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Farewell 2009 – Hello shiny bright new 2010!

As another year ends, so does another Alakazam Magic yearbook! It has been a roller coaster of a ride these last twelve months with Alakazam continuing to break new ground in the magic world with some of our best products to date in my opinion. There has been so much variety over the last year and so just ahead of the impending finale of Doctor Who this evening, join me for a look back over some of my personal favourites and highlights from 2009 at Alakazam HQ, as well as a taster of things that are still to come!

The year 2009 has certainly showcased some of the superb British magical talent around today and we kicked off the year by introducing you to two new faces – rising young stars on the UK magic scene – Mathew Wright and David Loosley.

Matthew Wright is an Magic Circle award-winning magician and his debut DVD – “The Unusual Suspect” showed just why that is! With engaging and entertaining presentations, seamlessly blended with superb plots and routines, Matthew shows you how to really “get in there” and get top reactions from even the most toughened crowds. Matthew has a style that is unique as well as instantly endearing and his DVD is a gem of a collection of commercial, magical, entertaining close-up miracles.

David Loosley is a young new talent in the magic world that is consistently out working in all sorts of venues as well as spending time treating us creatively with his quirky ideas and effects. “Squash” has become a staple routine for many bar magicians around the world as it has those qualities that audiences love – it is magical, unusual and has a plot themed around drinking! David is a joy to work with and I very much look forward to seeing more from him in the future!

Spring is a time of new beginnings and during that period in 2009 was born a new friendship that symbolised the start of one of my personal favourite projects ever at Alakazam. Easter 2009 saw the much-anticipated release of “The Classic Magic of Michael Vincent” on a three-disc set that is destined to become a classic title for future generations to come. Meeting and working with Michael was something of a personal highlight for myself, having been a fan for many years already.

I can honestly say that Michael is a true gentleman to work with – totally professional in every way as well as being a tremendously enthusiastic person to be around both on and off camera. Having the opportunity to bring Michael’s exquisite style, stunning sleight of hand and superb presentations to the Alakazam range was both a delight and a privilege.

The triple DVD box set was met with tremendous enthusiasm and excitement, with many classing it as the greatest DVD set in their magic collection to date – with over five hours of in-depth sessions with Michael, this project proved once again that Alakazam stands tall in brining world-class magic to the market whilst maintaining superb value for money.

Peter himself rocked the magic world this year too with another stunning close-up card effect that has gone immediately into the repertoires of professionals all over the world. The “iChange Project” finally came to fruition last year and as with all of Peter’s creations, as we have come to expect, the effect is not only direct and stunning in performance but also devilishly clever in method and execution. Never has the eight-card interchange plot been more direct and more importantly, much more practical for the working performer.

As with all major Alakazam releases now, the iChange Project came with an in-depth tutorial DVD that guides the viewer through each and every stage of the main effect, as well as offering countless handling tips, suggestions, variations and additional routines using the clever iChange gimmicks included. Look out for more miracles from Peter Nardi planned for release in 2010 – and with the iChange project as well as the now infamous Extractor to his name in recent years to name just a couple – you can be sure that whatever comes next is sure to be a further sensation!

Due to popular demand and with the man himself keen to share more with the magic community, we were delighted to build upon the debut project and bring back Michael Vincent in the second of his iconic 2009 releases with Alakazam: “Rhapsodies in Silver and Other Mysteries.” In this four-disc set, Michael delighted audiences by maintaining the superior standard set in the classic magic set and offering more of his world-class magic and inspirational thinking in over seven hours of in depth training.

I personally was delighted to be working alongside Michael again and many others too were excited to see sleight of hand coin magic get the “MV treatment” as well as being treated to more of Michael’s stunning card work. I think if I had to select a personal highlight from 2009, then it would definitely be a Michael Vincent moment. The joy of watching him perform in his elegant and sophisticated style for an intimate audience in the wonderful Eastwell Manor setting is a sensation and I rate the first trailer (for “The Classic Magic of Michael Vincent”) as the best magic DVD trailer I have ever seen; as well as simply one of the most stylish and beautifully cut trailers full stop – credit for which must go to Mr Russ Stevens.

