It's a great concept that I'll likely try out. So, I don't feel ripped off.
But,
everything taught about "Technique" on this DVD could be taught in a small paragraph. Actually, a
single sentence. The most important part being the subtle conditioning of the spectator, but this
would be a part of that single sentence.
The ONLY thing this DVD should have contained
other than a brief demo and a brief lesson is a series of practice sessions. They filmed live
performances, why not show them in full from the performer's POV without any reveal? So we as
viewers could try out Technique? Why not just sit in front of the camera and do a series of
examples? He did this only once!
Again, the idea is fine. The teaching was fine, but it's
an incredibly simple concept to grasp. The DVD was just another one of the many over-produced,
self-indulgent videos on the market, where they were desperate to find a way to turn a simply
concept into a full video.
Without a lengthy practice session, there is no reason for this
DVD to exist.
So, I'm torn. It's a good idea, and worth the small price they're asking. But
it's so poorly executed that I feel guilty suggesting you help support the creation of any more
poorly put together "lessons".
20 of 20 magicians found this helpful.
The fact of the matter is, while the concept is easy enough to grasp, it is NOT 100% accurate.. so
much so that there's an out included in the dvd. Several factors have to be accounted for before
choosing the proper spectator, otherwise you'll have to rely on the out provided (or another out
you've prepared.) If this type of mentalism/magic is your thing, by all means its worth a look, but
unfortunately I'll be shelving this one.
11 of 12 magicians found this helpful.
An outstanding TOOL in mentalism. There are SO MANY applications! The method is great, and it works
99% of the time. If the really skeptical spectator tries to ruin the trick, Matt gives you a great
routine as an out. If you don't like the out provided, with a little creativity, you can definitely
create your own. He also includes an AWESOME billet tear (peek not a switch) that I have actually
stumped magicians with. Is this product really worth 15 dollars? ABSOLUTELY! Here is why:
1. You don't get 2 tricks on this DVD, you get 2 TOOLS that can be used in your mentalism
routine. The applications are only limited to your creativity. Plus, these tools are IMPROMPTU!
2. The quality of this DVD is excellent, as are all the Paper Crane Magic DVDS. The music fits
well.
3. The DVD is well organized, with bonus features, and OPTIONAL trailers.
4. You get a practice section on the extras section, and you can see Matt's performances to
learn from and study.
5. The ad is EXACTLY as advertized.
In conclusion,
Technique has enhanced my performances, given me CRAZY reactions, and some easy to master impromptu
miracles. It took me 2 performances to master, and on a level of one to ten in difficulty, it would
be a 2! (10 being advanced, 1 being very easy.)
The whole effect is 9/10, because not
everything is perfect.
Recommended or not recommended? Definitely Recommended! :)
8 of 8 magicians found this helpful.
I was somewhat disappointed. I found that most people know that you are just looking at how they
write it and that anyone can tell what a person is doing. Like most videos you see they always leave
a part out so they make sure you buy it then when you get it you know that you were right all along
and you get iritated.
8 of 9 magicians found this helpful.
Clever but you can't turn away!! Not sure if I'll use this.
7 of 8 magicians found this helpful.
At first I was excited about this. I practiced with the helpful tests at the end. (however they
should have given more trials and more than two people as this is hard to learn without live
practice and the video is a great way to sub that. However I went to describe this great thing I
was learning to a female friend and she said "Aren't you just able to.." and she had the method
without ever seeing it.
So this one got pushed aside since I just was not sure the effort would
worth it. I think if you can appear to not be in eye shot, you could use it. I am sure it can work
in many situations but without the practice you could fail. They needed more practice sessions with
more people to be able to drill .
6 of 8 magicians found this helpful.
I open my adult stand-up show with a mentalism routine that goes from one mind reading effect to
another. When I saw the demo for this, I thought this would be perfect to enhance the joining of
the 2 effects. I was a bit nervous that the method would not allow me to do what I needed to do,
but for the price, it would not be a huge loss.
As it turns out, the method is actually more
practical for what I am doing than what it is normally used for, and is perfect for me!
I
first tested it on my girlfriend and daughter and figured 'what the heck', and time tested it. It
took about a dozen times before they started to even get suspicious about the method!
I don't
agree with a previous review stating that the entire concept should have been explained quickly in
print. It possibly could have, but Matthew provides plenty of helpful information about it, and the
bonus effect actually ended up solving another very similar problem I was having with a different
routine!
This was more than worth the $ for me, and will help me a lot! If you are looking for
2 great methods to 'read minds' for next to nothin'... add to cart!
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
Ok, for starters I guessed the method easily and of course said no, it can't be. Well, it was. Now
it may just be me but any time you do a trick like this everyone wants to make sure you are not
looking at their drawing so you don't see the hand motions (yes you really don't see their hand
motions but you have to look at them and they are always checking to make sure you aren't. That
basically defeats the trick. I didn't have a good experience with this but that may just be me. I
could be missing something. I see this more as an improvement on a basic mentalist method not a new
trick. Just my thoughts. Hope it was helpful.
4 of 5 magicians found this helpful.
Truth be told, the hype made me think that I'd be getting something different, perhaps something
that I hadn't heard of or thought of before. Now, having said that, Mello's "Technique" is a
wonderful way to do something that will rock the audience, provided that you don't let on how it
works (which is way too easy to do - you need to be careful!). I like it, I use it, and would only
recommend it if you're smart enough to understand the angles and the deception involved, and be able
to keep the secret safe!
Lee
3 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
wow. cool technique for mind reading. so simple. completely impromptu. no gimmicks. you just need a
pen and a notebook to write.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
Today, when you order "TECHNIQUE by Matthew Mello", you'll instantly be emailed a Penguin Magic gift certificate. You can spend it on anything you like at Penguin, just like cash. Just complete your order as normal, and within seconds you'll get an email with your gift certificate.
FREE SHIPPING TO THE UNITED STATES. This product qualifies for PENGUIN FLAT-PACK™ (World-wide free shipping)
Great concept, lousy product.
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