DVD's
PACK SMALL PLAY BIG by DAN HARLAN ON DVD
How would you like to perform a powerful show that's guaranteed to make an unforgettable impression...a show filled with surprise, mystery, fun and enchantment...a big show that's fun to watch, and even more fun to perform!
If so, then welcome to Dan Harlan's Pack Small Plays Big DVD series. These four volumes are a sensational collection of complete shows featuring the most fascinating magic to ever pop out of a briefcase.
Harlan has been performing and teaching magic for over 25 years, and now he's going to teach you how to make a substantial impression with a practical, easy-to-pack, "Show in a Briefcase!"
You'll learn how to deliver a professional show with maximum impact and minimum set-up. After Dan performs the entire show in front of a live audience, he opens up his briefcase and teaches you step-by-step, how everything is done. He explains how to organize the show, why particular effects are chosen, how to make the necessary props, where they are placed in the case, handling the props during the show, and what to do with them when you're done.
Once you've learned the magic contained in this series, you'll be able to perform an incredible stand-up show anywhere on a moment's notice!
Special added feature - Behind the scenes photo gallery.
The "All Purpose Show" featured on this DVD is suitable for audiences of all ages and is adaptable to a variety of occasions. There is a fun-filled mix of innovative and classical magic that will solidify your reputation as a skilled practitioner of the enchanting arts.
The show opens with Harlan's original "Starcle" which wins over everyone in the audience with its captivating script and simplicity. A charming story of watching the full moon rise and the first star appearing in the night sky is illustrated by tearing a circle from a paper napkin. Incredibly, the circle changes to a star although it has been held by a spectator the entire time. This curious souvenir is given to the spectator as a treasured memory.
Next, Harlan's fresh approach to a monte routine, "Hold It, Buster!," helps the audience get acquainted with the style of the performer. The amusing story reveals a guessing game where a father outsmarts his son to get him to do his chores. This ingenious three- phase jumbo card routine contains plenty of magic and features a script filled with puns, and an unexpected climax.
A constant favorite, "C & R Rope," in which a rope is repeatedly cut and restored, wraps up the warm-up section of the show, and lets the audience know they are in capable hands. The startling restorations performed in an offhand manner cause the audience to relax and enjoy the show without trying to figure it out. The final restoration will perplex even the toughest skeptic, and the rope is immediately handed out for examination.
At this point, the audience is treated to Harlan's unique "Tee Bag" routine which begins like a peculiarly-themed egg bag and quickly changes to a delightful production routine. Everything you need for a round of golf is produced out of an empty bag: the ball, the score card, the flag, a golf club bigger than the bag, a tee, and the bag turns into a T-shirt to wear! This routine gives the audience a glimpse of the performer's versatility.
Keeping the pace of the show moving, Harlan glides into his presentation of the multiplying balls, "Herman." This unusual approach to a classic manipulation piece gives the ball a personality. The humorous script motivates each of the delightful magical moments, as the ball performs various tricks: sit, stay, lie down, roll over, splitting in two, passing through the air, traveling up the arm, multiplying, appearing, vanishing, etc.
Next, to demonstrate dexterity, the ultimate expression of magical skill, the linking rings, are introduced in Harlan's "Ring Master." Most audiences are familiar with the rings, and this routine gets them up close to experience the remarkable ability of the rings to defy the nature of solid objects. Two spectators get involved in examining, linking, and unlinking the rings as they assist your humorous demonstration.
To change the mood to a more relaxed pace, Harlan presents his original "Lester" routine. This poetic Miser's Dream begins when the performer finds a penny and it reminds him of his favorite poem. Miraculously, the pennies start to multiply until eventually they fill a large jar. More quickly than they appeared, the pennies instantly vanish leaving only the jar behind.
The Miser's Dream theme leads into a funny routine with borrowed money, "Mine & Yours," bringing the show to its magical and humorous peak. The magician and the spectator each tear up and burn their money, but remarkably the restored pieces are found in sealed envelopes which have been displayed since the beginning. This is an incredible and funny routine to do when you have money to burn (especially someone else's money!)