And this seems as good a time as any to highlight Russ’s great work with Alakazam over the last twelve months. As many of you will know already, Russ films and edits all of the Alakazam DVD presentations and continually does a superb job in doing so. Having to be inventive and different with each individual project is no easy feat and Russ certainly never fails to deliver time after time. He is also extremely amusing and witty throughout filming projects during both live and studio shoots, which keeps everyone involved at ease and ensuring a superb and thoroughly enjoyable experience. – But don’t tell him we said all that nice stuff about him!!!

Of course for many of you reading this, you may be thinking I have left something out but rest assured I would like to now talk about the summer of 2009, very much being the season of hypnosis. Having met the charmingly devious Anthony Jacquin earlier on in the year, I proposed a project to Peter that would bring this increasingly trendy medium of performance to the marketplace. Having only been available previously on Anthony’s hugely successful weekend courses, “The Manchurian Approach” definitely offered something refreshingly different as well as exciting to all that attended. Bringing this experience to DVD was to be one of the most unpredictable yet fun experiences of 2009. And so was born “The Manchurian Approach DVD” box set. A fully comprehensive training course in impromptu hypnosis – how is works, why it works and what to do with it.

Anthony Jacquin has a glint of the devil in his eye but covers it with an endearing charm that one would be foolish to be too taken in by as he is extremely mischievous with his art. Rather like Dennis the Menace in a three-piece pin-stripped suit!! And his two companions that lead alongside him in this mad new world are Amit Badiani and Kev Sheldrake. Kev is the epitome of what I believe to be a modern day mad, though slightly crazed genius! Amit is possibly one of the nicest human beings that you will ever meet that has time for everyone he meets and is also a superb magician Both are also phenomenal hypnotists sp be sure to look out for all three of these scallywags at the up and coming 2010 Blackpool Magic Convention!

Till Death do Us Part was a very exciting project to bring to the market for Halloween as it highlighted not only the power of a simple premise in methodology but also the often overlooked area of setting up an engaging and compelling presentational plot and theme in order to produce a highly evocative effect. Jim Critchlow should be congratulated on a wonderful piece of close up theatre that has found its way into the shows of many mentalism and bizarre performers as well as those that enjoy a good old-fashioned horror story!

Noel Qualter is a quirky chap that frequents the ever-changing world of the magic convention and Internet discussion forums. A full time professional magician as well as a very creative inventor gave us “The iDeck” in the latter part of the year. This long-awaited effect was a long time in the making and was met with great enthusiasm. The effect is as quirky and offbeat as Noel himself and is not only brilliantly topical in fitting with current trends in technology, but also a superb close-up magic effect that has been delighting audiences ever since the magic world got hold of it! Look out for an equally offbeat miracle from Noel in the early part of the year ahead…

Mentalism is undoubtedly extremely popular right now and the huge success of the highly talented Derren Brown (who rather excitingly gave Alakazam a plug during “The Events” – yay! – thanks Derren!) has inspired a whole new generation on “mind controllers” and “psychological illusionists.” Consequently there is a lot of “new” mentalism around and tonnes of it land in the inbox of Alakazam HQ week after week. Once every now and again though, someone comes along that has their own style, unique ideas about presentation as well as a firm desire to promote the genre in their own way.

Paul Stockman is an extremely nice guy and a brilliant mentalism performer. Meeting Paul for the first time myself on the day of the shoot, I was immediately struck by his calming persona, friendly and outgoing nature and unique style. Watching him perform his material for the audience, I knew that his debut DVD set would be a success. Paul Stockman: Connected is a two-disc set that is in essence a full mentalism show – taught in FULL that Paul put together especially for the project. There are some KILLER presentations on here that go hand in hand with the stunning effects and this is certainly one of my favourite mentalism DVD’s for the serious, working performers out there. I am very much looking forward to working with Paul more in the future and urge you to check out Connected for something to add to your already existing show this New Year or to inspire you to put your own cabaret act together.

