talkmagic.co.uk

Since it wasn't reviewed here yet, here I go.

Titel: Illusiontech 1

Author: Andrew Mayne:

cost: around 30$

What's it about: Illusiontech is a book about the basic principles of stage illusions.

Review: Don't expect detailed building plans on how to build your own Copperfield illusion. Instead Andrew Mayne gives you the 101 on building your own illusions. e.g. what color should you use for your sub trunk to make it look smaller than it really is, what kind of fabric should you use on the inside of your chest to make it seem it's competely empty, ...

The book gives you enough basic principles to start and build your own illusions (without the plans). So if your a handy fellow / girl with some insight in perspective, you'll be able to make your own shadow box, head twister, sub trunk and so on.

I've seen a lot of magic dvd's in the past few years (over the 300) and read a lot of books, and only after reading Illusiontech I tought by myself 'd*mn, actually, I didn't really want to know all of this"
The reason why is simple. I perform close up, so close up tricks don't feel like magic to me anymore.Watching stage illusions on the other hand still gave me the feeling like I was 5 years old and looking at Copperfield on TV.
Now I read the book, I lost that feeling as wel. But hey, sometimes you got to make some sacrifices.

I think gary darwin released a DVD on how to build stage illusions real cheap or some thing. Its supposed to be good.

I have this and it's an excellent introduction to the principles of stage illusion. Not sure if the second volume is out yet but there's a few planned, each going through different types of method. I've performed Brain Damage from vol 1 a few times and it always gets very good reactions, even had a mate go home and try to shove various pieces of long handled garden tools through his head! When I saw him again he had a bruised nose and a serious case of perplexed brain.

I love Gary Darwin's video (I'm a bit old-fashioned). Some great stuff, and all easy to do. For those of us who don't want to put in the investment to become illusionists, but who must occasionally perform something flashy, it's a great starting place.

Sorry for asking so long after the posts but I only saw this today. What is the dvd actually called? this could be useful for me because I can't find a copy of Illusiontech anywhere.