Finally, "It's Not the Size" leaves the audience with a lasting impression of the performer as a charming and amusing magician. A small change purse is shown to contain a miniature magic wand. Placed back into the purse, the wand strangely becomes much larger, too big to fit in the purse. The wand is wrapped in newspaper, where it quickly changes back to its original tiny size.
Enjoy the show, then prepare to learn the secrets of a master as every nuance is revealed. Soon, you too will Pack Small, and Play Big with your "All Purpose Show!"
ITEM # DVD0187 PRICE $35.00
The "Mentalism Show" performed on this DVD is suitable for mature teens and adults; young children may not understand some of the concepts. The amazing variety of presentations featured here will captivate any audience and impress them with your incredible mental abilities.
First, Harlan's original "37 across" immediately gets everyone's attention with impossible premise and the performer's uncanny ability to discern letter-for-letter a randomly chosen word. Using only a crossword puzzle book, a spectator selects any word in any of the puzzles. There is a free choice from many different words. The performer miraculously calls off the letters composing that word, making no mistakes, and finally accurately names the word.
Next, the audience is treated to Harlan's novel approach to a book test routine, "Reddit!" Involving many spectators and three paperback novels, the mentalist is able to receive randomly chosen words and phrases, even predicting the future by determining the book, page, and line chosen for the climax, you'll love it.
At this point, the audience is convinced that just about anything is possible, so this quick effect, "Newsline," serves to reinforce that idea. A folded prediction and a column of newspaper are displayed, the spectator directs the performer where to cut the column with scissors, and the line cut to matches the predictions. The simple props may be prepared almost anywhere on a moment's notice.
Now, the audience is ready for something different and Harlan provides it with his innovative "Mind Your Hands," using ten mismatched pairs of colored gloves. This delightful routine gets many spectators up on stage, each choosing a different pair of gloves to wear, then joining hands in a line attempting to match up the colors. The performer's pair of gloves predict the colors at the ends of the random line.
Keeping the show moving with a quick, visual piece, the mentalist introduces "Deja-Voo-Doo" in which a spectator is cursed and cured in the span of two minutes. This entertaining effect uses six pictures of voodoo dolls with various curses or punishments inflicted upon them. One is chosen by the audience, and the performer's previously displayed cure is revealed to be appropriate only for that particular curse.
Rounding out the middle section, highlighting the versatility of the mentalist, is Harlan's "Lotto Luck," an original presentation of the Bank Night theme featuring four envelopes containing secret prizes. Although the spectators make all the decisions, the performer is left with the only envelope containing money. But, just so there are no hard feelings, each spectator opens their envelope to find a lottery ticket inside.
Moving into a more relaxed presentation which reveals something about the performer, Harlan presents his unique "Now Showing," using ticket stubs from various movies, concerts, and theatrical presentations, One of these is chosen and the bag containing the prediction unexpectedly turns out to be the prediction!
The reputation maker, "Time Capsule," is Harlan's headline prediction, a classic premise with a strong impact made entirely Practical and requiring minimal preparation. The headline of any newspaper is predicted weeks, even months, in advance and revealed during the show. It's a phenomenal effect that is a natural for generating publicity.
Last but certainly not least, is "Psy-Stebbins," using the ingenious stacked deck to create a lasting impression. You can use this simple stack to instantly know what card has been chosen. It can even be done with multiple cards. And Harlan explains how to use it to generate a standing ovation.
Enjoy the show then prepare to learn the secrets of a master as every nuance is revealed. Soon, you too will Pack Small, and Play Big with your "Mentalism Show!"
ITEM # DVD0186 PRICE $35.00
The "Stand-Up with Cards" performance on this DVD features unusual magic with cards and is suitable for small audiences in a relaxed environment like a house party or other social gathering. The innovative routines highlight the diversity of magic with cards and get everyone involved in the fun. There's no boring card tricks here, only the best and most entertaining prestidigitation with a pack of pasteboards you can present.