Cataclysm is an effect by Brian Caswell that Peter managed to get the rights to some time back. November finally saw it brought to the worldwide market with massive impact! This is a blockbuster of a routine that we are extremely proud to have as part of the Alakazam brand and we also extend our thanks to cheeky northern funster Mark James for giving us a brilliant trailer performance of the effect and I can honestly say that I do not think that we have ever had so much positive feedback about one single effect for a long time! We have been both flattered and inundated with praise for Cataclysm and are delighted to hear of success stories – so please – always keep writing them and sending them in to us – we do read them all and appreciate them very much.

Alan Alan’s legendary Dual Control - Revisited with Michael Vincent was the perfect close to a perfect year in my opinion. This project did two things that I particularly enjoyed – 1.) Highlighted the genius of a true master and legend of British magic and entertainment – Mr Alan Alan – and 2.) Brought this superb utility gimmick to a whole new generation of magicians and who better than to do this than an original student of Alan Alan and are now, great friend, Michael Vincent.

Many magicians are now experiencing the wonders of the Dual Control for the very first time as a result of this project and I feel that Alakazam has managed to provide the definitive work to date on this sensational gimmick. Our thanks to Michael once again for his continued professionalism, brilliant methods of teaching and communication within all his instruction as well as being a pleasure to work with on all three projects in 2009. I cannot wait to work with Michael again in the coming year as I feel that with the Alakazam projects, a new standard of magic DVD instruction has been created and of course, all of the above throughout this would not happen without the ever-brilliant Peter Nardi.

Peter continues to steer the Alakazam ship into new and exciting territories and some of the ideas that he has for 2010 are amongst some of the most exciting so far. Stay tuned for news about the newly revamped and supercharged Alakazam.co.uk and Alakazam USA as well as the re-launch of the original on-screen comedy duo – Inner Minds – a.k.a. Peter and Marc Spelmann. They have taken a year out to work on several great new mentalism releases for 2010 so keep your eyes peeled for more details coming soon!

Do not forget to follow Alakazam on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and links to sneak previews of up and coming new products and also make sure you are subscribed to our email newsletter for more news, special offers and the very latest in the magic world.

If you have ideas of what you would like to see from Alakazam in the New Year then we welcome your idea, suggestions, feedback and creativity. It only remains for me to say a huge thank you on behalf of everyone at Alakazam Magic for you continued and ongoing support and custom.

Have a fantastic evening and I would like to take this opportunity to personally wish each and every one of you all the very best for 2010 – there are some extremely exciting things coming in the pipeline that I will of course keep you up to date with as and when details are available.

Alakazam Magic will be open for business again as usual on MONDAY 4th JANUARY 2010 – see you there!

Chris Harding
 

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The Manchurian Approach
by Anthony Jacquin
4 DVD set in slipcase, 5hrs. 46 mins. £39.95 ($79.95) plus p&p from your favourite dealer of Alakazam Magic, Unit 113 Ellingham Industrial Estate, Ellingham Way, Ashford, Kent TN23 6LZ. www.alakazam.co.uk or www.alakazam-usa.com. Dealers contact Murphy's Magic Supplies, www.MurphysMagic.com.

Reviewed by Matthew Field
In John Frankenheimer's 1962 classic The Manchurian Candidate, Laurence Harvey is given a post-hypnotic suggestion that is triggered by his seeing the Queen of Diamonds. The film was remade in 2004 by Jonathan Demme.

If the idea that something could trigger a reaction in a subject seems far-fetched to you, get ready for The Manchurian Approach, described by Anthony Jacquin as using hypnotism in magical performances. He is seen in conversation with Chris Harding and also performing on the street and in other locations, along with fellow hypnotists Kev Sheldrake, Amit Badiani and Harry Guinness.

Things begin with a simple exercise, called a 'set piece', to size up audience members and find those who are likely to be easily put under. These lead next to actual inductions -- you know, "Sleep, a deep sleep". Interviewer Chris Harding, it turns out, is someone who is easily put into a hypnotic state and he is used as a subject throughout the videos.

