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The Bizarre Magic Show

Harlan, Dan

L&L Publishing

(Based on 2 reviews)
The Bizarre Magic Show performed on this volume is not for every audience as its themes are dark, somewhat disturbing, and sometimes even bloody. However, in the right venue and for the right audience, these pieces can be some of the most memorable magic you'll every perform for any audience. And, though the central theme is material that's really only suitable for adults and teen audiences, there's a wide variety of plots and methods in play that will interest magicians of all types.After a somber introduction, Dan begins the show with "Book of Blood," an ingenious use of an ancient principle that really sets the mood for what the audience is about to experience. Harlan then performs "Needle Thru Arm" with props that you'll later learn how to make yourself. The performance, however, is definitely not for the squeamish! "Psychotic Surgery" concludes the first trio of effects and while this demonstration is not what it sounds like (that comes later in the show...!), it is an astounding version of the Torn and Restored Card that will leave your spectator with an amazing souvenir.

Harlan gets even darker in the middle set as he begins with "Deviled Egg," a demonstration that purports to cleanse a spectator of werewolf's blood with ample, gooey evidence at the effect's conclusion to support the claim. Then, Dan weaves a story of a card game between God and the devil with the prize the soul of an audience member. To close out this portion of the show, Harlan turns to another classic as he apparently swallows and then threads five sharp razor blades in a piece he calls "Sharp Taste."

As he begins the final segment of the show, Dan weaves a story of birth, death and rebirth in "Baby Balloon" in which an inflated balloon is burst and then, is not only restored but re-inflated! "Psychic Surgery" is a bloody and compelling demonstration of the techniques of purported psychic surgeons in remote lands who are able to remove malignant parts of the human body without using conventional instruments. Harlan's hands are clearly seen entering the abdomen of an audience volunteer as he removes various pieces of viscera - a gory and potent reminder of how easily we can be fooled.

The show concludes with Dan reciting the classic poem by Mary Howitt, "The Spider and the Fly," and illustrating the age-old story that cautions us against succumbing to the charms of flattery with a solid ring and a length of rope. This very theatrical piece leaves the audience with a lasting memory and a sense that what they've just seen in this show is much more profound than just someone demonstrating things from their bag of tricks.

Enjoy the show, then prepare to learn the secrets of a master as every nuance is revealed. Soon, you too will Pack Small, and Play Big!

Running Time Approximately: 1hr 32min

Reviews

Jeff Stone

Official Reviewer

Apr 06, 2013

It's true; every single one of us has a devil inside (thank you INXS). And in this DVD, Dan Harlan's inner devil really shone through, but first . . .


Same intro for all reviews of Dan Harlan's Pack Small, Play Big DVDs:


Dan Harlan's one of those guys that I've had mixed feelings about for many years. I think he's clever, has many good ideas, and is a very innovative creator and thinker. I also think that his performances are extremely non-smooth and very choppy. At the same time, that's kind of "his thing." Further, his performances are full of (and I mean full of) puns and cheesey jokes/gags/etc. Yet on the other hand, most of his "cheese" is original - at the very least not hackneyed - "cheese."


All in all I'm a fan, but you may not be. That's your call. So here's the plan: we'll look at each one of the DVDs in this series individually. You'll find this intro at the beginning of each review of each individual DVD. It's, I think, a fantasy of a great many of us to have an act that fits entirely in small to medium sized case, yet still can dominate a room and play big. Thus, my main focus - though not my only focus - will be on how well put together the show is and whether or not it really does "Pack Small" and "Play Big."


The Bizarre Magic Show


The performance is gross and messy and bloody and creepy . . . I'll let you decide if that's a good thing or a bad thing. A bit of Harlan's "choppy" side came through here, but again, this is about the "pack flat-ness" and the do-ability of the material. On the pack flat arena, this one is a bit of stretch. Whereas the other DVDs in this series were able to fit nicely into the suit case, this one . . . not as cleanly. You've bowls of water and other awkward messy stuff sitting in your case that make this one a little let logistics friendly when working from a brief case.


However, that said, this routine could easily be done in a setting where you have a table and a little bit more room to set up . . . I just don't think it's as practical to work this directly from a brief case.


The material on here is excellent, and both a good intro to bizarre magic, yet a solid set of material for the experienced bizarre-ist as well. Psychic surgery, needle through arm, the book of blood . . . an awesome effect and presentation, and so much more. Very, very, very little of this material would make it into my repertoire . . . not my style, but that doesn't mean it's not good stuff . . . it is. Further, even if you're not a bizarre-ist, I think you'll appreciate some of the performances and methods shown in this DVD.


Bottom line: if you're into "bizarre" and/or kind of dark/bloody/gory magic you'll LOVE this DVD. I recommend it for both beginner and advanced, though I do believe the advanced performer will be very familiar with much of the material and methods. However, there are plenty of things for even the most advanced performer to learn here. I even recommend this for non-bizarre-ist for a nice little peak into their world.


Final Verdict:
4.5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM!

(Top ▲)

Joe Diamond

Official Reviewer

Oct 24, 2012

I honestly have a love/hate relationship with Dan Harlan’s material, and this especially this series. What I mean is, I either really like a Dan Harlan creation, or I hate it.

This DVD is the perfect marriage of that vibe I have. Dan’s performance ‘character’ during the show is serious, un-human, and in my opinion does not fit him. Some of the effects are almost un-deceptive, and there are several much better versions in the literature. That said, I really like some of the ideas on here.

He shows you how to make your own Needle Thru Arm and “Book of Blood” and the tips he has on how to make these props are worth the price of the DVD in my opinion. I also really enjoyed his combination of the poem “Spider & The Fly” with a ring on rope routine. There’s also a really nifty piece with a balloon that is charming, almost impromptu, visual, and quick.

As long as you don’t take any performance tips from this DVD, you will definitely get a few ideas for your shows.

Three Stars
(Top ▲)