This was well worth the asking price. The video quality is good, and the performances are top
notch. Along with Don Alan's sterling performances, you get to see a number of other magicians
perform their routines, including those that you read about but rarely ever see (like the
cornucopian hat). Also, all the performances are live and uncut (complete with props being dropped
or birds getting difficult and flying off when they're not supposed to), something you rarely get to
see.
Great for the magic student, and great entertainment. Get it, you won't be
disappointed.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
Don Alan is a guy worth studying. This video not only gives you a chance to see a real worker in
action but also some of the past great magicians in action. I enjoyed watching his comic timing as
well as his audience interaction. You will not learn tricks with this DVD but you will learn how to
do tricks.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
Super to watch Don perform.
I bought this set primarily as research for my novel THE DUMMY CASE, a story of magic, illusion, and
murder. I had remembered this show vaguely as a kid, and I needed some background on magicians to
create my characters.
"Magic Ranch" is outstanding as a historical record of magic as
performed in Chicago during the post-war period. Don Alan is a consummate magician and entertainer.
His quests were amusing, and the young magicians are a delight. I even liked the commercials, which
I'm grateful some were left in.
This 3 DVD set helped me tremendously.
This DVD 📀 set is absolutely fabulous. The footage is extremely good with consideration given to
age. It encompasses every studio recording even preserving the original commercials that aired
during the show. If you have never seen the legendary Don Alan or his guests like Senator Crandall
in action, now is your chance.
As a young boy growing up in the Chicago Area and into magic, I would get up at 7:00AM on Saturday
mornings to watch Don Alan's Magic Ranch.
Don was a master at sleight of hand. His chop
cup routine, coin magic, card magic, was some of the best I've ever seen.
Having a copy of
all 13 episodes brings back many memories. It also gives me inspiration as I watch the late Don
Alan perform. His guest magicians were also masters.
The only down side to this DVD is the
quality of the video. If one remembers that is was filmed 50 years ago, you will understand why the
video quality is less than perfect.
I would highly recommend this DVD just to watch and
learn from Don and his guest magicians.