The show begins with a classic effect of, stand-up card magic, "Through the Veil," in which a chosen card mysteriously penetrates the fabric of a handkerchief wrapped around the deck, leaving the handkerchief unharmed, This astonishing penetration effect, seldom seen by modern audiences, immediately creates the impression that your card magic will be different and unexpected. Quick, visual and perplexing, this effect captures everyone's attention.
Then Harlan's novel approach to a Cards Across routine, "Equilibrium." Lets the audience get acquainted with the performer and involved directly in the show. Two helpers are each given ten cards to hold, yet the performer is miraculously able to transfer cards from one packet to the other invisibly without touching the cards. This ingenious routine involves no palming and culminates with a spectator somehow managing to magically make a card travel across with no clue to how it was done.
Bringing the first section to a close is "Rodeo," in which a rope strangely fashions itself into a hanging noose and captures the selected playing card desperado. The diversity of your card magic is once again displayed with this creative routine. The chosen card is mixed in the deck, then the deck is dropped in a paper bag and further mixed. The performer drops the end of the rope into the bag and waits just a few moments. When the rope is withdrawn the selected card is seen captured in a noose, which has unbelievably tied itself into the rope.
To bring the pace up and inject a little more humor into the show, Harlan moves into his presentation of "Shooting Card." Continuing with the theme of the old west, this effect recreates the desperado's ruthless shooting of an innocent victim. To provide the proper amusement, a spectator is chosen to portray the desperado and is given a suitable disguise to wear. A card is chosen to represent the victim, and although it is lost in the deck and the deck is held firmly by a rubber band, surprisingly the spectator is able to shoot the card out of the deck. There is even a bullet hole through the card!
At this point, Harlan demonstrates his ingenuity with his unique treatment of the classic rising cards, "EZ Riser," which requires no thread hook-ups or mechanical devices. Using a combination of subtle and bold methods this fabulous routine accomplishes the impossible in the most practical manner. The cards rise from the center of the deck with no movement by the performer. The last card even rises while the deck is in the case and isolated inside a glass. You'll never have to worry about a pre-set thread or the possibility of it breaking when you use this simple method.
To heighten the comedic mood, Harlan presents the constant favorite, "Egg Beater Mind Reader," which is a modern classic of stand-up card magic. This zany routine never falls to play big and get lots of laughs. Not only is the entire audience involved and amused throughout the routine, but the spectator on stage with you is completely astounded by the revelation of the selected card. An easy-to-perform, audience pleasing routine that will quickly become one of your favorites.
To really impress the audience with his affinity with the cards, the performer instantly names any card chosen in "Stebbins Standing" using the Si Stebbins stack. This ingenious stack is so easy to use, yet so powerful in performance. Harlan also provides you with a very convincing false shuffle that looks like a riffle shuffle and can be done standing. This effect is mind-blowing magic that's impossible for anyone to figure out and finishes with the performer naming multiple chosen cards in rapid succession.
To finish "Size 9" leaves the audience with a lasting impression of the phenomenal card magic they've just seen. A signed card ends up folded in the performer's shoe although he apparently never goes near it. Harlan provides a detailed, step-by-step method that's practical, bold, and yet indictable. This method works while you are standing, with no advance preparation and no switching of the folded card. The signed card really ends up in your shoe!
Enjoy the show, then prepare to learn the secrets of a master as every nuance is revealed. Soon, you too will Pack Small and Play Big with your "Stand-Up with Cards Show!"
ITEM # DVD0189 PRICE $35.00
The "Kids Birthday Show" performed on this DVD is perfect for young children ages 5 to 13. There's an incredible amount of audience involvement and on-stage participation to keep the youngsters' attention. You'll find classics and fresh, original routines combined for a high-energy, fun-filled show they are sure to remember.