While the bulk of the demonstrations are of the standard show-biz hypnotism demonstrations – such as having subject's a feet stick to the floor, having them forget their names, finding something so funny they laugh uncontrollably – there are many magical applications as well. Imagine implanting a suggestion to have a subject tell you something personal and then awakening them after removing their memory of the trance. You can then read their mind with amazing accuracy. Or put them under and tell them that the card they will name in a moment is, say, the Three of Hearts, then having them place that very card in their own wallet, and removing the memory of the pre-show work. They later name their favourite card, it is seen not to be in the deck, and is found in their own wallet!

This is interesting, if potentially dangerous, stuff to fool around with. The fourth DVD is filled with several performances, but also Mr. Jacquin's warnings about health and safety concerns, and each DVD is preceded by a warning regarding safety and possible insurance concerns. There are also 77 pages of PDF notes on the DVD taken from Mr. Jacquin's book, Reality is Plastic.

There are professional hypnotists like Martin Taylor who are Members of The Magic Circle and magician Derren Brown started his career following this path. The DVDs, using two cameras and with the usual excellent Alakazam production, are a good grounding in hypnotism for magicians, and, in the end, deliver exactly what they promise.
 

Rhapsodies in Silver and Other Mysteries

by Michael Vincent

4-DVD boxed set, 7 hours total time.  £39.99 ($79.95) plus p&p from your favourite dealer of Alakazam Magic, Unit 113 Ellingham Industrial Estate, Ellingham Way, Ashford, Kent TN23 6LZ. www.alakazam.co.uk or www.alakazam-usa.com.  Dealers contact Murphy's Magic Supplies, www.MurphysMagic.com.

Reviewed by Matthew Field

This is the second big set of DVDs from Alakazam featuring the talented Michael Vincent.  Although the title might indicate that it is all coin magic, about half the effects feature playing cards.  But whatever props Michael uses, his skill and attention to detail are always in evidence.

The coin material features productions and vanishes, including Michael's handling of the Dr. Sawa classic, the Slot Machine.  There are also well-taught handlings of Coins across and Coins Through Table.  These are part of a parlour show, with Michael seated at a table with two assistants, performing before other, seated spectators.  A stand-up performance includes a version of 3-Fly which Michael calls 'Rhapsody in Silver', which is explained in detail.

Some of the highlights in the material featuring cards are "Fooled by a Gentleman" (Leipzig's Opener), Arithmetic Card Control, Michael's version of Card at Any Number, and Mushin Travellers, a lovely version of the cards to pocket. There are explanations of the Breather Crimp and a continuation from the first volume in this series of Michael's "Pathway to Excellence" covering controls, the Double Lift, Double Undercut, Palm, Top Change, Force and False Shuffle.  There is a clear explanation of what many card workers believe is the best Double Lift, the one by Stuart Gordon, and the Frank Thompson False Cut.

The set is highly recommended.  It is exceedingly well shot using two cameras and Michael is a careful and caring teacher. Much of the teaching is done with Chris Harding asking intelligent questions to clarify things.  While there is material here for all but the basic beginner, the series is obviously meant to be viewed sequentially, starting with the volume prior to this one.

E.S.Perfect

Peter Nardi / Alakazam

Props and DVD.  £17.49 ($31.25) plus p&p from your favourite dealer or Alakazam Magic, Unit 113 Ellingham Industrial Estate, Ellingham Way, Ashford, Kent TN23 6LZ. www.alakazam.co.uk or www.alakazam-usa.com.  Dealers contact Murphy's Magic Supplies, www.MurphysMagic.com.

Reviewed by Ian Rowland

It’s a packet trick with ESP symbols, and a good one. You show five red-backed ESP symbols, and you give the spectator a blue-backed set which you say are the same (the faces of her set are unseen at this point). You mix your cards face down, choose one at random and hand it to the spectator. She mixes her cards face down, chooses one at random, and hands it to you. When she turns over the card you gave her, it’s the star. When you turn over the card she handed to you, it’s the star. A perfect match! But then you invite her to turn over the rest of her cards … and they are all blank.

