talkmagic.co.uk

I see what you're saying, saxmad - but let's put it in perspective.

I've purchased 5 and 6 dvd sets of tv series' that were under $50. It's expensive, and I have no problem saying so

I'll still buy it though...

All magic DVD's are expensive if you think about it. Who in there right mind would buy a film for £30-£40??

I agree - but this is the highest I've ever seen.

ace of kev wrote:All magic DVD's are expensive if you think about it. Who in there right mind would buy a film for £30-£40??

The comparison between magic DVD's and Film/TV DVD's is unfair. A film/TV DVD will have a far greater market distribution. What is more the cost of film production will have, in most cases, already been recouped during the cinema release. Same for TV, as the production costs will have already been met through the sale of broadcast rights.

Magic DVD's on the other hand are targeted at a smaller audience and the production costs need to be recouped from this audience.

The other aspect of this is price elasticity, but from experience I better leave that one alone.

From the viewpoint of this being more expensive than your average movie:
This isn't a public domain release as such. It's sales are limited to the magic fraternity. It has no huge budget, or massive marketing plan. It is confined by context to persons interested in magic.

It is, by definition, a learning tool to broaden your horizons, teach you additional skills, and provide you with routines which could potentially earn you money. Oh, and there's the added bonus of entertainment value.

As opposed to the latest blockbuster Hollywood movie—which has usually been hyped, doped, transcended your tolerence levels in respect of having it shoved down your throat. And yet, all you gain is PURE entertainment value—nothing less.

Why is this particular film especially good value for money?
Simple. It is 3 hours long. It contains footage of Derren in a relaxed environment, physically and precisely sharing the magic of his pre-TV stardom.

More importantly, to some of you, the actual footage contained within will be of priceless value in terms of forwarding your knowledge, whittling away the excess from your routines, and generally taking your magic to a new level.

£30 for a magic DVD?
By comparison, yes, you can get Daryl's ambitious card DVD for £30. And it concentrates on many (not all) ambitious card moves, subtelties and routines.

With Derren's video, you get ideas on mentalism, card magic, performance, misdirection, patter, spectator handling... and a rare opportunity to see Derren perform one-to-one as opposed to one-to-nation.

Who's it for, then?
Everyone who likes card magic, mentalism and is open to suggestions on how to take their performance and create a more theatrical, emotional connection with the audience—without making it hokey. Except, if you have a distinct dislike for the man. It's unique, it's funny, it's exciting, it's emotional, it's much more.

You get a string of workable routines, and if not workable for you, I am sure you will find at least one piece on here which can transform your magic skills.


So, why is it so expensive? You've not answered the question...
Simple to answer: It isn't expensive at all. It cannot, and should not be compared to commercial, mainstream DVD releases—which in my opinion are 'bonus' money to film makers (they make their money back, generally, on the cinema releases). And as for TV 'dramas' being released on DVD, most TV productions are funded by investors or the TV stations themselves, who's budget is usually covered by advertising, etc. So their DVDs are just 'icing on the cake' too. TV and film profits are usually re-injected into more projects, and their skimmed-off 'wages' (so to speak) are inconsequential in relation to the money being passed around.
Ergo—the DVD release of movies and TV shows are just an additional revenue stream. They are nothing more than a bonus channel of income borne from the public demand of ownership/rental of such titles.

However—magic DVDs rely soley on their sales to recoup their production budget. And aside from that, the magicians want to make money which, to them, is equivalent to what we call 'wages'.

Subtract from this the HUGE amount of piracy which exists in terms of magic material. Sure, huge movie companies have this issue too—but they're pretty much able to take it on the chin.

But the people pirating Magic DVDs and videos MAY be to blame for the high prices. Not so long ago, I was offered a 'pirate list' of magic PDF, WMV and .DOC files from a TM member.
The Devils' Picturebook wasn't on the list, but there were hundreds of titles, some of them constituting entire volumes of magician's hard graft.

Personally, this ain't my bag. But how many of you would rather pay £5 for the Devil's Picturebook as a pirate copy, as opposed to £30 for a genuine copy?

