like Jeff McBride, Larry Hass, Tommy Wonder, etc. That's always a great source of inspiration.
Effect / Method
Pretty much everything on this set is meant for the stationary performer (i.e., not strolling from table to table). Asimov has the luxury of working behind a table that has all of his "secrets" well laid out behind the table. However, the props used and everything together (other than the table itself) would likely fit into one carry on bag, so the show is still pretty portable.There are a lot of very magical moments in pretty much all of his routines. Rather than singling out any particular effect, let me point out some of the "moments" of magic you'll experience throughout his act. A borrowed, and thoroughly examined hat is empty, then seconds later three named cards are found inside (no palming). How 'bout the Gypsy Thread where you restore two different colors of thread into one piece and the spectator's choose the colors. One of the cleanest and fairest card to impossible location (walnut) effects you'll ever see. And so much more. There is very likely stuff that you'll add to your repertoire when you watch this set.
Product Quality / Ad Copy
This next comment is going to be hard to explain without tipping the method of one of the effects, but it is important to note. For the Gypsy Thread, he does a great job explaining how to properly set everything up and so forth, but then he neglects to teach you how to manage the props during performance. For this particular method to work, this is crucial. I know that's vague, but saying much more may tip part of the method. The point is that there were a couple places where the instructions were quickly glossed over and the much needed details were completely eliminated.Also, there is at least one effect shown in the performance segments that was not taught on the DVD because it's a marketed item. To be fair, that item was not mentioned in the ad copy, but it was a bit of a bummer to not be able to have method taught.
Final Thoughts
Taking the good (lots of it) with the bad (not very much of it) and you've got a very good DVD set with a lot of powerful, yet very doable magic. Further, the effects each have that "something special" that makes them . . . well . . . special. Material aside, there's a lot to be learned from Anthony Asimov, and I highly recommend you do it by saving the ten bucks and purchasing both for $40 (rather than each for $25).Final Verdict:
4 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem
(Top ▲)
This is a wonderful DVD set. The close up show Anthony performs is entertaining and an education to watch. That said, not all of the effects are explained, and some of them require custom made props.
Overall, there are some great ideas on here, and his thoughts on how to make magic more visual and more memorable are very intriguing.
My main issue is when he teaches effects that aren’t fully his. For example, he does Tommy Wonder’s Tamed Card, and it’s very well done, but he hasn’t brought anything especially new to the plot or script to make it worth releasing & teaching on a DVD.
Many of the effects are situation based. They won’t be the best fit for a strolling magician, but someone who does a Magic Castle style close up table show regularly will get some good effects and ideas for their shows.
Overall, this is a good product with some good magic on it at a reasonable price.
Four Stars
Overall, there are some great ideas on here, and his thoughts on how to make magic more visual and more memorable are very intriguing.
My main issue is when he teaches effects that aren’t fully his. For example, he does Tommy Wonder’s Tamed Card, and it’s very well done, but he hasn’t brought anything especially new to the plot or script to make it worth releasing & teaching on a DVD.
Many of the effects are situation based. They won’t be the best fit for a strolling magician, but someone who does a Magic Castle style close up table show regularly will get some good effects and ideas for their shows.
Overall, this is a good product with some good magic on it at a reasonable price.
Four Stars