Packet trick matching effects are obviously nothing new. There have been many, with methods varying from procedural moves to sleights and gaffs of various kinds. Larry Becker has an excellent one in his classic World of Super Mentalism book. This particular version is close to one devised by Anthony Owen and Marc Paul back when they were championing the Blu Glu principle. However, I like E.S.Perfect very much. It combines many of the best ideas from all the other routines in one solid and well-constructed presentation, and I’m sure it will appear extremely baffling to a lay audience.

The DVD features a number of interesting variations, showing that by using different kinds of cards you can change the theme or flavour of the routine. Use regular cards and it’s a routine about ‘psychic poker’. Use flash cards with words, symbols or designs on them, and the routine can be about empathy, emotions or rapport. Whichever theme or variation suits you best, this is a very deceptive and admirably direct trick that is easy to do and resets in next to no time. The DVD explains the whole routine with perfect clarity, and it comes complete with everything you need.

Courtesy of Matthew Field and The Magic Circular!

Check out this fantastic new clip of Mike performing brilliantly as ever on Youtube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lHRWjVAf0s

More soon!

Chris

The Classic Magic of Michael Vincent

Reviewed by Magicseen's Phil Shaw

I've been a fan of Michael Vincent ever since I watched his International Magic lecture on video tape many years ago. So when the three disc DVD set "The Classic Magic of Michael Vincent" dropped on my doormat for review I was eager to see what was in store.

Michael is well known for being one of England's finest professional magicians and the only person in history to be crowned "The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year" three times. Watching these DVDs it's easy to see why.

Disc one focuses on parlour magic. There are routines with Cards and Coins, a version of "Slydini's Knotted Silks" and there's also Michael's Cups and Balls routine.

"The Intuition Speller" is one of my favourites from this first disc - a simple spelling routine that is completely impromtu. Based upon a Harry Lorayne effect this is one that you WILL use.

Disc two continues with a close-up session in the bar. This really is close-up magic at its best. Every routine on this disc is fantastic.

"Brainwave My Way" is worth the price of the DVD set alone. Other effects on this disc are "Pandora's Paradox", "Vincent Aces", "Foursome", "Match Made in Heaven", and "Prologue to Triumph". You could easily make a living performing the material from this volume.

Disc three concentrates on the performance of magic and begins the "Pathway to Excellence." Accompanied by Alakazam's Chris Harding, Michael discusses how to improve your own magic via mentoring and practice drills.

Also taught on this volume are Michael¹s methods for Controlling a Card, the Double Lift, the Palm, the Top Change, Forcing and False Shuffling. Also covered is the excellent One Hand Bottom deal which really does look like real magic.

This is a DVD set that should be in everyone¹s collection. I hope this is the first of many more new releases from one of England¹s finest professional magicians. Phil Shaw

What's Hot: Excellent routines and advice from a real master.

What's Not: Nothing.

5 Stars

The Classic Magic of Michael Vincent
by Michael Vincent

Just one final thing that is a bit lighthearted for all those enjoying the sunshine.

I am sure many of you are fans of mentalism and the great British performer Derren Brown. He has certainly had a large impact on the UK as a whole in recent years. A lot of you will also be familiar with the internet phenomenon of the podcast and particularly the Ricky Gervais Show. Prior to the podcast revolution Ricky, Steve Merchant and Karl Pilkington hosted the show on XFM radio and it was a cult phenomenon as well as being extremely funny.

Stumbling around Youtube clips I came across this clip where they discuss Derren Brown on the show and it is highly amusing if you are a fan of the show and indeed of Derren.

LISTEN TO THE CLIP ON YOUTUBE BY CLICKING HERE!!

Although not strictly magic or Alakazam news, I found it very funny and I write this so I wanted to share it with you! Hope you enjoy it and have a great weekend!

Chris.

