Belgian Blockbusters
Where Fromemail/payal scottfguinn@msn.com
How Much: $20 (although there may be a deal at the moment where you can get it for $17.50 plus one of Scott's $5 effects)
What You Get:
A 96 page manuscript which is absolutely (Belgian) choc-a-bloc full of photographs. With out a doubt this is one of the best presented PDF's I have downloaded.
The Pre-amble
As with many of you I am sure, I had no idea who this Peter Vanspauwen was before I read the book.
What I did know though was how much I enjoy Scott's writings and ideas. My theory was that if Scott is willing to not just recommend this guy, but to take the time out of his immensely busy schedule to write the book then it was always going to be a pretty safe bet.
There's an awful lot there. It has taken me a while to read through it and play with the routines therein, but finally I feel I am ready to say my piece. In short, this manuscript is pure gold-dust!
I know I know. We have all heard this sort of hype before, but this book really was a pleasure to read and unlike some books, this one contains details of all the sleights you need to perform the effects (in many cases with alternatives so that you have a choice if some are too difficult).
There are 46 sleights taught inall (with photos’), which in itself would make this book great value for money.
The Amble
The book is split into three sections. Card Tricks, Coin tricks and Parlour Tricks.
I say "tricks", but each trick goes in to such depth and detail I have come to the conclusion that these are actually entire routines.
The Card Tricks
I am not the greatest cardician in the world, but like most magicians it is a tool of the trade and as such I know how to entertain with a deck. For me to add a Card Trick to my repertoire it has to be very stunning and these tricks are very stunning.
There is nothing particularly new in the type of effects taught, in that possibly you will already know existing tricks similar to those in the book, however these ARE strong tricks.
The first Card trick, "Bluesette" is a Colour Changing deck trick that plays very well. This is (imho) one of the most visually magic card tricks there is. If you are a working magician it should be in your repertoire.
The second trick. "Yours for the Ace-King" (that nearly worked as a pun didn’t it?
) is just the sort of thing I like to perform. It has a very nice sucker moment where it looks like the trick has failed dismally, but in fact is even more magical than the spectator could have suspected.
The third trick, "At Home in Belgium" is a variation of the Homing Card plot, although it is the backs of the cards changing and not the faces. This one is quite sleight heavy and as such I haven't mastered it yet, but it is nevertheless something I am prepared to put the time in for. Reading the effect and looking through the numerous photographs, it looks like one of those classically stunning tricks that once again look like magic and is not "just" another card trick.
The last card trick, "Recollected" is great as a multi-spectator effect. Getting so many spectators involved in a card trick is always a good idea and makes this one particularly entertaining to perform. Three cards are chosen and lost. The first two are found by the spectators. The last one is found by the first two cards. And if that wasn't enough, all three selections find the four aces.
The Coin Tricks
If you have never performed coin magic before and wanted to start, then this is a great introduction. I am not saying they are particularly easy to perform, but they are without doubt all classics of magic with Peter's very own and very unique slant.
We have a 4 coin production. Coins across, and Coins through table. As I said. All classics, but then remember, the classics are classics for a reason.
The four coin production is particularly nice. It could be a great opener and the thinking behind it has been very well thought out.
The Parlour Tricks
I find this chapter like a breath of fresh air. It was nice to see something without the cards and coins.
1. The Peavey Rope Routine
This is a lengthy Rope routine that I believe is well worth taking the time to learn. It has some great scripting that gives a reason behind everything that is done. Thankfully it is absolutely littered with many very clear photographs.
2. Red Yellow Blue
This is a trick for children. I do not perform children's magic so I was ready to dismiss it. I do have nieces and nephews though so l thought I would give it a go (the things I do for you guys!) It takes a fair bit of making up but once it is there it is there and I have to say that it went down so well it even made me wonder if I should do some kids shows.
In reality I didn't wonder all that long, but I do have a lot of respect for children's magicians and I know that bought effects can be pretty expensive.
This one plays very well and you can make it yourself. It also leaves the child assistant as the real hero which is always a nice touch.
3. Belgian Bottles
This is Peter's handling of "Topsy Turvey Bottles". It is not something I predict I will ever perform, but it was nevertheless an enjoyable read that gives a little more insight to the creativity of Peter Vanspauwen.
The Post-Amble
Great value for money that I know I will get a lot out of. In the UK $20 is nothing. There are very few single effects you could get for that money, and this one contains more than several of a very high quality.
I will also add that £10 is the going rate for a set of lecture notes, and this book is probably 4 or 5 times bigger (and better produced than most). In fact, I will also say that as Secretary of a Magic Society I would be more than happy to book a lecture by this guy if he were ever to visit England (and our lot are very fussy!)
