|
|
Mind Games (PAL VHS)
Marc Paul
Reviewed
by David Hawkins
Over the past few years magic on
TV has been given a real boost with some groundbreaking programmes like the
Derren Brown series, Monkey Magic and a number of one off specials featuring
performers such as escapologist Thomas Solomon. The creative forces behind all
of these programmes are a small group of talented guys including Anthony Owen,
Marc Paul, Andy Nyman, and Andrew O'Connor. Now these guys have established an
online retail outlet called (imaginatively) TVMagic.co.uk to market a wide range
of associated publications, videos, DVDs and souvenirs. One of the more
interesting items is a two volume video (VHS) set of "Mind Games" a series of 15
half hour programmes originally shown on Live TV featuring top mentalist (and
all round nice guy) Marc Paul. Although fairly basic in terms of production
values (a presenter, three members of the public and Marc), these shows allow
Marc to demonstrate his talents with an amazing range of mental effects. Each
show consists of Marc performing four or five items, plus the occasional
interactive effect for the viewer to take part in, and one or two items such as
a brief description of memory techniques and NLP.
The range of mentalism effects Marc performs is truly staggering covering
everything from metal bending, blindfold drive (performed as a memory feat) and
muscle reading, plus many many others. The well read mentalist will recognise
effects by Bob Cassidy, Banacheck, Larry Becker, a number of dealer items and of
course a few of Marc's original ideas. Although no explanations are given, since
this was a show for the general public, anyone interested in mentalism can gain
an awful lot from seeing Marc's presentations (for example watch out for his
masterly handling of The Mother of All Booktests). Although the videos are VHS
tapes, and not quite the pin sharp quality we have got used to from DVDs, the
quality is fine and perfectly watchable.
I would highly recommend these tapes, and at the same time urge you to have a
look through the other items listed on the website. Wonderful stuff!
Mind Games (2 video set) - £30 available from
www.tvmagic.co.uk.
© David Hawkins, December 2004