This lecture might not have been outstanding but it has been very solid. A lot has already been said about the content, so I don't want to repeat that here. Yes, you have a lot of time being spent on the "crossing the gaze"-technique and some similar approaches by Slydini. But I wouldn't go as far as entiteling this a "theory"-lecture. The Zabrecky-lecture was one (at least the part that I did see...), but I would rather say that Tom's lecture was about technique. Everything he touched upon theoretically was at some point demonstrated in action - sometimes even in several applications. He did also show some routines, even some I know "on paper" through "Maelstrom". But I'm not sure wether I will really go to the extent to actually learn some of the routines. I think he even says at some point, that he didn't teach the routines for the audience to actually perform it, but to demonstate his misdirection-techniques. However, in the second part of the lecture there are some short card routines, that are actually quite nice that will pretty sure find some friends.
A big compliment to Mr. Kranzo, who has not always been my favourite host. But here, he was more "reduced" that in earlier lectures I have seen. He actually appeared quite knowledgable when it comes to the history of certain techniques and had a good sense for those rare occasions, where Tom rushed a little over certain explanations, to focus back on the details that some viewers might not have gotten.
A little downside for me however was the fact, that several apsects of the lecture are also on the Tom Stone lecture that Vanishinginc sell - one that apparently was held in 2008. I kind of hoped that Tom would not lecture on some of the same things he did 5 years before.
All in all: not a spectacular lecture, but one that you will learn a lot from in order to improve the magic you are already performing.

I think this is the best conference I've ever seen. His theory about the techniques of slydini, how to make him not stop to interest him is the type of magician that one wanted to be.
I think his way of teaching is also very entertaining and like the first trick he does manage to get so many advices on misdirection.
He explains all, HIS BOTLE PRODUCTION OR HIS WAY OF MAKING THE ERDNASE CHANGE, including his gimmick for the invisible palm and finally his king castling that in itself is a jewel. Highly recommended, for people who already know a little about magic.

Tom Stone's 2013 lecture was excellent. the first hour and a half, was a careful analysis, and very clear explanation of the principles of misdirection as they have developed through the work of John Ramsey, Slydini, and of course, Tom Stone, who has added two new principles.
He did so through the process of sharing a brief, but quite nice and very practical routine. HIs ideas on obtaining and ditching a small, commonly used gimmick were excellent. His explanation and analysis of the misdirection in two Tommy Wonder moves on the cups and balls was great, and though the misdirection was complicated, Mr. Stone made it very clear.
I am slowly incorporating the clear-cut principles of misdirection he gave. Feedback has been that my magic has gone from “good”, to “really good!”. The nicest comment I got after using some of these principles was: "Ðude, you just blew my mind, I wasn’t ready for that to happen". Three thumbs UP!

This lecture is less about the tricks and more about presentation. Never the less, the knowledge you gain from Tom is well worth the price of the lecture. He explains and justifies almost every move in his opening sequence (except the striking vanish by David Williamson) and it is a very in-depth analysis of what misdirection is and how to employ it to your advantage. This Lecture will make you a better performer and make your tricks almost audience proof. Thank you Penguin and Tom Stone for an excellent Lecture

would be great in HD. is there a chance to get a better quality in the future?

2) the camera man sometimes doesn't know where to focus on. best thing would be just not to move the actual camera. or having 2 cameras, one for the whole shot and one for the details.

performance 5 stars
filming/recording 1 star (camera was on)
makes it 3 in total

E

I have long been an admirer of Tom Stone. He is one of the greatest thinkers to have ever practiced our craft. It is that thinking which is the highlight of this lecture. Tom takes simple tricks and as he explains them, explains why and how they work. He goes into the science of the human body and how we can use that to make our spectators completely miss things right in front of them.
If you are looking for numerous tricks to add to your repertoire, skip the lecture and purchase one of his books (Vortex or Maelstrom). If you want to learn how to take the tricks you all ready perform and make them stronger, add this lecture to your cart.

This is the best lecture on misdirection I have ever seen. It will change my magic!

All the lectures from Penguin are great.
But when you can see a master like Tom Stone,
that really makes your magic pop a dozen notches.

And since they also keep the FULL lecture in your
download section for later reference:
How in the world can you go wrong?

You can't.
So buy more lectures.
I will.

If someone was starting out in magic like me and asked me which thinking tools he should use first, I would recommend watching Rob Zabrecky's and Tom Stone's lectures.

Tom stone has been one of my favorite magicians for a long time now. This lecture isnt packed with tricks, but with an all you can eat buffet of the art and science of misdirection. If slydini, john ramsay, gary kurtz, and vernon somehow happend to have a child together it would be tom stone!