The party begins with a warm-up effect, "Let It All Out," which encourages the children to make noise in response to the magic. This routine teaches them when it's appropriate to respond and when to be quiet in a fun, non-confrontational way. Although remarkably simple to perform this appearance, vanish and reappearance of a silk handkerchief is surprising magic that captures everyone's attention. The performer lets everyone know he's there to do unexpected things and have a lot of fun.
Next is the amusing routine, "Gosh Man" using sponge balls, a bag, and even a hint of Slydini. Getting one of the children directly involved, the performer causes a sponge ball to vanish and re-appear many times. The rest of the audience is in on the secret until the very end when everything starts to magically change. This routine lets the kids know that it's fun to help the magician, and you'll appreciate the way Harlan teaches them to volunteer quietly.
The performer wraps up the opening section with "Sucker Suckers" using another volunteer from the audience. This quick effect uses four different flavored lollypops. The magician keeps one for himself and offers the helper the other three, but all of them unexpectedly vanish. To make it up to his volunteer, he produces a large multicolored lollypop for her.
To display his diversity, Harlan now performs his "Balloon-atic" routine, which is always a hit with kids. There are zany antics, silly jokes, and general goofiness as the performer attempts to blow up a balloon and make a balloon animal. Everything turns out all right with the birthday child getting a very special balloon animal.
Then, a visual piece where a child gets to be a magician, "This Century," is Harland's fresh version of the Twentieth Century Silks using no gimmick silks. A brightly colored silk miraculously vanishes from the performer's hands and appears tied between two other silks held by the spectator. This ingenious method is easy to construct and simple to perform.
Finishing up the middle section, the performer starts to put on a "Party Hat," then notices that everyone needs hats and noisemakers, so he magically produces them from his hat. This versatile method is bold, but practical and allows the maximum amount of objects to be produced. Harlan also explains exactly what kind of noisemakers he uses, and you will certainly appreciate the tip.
At this point, Harlan chooses the classic of all classics, "Coloring Book," to get the whole audience involved again. He demonstrates the proper handling of this wonderful prop that should be in every child entertainer's bag of tricks. You'll learn some new lines and a technique for interaction that will keep all of the kids focused on the show.
Time for the big routine, and "Shake It Up" is delightfully entertaining. With the help of one of the children, the magician attempts to make a milkshake starting with milk and ice cream, but he doesn't have some of the ingredients so he substitutes ketchup ad mustard for chocolate, then adds salt and pepper for more flavor. To mix it up, he turns it upside down on the child's head. Just when you think there's going to be a big mess, he instantly changes everything into candy bars as a gift for the helper. Harlan has taken the hassle out of this routine by eliminating all liquids, although you'll swear he used some!
Finally, to make sure every child at the party gets something from the magician, he performs "Candy Man," where a previously empty bag is magically filled with candy for everyone. This amazing production is simple to do and can be adapted to a variety of items. You'll also set the way Harlan gets the kids organized and keeps them under control while having the candy distributed. This signifies that the show has ended and shifts the focus back to the party.
Enjoy the show, then prepare to learn the secrets of a master as every nuance is revealed. Soon, you too will Pack Small, and Play Big with your "Kids Birthday Show!"
ITEM # DVD0188 PRICE $35.00
MIND BENDER by CHAD SANBORN ON DVD
Spoon bending is usually an effect requiring a great deal of skill and practice. Using Chad Sanborn's revolutionary technique, you can perform this miracle with ease. Complete with the two amazing bonus effects, this DVD is perfect for beginners and experts alike. You will bend any spoon with ease! This DVD explains the easiest, yet most effective technique for spoon bending ever devised. Requiring absolutely no preparation or gimmicks, this is perfect for walk-around or street magic.
Also includes two other great bonus effects:-
The Holy Grail - Make coins vanish from hand to hand.
The Master Link - Visually link two regular rubber bands together.
Running time: Approximately 50 minutes.
ITEM # DVD0185 PRICE $20.00
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