talkmagic.co.uk

What they say:

Here is Jasper Blakeley performing in character as Monrokvia's greatest mindreader and magician - Kockov.
For the first time ever, the mullet-haired maestro reveals some of the mentalist routines that have helped make him a house-hold name in his former Eastern-block homeland.
Performing live for a real-world UK audience, Kockov gives a blistering 'adult' comedy performance.
This DVD features his incredible 'Dial-Abolical' routine, an unbelievable Phonebook mind-reading effect. As a special bonus he also performs and explains the full working of his sensational blindfolded 6-person book test using 6 ordinary books.
Not only will you be stunned by Jasper's fantastic performance as the outrageous Kockov, you will also be very pleased to know that these practical, professional routines will fit straight into any magic or mentalism show, regardless of your style of presentation. His brand of creativity features low-tech methods and high-impact effects, allowing the performer to do his job: entertain a paying audience.
WARNING: Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.

The Effect:

A padlocked box is handed out to a spectator at the start of a performance, at the end of the show, the same spectator is called up and asked to bring the box up front. The performer then places on a blindfold to show that he cannot influence the spectator through his amazing "mesmeric eyes". The spectator is then asked for a 3 digit number which the performer writes on the white board while blindfolded. The white board is then placed face down onto the floor, and the blindfold is removed. The spectator tries the 3 digit number that they chose. It does not open the lock, the performer states that 1 in 999 is too easy, and that the contents of the box are what is important, the box is opened and a phone book/yellow pages etc is removed. The spectator turns to the page number that they chose and they read of the first number. It matches the performers prediction that they wrote on the white board before the box was opened, while they were blindfolded.

Cost: £14.99 from Alakazam Magic. Additional 2.50 for Postage. It is also available from other suppliers.


Difficulty:
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
This effect is the best possible metaphor for the idea "Simple is best" the effect is so simple and ingenious that personally I would say this is less than 1.
Without giving too much away I will state that if, like me you require glasses, then the effect has to be modified somewhat, I may post my heavily modified version on my YouTube sometime, but for most people the method should be fine.

Review:

First off I should mention that this DVD is not for the light hearted, the 18 certificate should give you an idea of the language involved. Personally however I found this one of the most hilarious performances that I have ever seen.
When you first watch this DVD you will likely feel a little disappointed, I did, but what you are really paying for is the idea behind the effect, which can be applied to any prediction effects that you want. As I stated before, people with glasses should probably avoid this effect, unless you can do standard "Blindfold" effects this won't really be of too much use to you.
The DVD contains an additional effect using the same methods, the Blindfold book test is one of the best that i have ever seen and is ingenious in the final stage of the effect.

Bottom Drawer Factor:

This is one of those effects that will fit straight into a current routine and is perfect for a finale for parlor Mentalism. It can be modified to create a large prediction as a large finish.

Practicality:

This is a very practical little routine, but the gimmicks have to be made by yourself. Overall the gimmicks can be made for around £10, which also includes a White-board and some markers.

Overall:

This is an amazing prediction effect that will fit into any set, I have modified it using a gimmicked padlock, an over the phone prediction and a windowed envelope. Any person will find a good use for the methods involved in this DVD. The DVD also contains an additional effect, a Blindfold book test which uses the same methods as the main effect.

Rating: Around 8/10. I may be biased as my eyesight affected the performance style, but it is highly adaptable nether-less. The blindfold book test is also one of the best methods i have ever seen, particularly the finale to this effect.

I couldn't agree more - it's been a good couple of year since I last watched this DVD but the 6-book test has been a staple of my act ever since!!!


Sean

The Plunge of Death and Dial-Abolical by Kockov is one the best articles I was read last time.



_________________
Fotohayyam | Hits Tech Gadgets | Rapid Blog Share | Shop Market-Market