Al Schneider: Linking Rings
Schneider, Al
L&L Publishing
From the L&L Underground Research Facility
The goal for these experiments was to push the envelope of existing Linking Rings technology far beyond its normal limits. We believe these goals have been realized in the Quantum Rings project.
You'll find two Linking Ring routines demonstrated and explained on this DVD. The first utilizes five rings and is a shorter routine suitable for use in a parlor shows or as an opener for a larger stand-up show. The other is a six-ring routine intended to be a featured item in a very formal stage show. This routine utilizes several people from the audience to come up on stage and assist the magician.
Both of these routines serve to introduce several new bold and original ring concepts. The first is a five-ring false count that, while fairly easy to do, really appears as if you are fairly counting five separate rings. The other concept is a keyless ring routine. In the six-ring routine, the performer links the rings and gives them to audience helpers to examine. Please keep in mind that the helpers have all the rings and each and every one of them is completely solid. This is accomplished by clever switching, creating the appearance that single rings are linked together.
Besides these revolutionary new Linking Ring moves, here's what else is contained in this confidential file:
Solo Linking Rings - This is the standard Al Schneider ring routine as featured in his book, Al Schneider Magic, but with the addition of the new five-ring count. In addition, a few extra subtleties are added to the routine to make it that much more impressive.
Full Stage Linking Rings - This routine opens in a dramatic way as the magician removes a sphere consisting of three rings from a large box with a flame - yes, a flame - burning in its center. The routine consists of three phases and the first is manipulation of the three rings. In the second phase, an audience member is brought up as three other rings are taken from the box. The performer links these rings together and has the rings examined carefully by his spectator assistant. It's important to note that during this phase, the audience member has all of the rings and every one is found to be solid! Then, in the final phase, the rings continue to link and unlink in mysterious ways until, finally, they are shown to be all separate once again.
Running Time Approximately: 47min
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Overview
It is theorized that The Linking Rings was performed over 2000 years ago however it has only been considered a classic of magic for the last 150 years. Some claim a magician isn’t a magician unless he learns and performs the Cups and Balls and the Chinese Linking Rings. L & L Publishing produced Al Schneider – The Linking Rings to expound upon his thoughts and moves. If you already have the fundamentals down for the Linking Rings, you may appreciate what is offered here. However, if you were to purchase this without and grounding or fundamental knowledge of the Linking Rings you will be disappointed.Effect
This DVD covers two specific areas of Al Schneider’s Linking Ring routine, Solo Linking Rings and Full Stage Linking Rings. In Solo Linking Rings, Schneider demonstrates several ring separations and links. In the Stage presentation, he demonstrates how he takes several solid single rings from a participant and links them.Method
The methods involve standard Linking Rings moves modified with some personal subtleties. The stage routine will require several single rings as they are switched out for a real linking ring set.Product Quality
The DVD is not geared for the novice. Familiarity with the Linking Rings is a prerequisite for this DVD. As someone that does not own a linking ring set, I found Schneider’s presentation difficult to follow. Aside from the fact that this DVD was a transfer from video tape and the recording technology is not comparable to modern times, I found his speech sometimes slurred and inaudible. The scripting was non-existent and he seemed unsure as to how he was going to present the moves. He was repetitive and uninteresting to listen too. Overall I would say the quality was only fair.Ad Copy Integrity
The ad copy does state what was going to be presented. I’m not sure if there should be a disclaimer that this is not for beginners as it does state that two full linking rings routines will be explained. However, as I stated before, you must be familiar with handling rings prior to watching this DVD.(Top ▲)
Fast-forward to 2013 and I receive Al Schneider: Linking Rings for review. I watched it and was less than wowed. I intended to write a review and then life got in the way with a new job and a subsequent move. The disk was misplaced and only recently resurfaced. Unfortunately, my opinion hasn't shifted with time.
The disk has two routines: a short five ring interlude and a longer, stage piece that uses an assistant. Neither are show-stoppers. The short routine was previously published in the Al Schneider Magic. Its a nice routine with a few twists. The best feature is an innovative ring count that looks like each ring is shown separately.
The longer routine's redeeming quality is that each ring is handles by the assistant but its really long. Really long. Not to mention a wee bit dangerous. Let me elaborate on the danger. The magician opens a cardboard box and brings out a sphere of rings that are on fire. The fire is a piece of flash paper which is only a little concerning. With luck it will go out before hitting your client's carpet. The danger is that Schneider recommends you use a cigarette or birthday candle to ignite it. Hmmm...lit candle or cigarette in a cardboard box. No worries there. He does mention that a stick of incense can be used. A little less concerning but still fire in a cardboard box. The routine also requires 9 rings - not the usual amount most of us have sitting around.
The bottom line comes down to the question: Is this worth $34.95? My answer is no. Not when you consider that you can spend another $35.00 and get the very complete and well-researched Levent's Ultimate Guide to the Linking Rings.
As I said, I have been a fan of Al Schneider for a long time. I admire his approach and thinking about magic. I really wanted to like this but I couldn't. Its just not a good value.
(Top ▲)
Why do we magi do the Linking Rings? Family Tradition (thank you Bocephus). It's a classic for a reason. If you're not sure what that reason is, watch this DVD and you'll know. Al Schneider is not the most graceful or entertaining performer, but man is he clever.
There are several things in this DVD that I think everyone can learn from. You basically learn two routines that are every bit as clean as they sound in the ad copy. In learning these routines you'll learn some good solid moves, counts and switches.
The Solo Routine
First let me say that the performance of both routines is a bit hard to watch. The patter is terrible and dry at best, but you know me . . . patter and poor presentations does not (necessarily) a bad product make. It's the effect and the method that I judge here. Both of which in this case (and the next routine) are killer.
His count to display the rings as individuals is so convincing and might be worth the price of the DVD alone. This solo routine overall, however, is a relatively standard type of routine. However, there are just a few touches, a few moves, links, counts, etc. that make this highly worth your attention. Overall, I'd give this routine 4 stars.
Full Stage Linking Rings
Poor Presentation aside - this one was worse than the first one - there are, again, some killer moves here. Imagine this: show two separate rings bang them together, and instantly with no funny moves hand the two linked rings are immediately handed out for inspection. Then you do it again by linking a third ring on there.
This also contains a kind of fun way to introduce the rings. The downer is that to do the introduction of the rings and to do a particular key part of the routine, you'll have to build special box. It's not too complex to build, but without it, one of the most deceptive parts of the routine is not doable.
Between these two routines, the ring counting sequences you'll learn are very deceptive and well worth your attention.
Final Verdict:
4 stars with a Stone Status of Gem.