It is always a delight to reach the weekend after a very busy week here at Alakazam central, giving everyone time to "chillax" for a couple of days as Peter would say!!! With keeping on top of all the projects, keeping the website up to date as well as keeping everything running smoothly there has not been an awful lot of spare time but thought I'd give you a quick update in the world of Alakazam before heading off for the weekend.

There have been a couple of fantastic new things that came in and sold out straight away but rest assured there are more due in next week. The items in question were: DICE ILLUSION 2 and Alex Lourido's CAPTIVATED. Both are fantastic items and if you have not checked them out already then I strongly suggest that you do.

We also have just a couple of days left for all you VIP club members to save money on ordering the new Matthew Wright DVD which is due in early this coming week so do not miss your chance to save. There is some brilliant new material on this DVD and it is a must-have for all commercial, working-performers. If you like funny, entertaining, high-impact magic then THE UNUSUAL SUSPECT DVD is for you!

Christopher Taylor of T3 and Equinox fame has a new product about to hit the market: ECLIPSE is an awesome new mentalism effect that fits in your pocket, ready to deliver powerful magic at a moment's notice. For full details CLICK HERE to see it in action and read more about Eclipse.

Plans for the new Alakazam releases are coming along well and we hope to have some great new items ready for you soon. Also, I would like to say a huge thank you to all those of you that have sent in your samples and ideas. We do very much appreciate it and are slowly working through them. Apologies for the delay but we are on the case - I promise!

Have a great weekend!

Chris.

P.S. Check out the new INVISIBILITY HALLUCINATION on the Alakazam Community videos section!

The Manchurian Approach DVD: Coming Soon

So part of the new blog is to keep you all updated and informed about all that is going on as well as up and coming in the world of Alakazam Magic. I will be updating this section as often as I can and would like to kick things off with what is a very exciting project, both for me personally and Alakazam Magic as a whole.

Some of you may already be aware of Anthony Jacquin and his fantastic book "Reality is Plastic: The Art of Impromptu Hypnosis" as it has fast become one of the most popular selling books to magicians over the last year. I for one have been totally addicted to it since purchasing it some time ago now and since then I have been fortunate enough to be able to attend a weekend course with Anthony, called The Manchurian Approach, which essentially an intensive course in rapid hypnosis for magicians and the applications of hypnosis to magic. It is an unbelievable weekend and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in this area of performance. You can read my full review of the weekend on Duncan Trillo's marvellous Magicweek under the reviews section.

Well after the weekend I did nothing but rave about it to Peter and after some discussions with Anthony we finally began shooting "The Manchurian Approach DVD." This is set to become a very exciting release as it is not only a detailed study in the wonderful world of magic and hypnosis but is laced with plenty of live performances, on the streets, in bars and with real reactions.

This area of performance has not been this closely examined in such a way on DVD ever before and to see some sneak, behind-the-scenes photographs from the shoot, sign into the all new Alakazam Magic Community and check out the album on my profile. Visit the community HERE!

Anthony Jacquin is a thoroughly brilliant hypnotist and teacher and as well as the man himself, we were also extremely fortunate to be joined by the genius that is Kev Sheldrake as well as another master hypnotist, Amit Badiani. (You can link up with Amit on the brand new Alakazam Magic Community.)Together we have produced what I believe to be a definitive work on this new brand of performance and not only do you get a full crash course in rapid-induction hypnosis but also the effects and routines taught will elevate and transform your own performances forever.

I will give you a sneak look into the contents very soon so stay tuned to Alakazam Magic and make sure you sign up and make friends and contacts in the new online community. Some videos will be posted there from behind the scenes of the DVD shoot. They are rough and are not the same footage that will appear on the DVD itself (Russ is a far better camerman and has a much more expensive camera than me!) We just wanted to get a little bit of footage to let you have a sneaky look! My good friend Amit has also got some great hypno videos in the community too so be sure to check those out.

More details on The Manchurian Approach DVD coming very soon - stay tuned! Have a great weekend!

Chris.