The £5 goes to some ignorant pratt, bedroom burner, file harvesting idiot. No interest in magic, just in money. You fund the purchase of their next DVD burner, batch of DVD-Rs and no doubt their next trip to Superdrug for industrial strength Clearasil.

However, a chunk your £30 goes to Derren. You fund his dedication to magic, his generosity for sharing his work, and for the years of skill and dedication he pours out in the production. You fund his future work, and keep his wardrobe of velvet DJs healthy.

Quite frankly, I know where my money went. And I am glad I chose to purchase this item. But after all, that's just me. I like Derren anyway, and I could go on all day about how much I love this DVD (in fact, I got my ass flamed on 'the Hutch' for doing just that).

I cannot offer you the guarantee that you'll love this video, but I can offer some advice if you're worried about the price...

IF YOU THINK THIS IS TOO DEAR, DON'T BUY IT. END OF.

Seige, well said.

seige wrote:IF YOU THINK THIS IS TOO DEAR, DON'T BUY IT. END OF.

Price elasticity in action.

pdjamez wrote:Seige, well said.

seige wrote:IF YOU THINK THIS IS TOO DEAR, DON'T BUY IT. END OF.

Price elasticity in action.

Sorry mate, I must have been still writing my blurb while you posted, I kind of leapfrogged. But basically, I think you said what I said in a nutshell. Without the blabbering on

seige wrote:Sorry mate, I must have been still writing my blurb while you posted, I kind of leapfrogged. But basically, I think you said what I said in a nutshell. Without the blabbering on

Frankly, I preferred your version.

That post Seige nearly made me stand up and applause.....I've almost got a tear in my eye.
Ever thought of being a political speech Writer?

Vote Seige for President

A great post from Seige.

I'm with you on pirate copies and whether it's magic or anything else for that matter I would prefer to buy the original if for nothing more than peace of mind. Generally, tt's a false economy to buy cheap.

As for whether something is worth the price or not, only you will know the answer and again, Siege sums this up nicely.

I recall sometime last year seeing a gimmick deck being used on a TV show and I desperately wanted one for myself until I found out that it was £50. No doubt the deck was worth it to many but at the time it wasn't worth it for me.

I wasn't complaining - merely pointing out the high price.

Notice at all times I still I said I was going to buy it! I buy everything! I have no respect for money (I've deduced this is the very reason I usually have none).

Yes, I wasn't complaining, just stating

I don't mind paying high prices for some excellent stuff, but i wish i had that money to spend

Hello

How many DVD’s do you get in this package? Anyone know what the current price is and where to buy?

If it’s good I will buy it or i guess you can download it for free if you know the right places but that’s another story but having the original is always the best

Thanks

seige wrote:The £5 goes to some ignorant pratt, bedroom burner, file harvesting idiot. No interest in magic, just in money. You fund the purchase of their next DVD burner, batch of DVD-Rs and no doubt their next trip to Superdrug for industrial strength Clearasil.

However, a chunk your £30 goes to Derren. You fund his dedication to magic, his generosity for sharing his work, and for the years of skill and dedication he pours out in the production. You fund his future work, and keep his wardrobe of velvet DJs healthy.

Seige I salute you.. Stirring stuff and quite right too.

Only today did I see this very item on ebay for a mere £5 in an unmarked box and unmarked DVD, forgot to watch it but if it crops up again, I will certainly contact the great man himself via his website.

I really object to this DVD going on ebay as it should only be available to people who can access Derren Brown's magician page, and ebay is an indiscriminate source, I fully intend to purchase this DVD but I'll wait until I can afford it rather than get the pirate!

Sky321 wrote:How many DVD’s do you get in this package? Anyone know what the current price is and where to buy?

There are two DVDs and the set is available from Derren Brown's website. That will list the current price, but be prepared for a possible wait, as he's currently touring and deliveries can get a bit held up while he and his PA are trekking round the country.

Seige, that's an excellent post. I wasn't visiting here around the time when you made it, so I've only just read it.

Personally, magic pirates make me sick. I'm not a fan of people who support film piracy, but magic has such a small market that the effects of ripping off material can be felt hard. Kenton Knepper and, I believe, Docc Hilford nearly stopped selling new material because of piracy and Ian Rowland wouldn't rerelease 'Sense of Touch' after it got copied so much.