by pkmagic228 » Oct 7th, '03, 20:38
O.K.
Here is my review of the Elevator. I recently purchased it and susequently decided that it was not for me, but here is an honest review.
What do you get?
You receive, in a box, a fully detailed manuscript - covering many ideas, techniques and presentations of the elevator. You also receive a CD ROM which basically teaches you the same as the manuscript, but is well filmed and of a high quality. Oh, i nearly forgot, you also receive that special something........which i have to say is made incredibly well and would last a lifetime.
So....The effect?
The effect is as follows, seeing as you asked.
The magician shows the bottom of his left foot and the then his right, nothing to be seen on either. Then he levitates with both feet off the ground. He can be seen levitating from the sides as well as the front. The he rotates in mid air from left to right! Then, with no moves, he descends to the ground, takes one step forward - and is clean!
Sounds great...so why was it not for you?
Yes , it does sound great - but requires much practice (in my eyes). It is not that i have no patience, as i spend most evenings practicing effects, sometimes months on just one, as im sure many of you do. Without revealing too much, the effect (to be pulled off with style and effectiveness) requires a certain amount of balance. This i have none of!
If were able to levitate i would hope to be able to do it for at least 10 seconds, and then slowly descend. Im sure this is possible with the Elevator with much practice. When performing though, i like to feel in complete control of my props, and let the audience provide me with the unexpected. Unfortunately, with my lack of spacial awareness and balance issues, this effect would only end up with me flat on my face.
Agreed, maybye i should have considered this before purchasing it, but i always was a bit of a gambler.
If you want to levitate, thaen i beleive the elevator to be the most practical real world solution. Instant reset, 75% angle proof, and no clothing restrictions or dodgy removing of jackets. In fact you can do it barefoot on practically any surface. The method is both ingenious and effective, but be prepared to invest much time.
It cost a pricey £100(ish), which was a hefty investment. Was i satisfied with the quality of the product? Yes. It was very well made. I have been on several magic forums and read that some people claim they could make it themselves. Sorry, but i think not. It would never be the same standard.
So, all in all here are the scores on the doors:
Litereature 7/10
CD ROM 6/10
Gimmick 9/10
Difficulty 7/10
Angles 7/10 (all angles except from behind)
set up 10/10 (instant)
cost 6/10 (i think £60 would have done it, and kept it within the right cicles if you know what i mean)
All in all a pretty fair............................
6.5/10
Yours still standing
Paul