If you ever wanted to perform a grand illusion like those seen on television or on the Las Vegas
stage, then this lesson is for you. Unlike the rest of Penguin Tarbell series, the title of Lesson
90 includes Dan Harlan’s name, giving proper credit to the host for his masterwork in redesigning
these presentations.
Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed learning how these effects are done,
even though I will never saw someone in half or drive a bed of spikes through their body (so chill
ex-girlfriends/assistants).
For those with higher aspirations, Mr Harlan does an excellent
job in showing you how to build these illusions on a budget, with an eye as always, towards mobility
and transport. The explanations not only detail HOW to do something but WHY, along with helpful
tips, including places to buy specialized parts and equipment. This information is worthwhile to
anyone who uses stage props so don’t discard this lesson just because you never plan to perform “The
Sword Box” or “Girl in the Trunk.”
As a final note, all these illusions require two
assistants and sometimes three so they cannot be done solo.
3 of 3 magicians found this helpful.
I don’t often post reviews, many reasons but the main one is I’m a working pro and I don’t have
enough time, BUT on this occasion, I have to... DAN HARLEN knocked right out the ballpark with this
one; Dan has done a fantastic job bringing the Tarbell books to life in this series and more
importantly taking the old classics and birthing new life into them for modern audiences, but this
episode 90 is DAN HARLEN at his best. I LOVE IT and so will you if you have never looked at the
Tarbell series before this is the one that will change your mind for sure. So give it a try you
won’t be disappointed...
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
Dan has outdone himself! I always enjoy Dan's illusion lessons because they focus on being practical
for any size stage and for (almost) any budget. But even those with no interest in stage illusions
can find valuable insights as Dan explains the secret, the construction, his thought process, and
staging tips (for a VERY small stage, too).
In this lesson Dan infuses some very tired
illusions with new life. His complete remake of the old sawing illusion is worth ten times the price
of this lesson by itself. Best of all, he has built these for a few hundred dollars each, making
them practical for a local holiday show or similar small venue.
If you have any interest in
illusion, stagecraft, theming, or just want some inspiration on how to rethink a dusty old effect,
this lesson is for you.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
Dan Harlan is #1 in my book and these are some of the coolest illusions. I was fooled - he shared
different methods in order to redo the tricks later in the show again a different way. I really
enjoyed this!
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
Dan delivers 5 times the cost of this download. For $20, these stage illusions are the best you'll
ever see. Exquisitely detailed and performed by the Master himself.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
Even for somebody like me, who is not into doing big illusions, this was a great lesson. You not
only learn the secrets but also the thinking of Dan Harlan when he updates and simplifies these
effects.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
The title of my review says it all!!!
These are great illusions so well explained and
constructed that you will want to perform them!
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
These are big illusions, but they don't require big wallets. The upright sawed-in-half illusion
looks good and is surprisingly affordable.
The explanations are much better than Harlan
Tarbell's. I suspect he didn't have much experience with these tricks.
There is some
cutting away to long-shots during the performances that I didn't like. This is supposed to be
educational. Let me see if there are potential weaknesses in the tricks.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
I am constantly in awe of Dan and his abilities to make "trash" play so well. I have been a
subscriber since the start of this project, and I can say that ever lesson has some great stuff in
it.
In this lesson Dan outdoes himself. If you have ever wanted to add an illusion to your
show, this is GOLD. Some of you, like to carry a briefcase and illusions are not something that you
can ever see yourself doing. You should still order this lesson because:
1, Dan's advice
along the way is always very good and has been tested by a genuine worker.
2. When a mall
manager calls and asks "can you make Santa, the easter bunny, or someone appear in a show.
In
short, this is a great lesson, someone else will be getting paid for the Santa gig.
Best,
SamLam
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
If you have any interest in stage illusions, this is required viewing. These are all box illusions
but Dan of course gives them his own spin, resulting in effects much more interesting than anything
you could buy from a magic dealer. Dan also gives construction notes, so even if you are Tim "The
Toolman" Taylor you can build something useful and beautiful.
That alone more than justifies
buying this lesson, but his sawing a person in half effect is fantastic, and his sword box is
absolutely superlative! I simply can't do justice to it!
BUY THIS LESSON! HELL, BUY THE WHOLE
SERIES. I DID!