This is a really cool close up effect. It’s like real alchemy, in both method and effect!

The preparation is intense, but I think the overall impact will be worth it for MOST people. You will be mixing some hazardous chemicals before the performance, and you will need to be careful during the performance.

I think this could have some really cool potential in a longer routine, where a variety of strange things happens. You have to be responsible as you direct the spectator as they hold a match that’s about to ignite.

This is an extremely versatile effect that could take on a variety of tones as well. It could be played as comedy, or it could be played as a serious piece of black magic.

The DVD is clear, well paced, and gives plenty of warnings about the potential dangers.

Unless you are under the age of eighteen, or if you don’t like working with chemicals, I can’t think of a reason for not recommending this.

Five Stars

“Combustion” by Arron Jones is a DVD teaching the viewer a method for causing a burnt match to spontaneously relight in the hands of a spectator. No kidding. This is exactly how the effect appears to the audience. The magician lights a match, hands it to the spectator, and some moments later, in the spectator’s hands, it relights. To say the least, this is an extremely powerful effect.

The most important thing to know about this effect is that it involves the use of chemicals that, if handled improperly, could be dangerous. There are two principle chemicals used, and while separately they do not appear to be volatile (based on my limited internet research), when combined they are highly combustible and potentially explosive.

While the preparation for the effect never requires the two chemicals to be in close proximity, both must be used, and a careless person could cause damage or injury. This is at the heart of my biggest concern with this release. While the producers of “Combustion” address the inherent danger with a disclaimer at the beginning of the DVD, that isn’t enough. If you are going to give potentially dangerous information to an amateur, you must give them all the safety information they may need, even if you yourself never use that information. While any individual is free to take whatever risks they wish, if that same person takes on the responsibility of sharing knowledge, a greater responsibility must be taken. Mr. Jones briefly discusses the importance of handling chemicals safely, but the only precaution he takes on camera is to wear gloves. While he may be confident in his ability to handle the ingredients properly, given that this is a DVD produced not for experienced chemists but for magicians, there should have been a greater focus on demonstrating proper handling of chemicals, including appropriate equipment (goggles, mask, ventilated space and a covered work area). Mr. Jones should also have taken greater care with his measurements. While he may be comfortable with generic amounts and estimates, again, given most of his audience is people with no experience dealing with chemicals, he should have taken the time to measure the amounts he typically uses or at least take the time to think in advance of how to clearly communicate or demonstrate the proper amounts to use. Further, he doesn’t discuss the proper way to clean up after the preparation or how to dispose of anything you need to discard, nor does he discuss long term storage and the length of time one can or should store prepared matches before use. Again, while the chemicals used are not particularly volatile by themselves, if the use of chemicals is to be taught at all, proper technique and instruction should be required.

The other significant issue for the purchaser is ease of obtaining the needed items to prepare the matches. Of the two chemicals required, one can be found easily and the other may be found locally in a specialty store, but if not, can easily be ordered on the internet (at least in the UK and the US.) Beyond this, the rest of the equipment required can be obtained easily, and much of which may be found around the house. Nothing used is particularly expensive.

If the proper care is taken and the correct techniques used (and I would recommend researching on your own before following the DVD’s instructions), preparation seems fairly straightforward and safe. Once the ingredients are gathered and ready, each match will take a couple of minutes to prepare. For a walkaround performance this would be a lot of work, but for a parlour or stage show, this is not much time at all. And, frankly, I wouldn’t be comfortable performing this in a walkaround situation anyway.

As for the actual technique, the handling of the effect in performance (again, assuming care is taken during preparation and transportation) is quite practical, essentially angle proof and seems reliable. The activation of the reaction is organically motivated and the method is clever and self-contained. Mr. Jones solution to handling the prepared match and it’s activation in performance is the best part of the DVD.

Finally, Mr. Jones and the person assisting him on camera do cover a few presentational approaches to the effect. Full scripts and presentations are not discussed; just a few basic ideas of how to present the effect are offered.
Apart from concerns about demonstrating appropriate handling techniques for chemicals and more specific and accurate amounts used in the preparation, the instructions were clear and the camerawork effective. I would feel comfortable preparing the matches used, based on the instructions given. This may not be the case for you, as this is based on my experience, knowledge and concerns for safety.

As to whether this is a DVD worth buying, if the effect seen in the trailer appeals, and you are willing to put in the effort and go to the trouble of preparing the matches, this is a great resource. So long as you take the appropriate precautions during preparation, this could be a reputation making effect in your show.

Just be careful.