Possibly the most anticipated DVD release of 2011 and with good reason! If you haven't heard of John Bannon, where have you been? If you have you'll know that he's an internationally renowned producer in his field and this release makes it clear to see why.
The Production, crediting and explanations are all top notch, in fact Bannon is assisted by David Solomon, Andi Gladwin, James Went, Colin Miller and Jamie Badman (not all at the same time), who each sit in for a few explanations to help point out anything which needs further detail. To sum up, the teaching is excellent and the DVD is very well put together - as you'd expect!
Before unleashing total magic destruction, Bannon gives a brief introduction at the start of each performance to touch upon inspirations, aims and thoughts, I found these really interesting and a chance to gain an insight into Bannon's mind!
Lets talk about tricks! Disc one features the trick after which the DVD was named 'Bullet Party' which is essentially a transposition routine containing a strong kicker where three jokers change into three aces, a nice presentation and a well choreographed handling make this a strong commercial effect.
'Final Verdict' is a fantastic spec cuts to the aces routine. Some nice subtleties make this very hard to backtrack, throughout this DVD you'll notice Bannon's extra thought to handling which make his methods so clean, you'll be using this one straight away.
'Box Jumper' is a very fair and sudden transposition of two cards, again the method for this is so direct and resourceful that the effect seems impossible, I'm looking forward to using this.
'Riverboat Poker' is a quite a lengthy poker demonstration, the type of trick you'd have to save for an appropriate setting. As always I respect the thinking here, but this trick wasn't for me.
'Paradox Poker" is practically a self working matching routine. I enjoyed watching this but it didn't appeal to me as a trick I'd like to learn.
'Fractal Re-Call (Revisited)' is the bomb! Easily my fave on this disc, 8 random cards are split between (as the presentation goes) a magician and a gambler, the magician turns his packet into four ace of spades, the gambler turns his cards into four aces and then the magician changes his cards again, only this time into a royal flush! A lot of magic in a short amount of time - this is what I like to see!
'Crocodile Cut' is a fancy false cut which takes little practice and does seem genuine.
Disc two begins with 'Mega Wave', a perplexing mystery pattered around sleight of hand and mentalism. This really is a terrific fractal trick.
'Fat City Revisited' as you might have guessed is Bannon's original trick revisited! Here he's added a preceding phase to condition the spectator to expect a classic sandwich ending, thus adding to the surprise of the twist ending. Bannon also uses a nice handling to eliminate the ATFUS move. Another routine you WILL want to use.
'Wicked' is Bannons take on Paul Harris's Grasshopper effect. Bannon has also added a memorable story presentation which helps to clarify the position of each card. Good stuff!
'Bullet Catcher' is a swift production of four aces. A deceptive handling makes this possible and is guaranteed to land in your repertoire.
'Drop Target Aces' utilises the drop sleight to create a dainty ambitious aces which you can easily formulate your own patter for, this is a quick fooler and a great intro for a longer effect.
'Four Shadow Aces' is a smooth assembly that sets up for 'Big Fat Bluff Aces' and together these create dynamite! A truly wonderful assembly routine with high intensity magic, thank you for sharing this Mr Bannon!
My verdict, this set is golden! A potent mix of commercial and magician foolers plus a whole array of ideas to get you thinking. Thumbs up!
It's a shame Bannon was so meely-mouthed in his credit to me (re Bullet Party and my Triple Kick Monte) in the book version; and a shame the dvd credit to me is hidden away at the end of disc 2. As his trick was (obviously) inspired by mine, why the negative comment? Paul Gordon
ReplyDeleteMaybe it is inspired, but it is much much better. You need to get a life!!! It's so much better than your horrible trick. I don't think the credit was even necessary. Your lucky you got anything!!!
ReplyDeleteFuck you Darius, if that is your real name. Get a life? My life is full doing my real world workers and Sinitta act and teaching teenagers for 85 quid an hour. You need to learn to respect your betters. I am putting you on my list of people never ever to sell my great real world workers too. GET A LIFE LOL!
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