ATTENTION: The Thing Platinum Upgrade is intended for owners of the original version of The Thing by Bill Abbott, or those who constructed their own based on the instructions given on the Bill Abbott Performs Magic For Kids DVD Set. For those interested in a complete package that includes the necessary gimmicked and ungimmmicked cloths please check out Bill Abbott's The Thing Platinum Edition Package being released in late December 2008.

Over a decade and a half in the making, The Thing Platinum Upgrade Package quite literally takes the original to new heights. As described by Joe M. Turner of Genii Magazine, "The Thing is the most practical, portable, self-contained, angle proof levitation effect you can imagine, and I've used it often." Now you can experience everything else The Thing can do! Here are The Thing Platinum Upgrade Features...

The Pocket Thing
Picture yourself performing the most practical, portable, self-contained, angle-proof levitation directly under the noses of your audiences. Bill Abbott has included a portable box and an all-new handling using the original gimmick you already have, so you'll be armed with everything you need to perform The Pocket Thing.

Intensive Routine Training
Bill Abbott conducts an intensive training session unlike any other, to accomplish one goal - for you to perfect the routine! Whether you perform The Thing on stage or up close, the training sequences have been designed to straighten the learning curve so you can perform the world's most practical levitation with confidence and to perfection.

The Wildbaum Sessions
So you think you know The Thing? Cirque Du Soleil artist Paul Wildbaum takes The Thing in new directions in studio sessions that cover the illusion of emptiness, body isolation, point fix, resistance, breathing, stage movement, character development and motivation. The Wildbaum Sessions will provide you with the tools you need to take your routine to the next level.

The Conversation
Sit down with the creator Bill Abbott and Paul Wildbaum for an in-depth examination of how The Thing came to be and the history of it's development.

Also revealed are the reasons for the new Platinum Edition, why simple is not always easy, originality, personality, live performance, improvisation, imitation and repetition, natural acting, character, back story, inner monologue, emotional segues and the real secrets of how to connect with any audience.

Music Themes
The Thing Platinum Upgrade features a compact disc with 8 all-new music themes, in addition to the original 6 themes, so you can choose the right vibe for your show. Each theme has been carefully constructed and composed specifically for The Thing and is royalty-free so you can use it in any public or private space, on the web and on T.V.

The Poster
Included with The Platinum Upgrade is a double-sided poster with the original routine in photographic sequence on one side taking you step-by-step through the entire performance and on the flip-side is The Pocket Thing handling. Just adhere it to a wall or your practice mirror and begin.

The Workshop Notes
Included on the DVD are Bill Abbott's Workshop Notes that were previously only available to those who attended Bill's exclusive Thing Workshop. The Workshop Notes PDF can be easily accessed by inserting the DVD into any computer (PC or MAC) and opening the DVD-ROM contents from the disc.

The Thing - Platinum Upgrade Kit contains: DVD, Music CD and The Pocket Thing prop box.

DVD Running Time Approximately 120min
CD Running Time Approximately 35min