Max Maven's Videomind Phase Three: Stage Mentalism

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Max Maven's Videomind Phase Three: Stage Mentalism

Postby kevmundo » Oct 2nd, '12, 22:02



I have the full set and noticed that I couldn't find a review for the third DVD so here it goes:


The Effect

The third DVD in the series see's Max Maven tackling STAGE MENTALISM. There are FIVE effects complete with explanations.


Cost: £24.99


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)

In terms of physical execution, there is nothing here that is more complicated than a 3. There are some sleights but they are very straightforward.


Review

Goal Mine (Previously Unrevealed) - This is an ideal opener: a routine of mental persuasion that serves to establish the performer's credentials, gets several audience members involved, has a climax that virtually guarantees laughter and applause - and all of the props can fit in your breast pocket.

I'm not entirely sure that this is an ideal opener and I felt it played a bit flat. It's easy to do and it it can be made up quickly. It's an old principle that most people will be familiar with. 6 out of 10

Tossed - Out Tech (Previously Unrevealed) - One of the most valuable techniques of mentalism has also been one of the least understood - until now. This section covers an effect that has been a feature item in Max Maven's professional repertoire for over two decades. This is not a basic "bare bones" description; it is an in - depth analysis; knowledge developed through years of study, and honed during thousands of performances. The information that is disclosed here constitutes a virtual "post - graduate course" in mentalism.

Call me old fashioned but the original is still the best. The method used by Maven is interesting but it's not something that I'll be using. 6 out of 10

Khan Artist (Previously Unrevealed) - The performer forecasts how members of the audience will rearrange a set of symbols. The props are so uncomplicated, so innocent in appearance....it's no wonder that this deceptively simple effect has hoodwinked some of the keenest minds in the business.

You will find this in Corinda. Richard Osterlind does this brilliantly in his 13 steps DVD with a slate. Maven's method however, although pretty much identical to the original, is able to be constructed very cheaply by a quick visit to your local stationers. Personally I prefer Osterlinds presentation but once you know the method it's all much of a muchness. As with all mentalism, its' not the effect, it's how you present it. 7 out of 10

Contimental - Could there be more direct exhibition of mindreading? Consider this: A spectator thinks of an international location; the mentalist reveals it. The end. There's no advance work, nothing is written down, and there are no props required. You can even perform this over the elephone

I'll come right out and say it: I hate progressive anagrams. I've never seen one that I like and I'm adding this to the list. This is personal to me and I understand that some people swear by them. As such, I won't bother offering a score on this one. It could work wonderfully for you if you can carry it off.

Psign - A prediction, quick and to the point. A large board is displayed, back - out. A spectator selects one of eight different designs, which proves to be the very one printed on the front of the board. The participant can stay seated in the audience - leaving the performer alone on stage at the finish, to accept all of the applause.

This is the effect that made me glad I bought the DVD. It's clean, practical, easy, and most of all, unfathomable. When I saw the method I was absolutely gobsmacked. It really is a good clean, direct piece of mentalism. The only sting in the tail is that it's an absolute nightmare to construct with any degree of professionalism. I was never awarded a blue peter badge and I doubt I'll ever receive one. As such, this is pretty much out of my league. Please believe me - I've tried. This is not something that you can simply 'do' and you'll have to make the props yourself. This is good and bad. Good, because not many working mentalists will bother so you'll have a unique effect, bad because it's not easy to construct IMHO! However, you can buy the prop here

http://www.seomagic-usa.com/catalog/pro ... cts_id/266" target="_blank

But for me it looks a bit 'magic propish.' Maybe I'm being overly sensitive. If you have any suggestions on how to build this then let me know.

8 out of 10





Overall

7 out of 10

I'm not sure this is great value for money. Watching Max Maven is certainly entertaining, but if you watch ETMMM or the mind series or other DVD's out there, they have a lot more routines and far deeper explanations of the concepts. Sometimes, it appears that Max Maven can't be bothered explaining things in detail or is somehow inconvenienced by it all. Maybe that's just his way, and I have to stipulate that I am a massive fan (his multiplicity DVD is the greatest purchase I have made in the last 2 years - and I've made a lot!!) but that's how it comes across.

Moreover, alot of the principles at work are very old and if you are well read, you will only gain by seeing his unique presentations of them. My biggest gripe about the whole series in general (and this will sound a bit weird) is the size of the audience when compared with the name of the DVD. Maybe I'm just a fastidious fuddyduddy, but if you own this series, the audience for the close-up, parlour, and stage mentalism all appear to be about the same size????? That seems a bit odd to me?

So, If you're in the know, don't bother, if you're new to mentalism, buy it, if you love Max Maven and will buy anything he produces just to watch him at work, well.... buy it anyway!

K :D

kevmundo
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Posts: 651
Joined: Aug 16th, '12, 22:04
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