Sorry, this might be "heresy" to criticize the work of one of magic's "greats"... but this DVD was a
complete waste of money. It was like spending an hour with everyone else smoking dope, when you're
not... they all seem to think everything is funny and clever, and you don't.
Paul's come
up with some great ideas of the years, and there's no doubting his skill - but this DVD is NOT an
example of that. Maybe if presented radically differently I might see it all differently, but
honestly it was just painful to watch these folks squatting on the floor being shown tricks that
were - if you ain't smoking somethin' - really not that astonishin'.
Very disappointing
purchase. There was really a "Kings New Clothes" feeling here - why isn't everyone else giving this
one star?
4 of 5 magicians found this helpful.
I was hoping for better. I really like Paul's excellent teaching style and calm voice and demeanor.
Super easy to learn from. But the effects on this video are like the rejects from the art of
astonishment books. Sorry, but Flesh has never been that impressive. Unshuffling Rebecca is OK but I
would just rather do a real Triumph. None of these routines are all the difficult so if you are
looking for some easy material then you will probably find something good.
3 of 3 magicians found this helpful.
I love Paul Harris magic
but hated this dvd
1 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
Had they excluded the over-the-top private reactions, this dvd would be more tolerable.
Nonetheless, the effects themselves are fun and quite varied.
My favorites is night shades,
then shape of astonishment followed by angel case. If you have the AOA box set, the angel case
gimmick gets used in a different routine.
These three are not knuckle busters, just like
the others being taught.
They're visual and visceral.
1 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
ANGEL CASE ALONE IS WORTH THE PRICE OF THE ENTIRE DVD. THIS IS A VERY CLEVER EXAMINABLE CARD BOX
GIMMICK THAT CAN BE USED TO SWITCH IN ANYTHING YOU WANT SUCH AS DOLLAR BILLS OR CARDS. YOU
IMAGINATION IS UNLIMITED WITH THIS GIMMICK. I CAN'T RECOMMEND THIS ENOUGH. I'M RATING THIS 10/5
STARS.
I like this DVD project. Sure, it's a little strange the way it was put together, but at the end of
the day it's the effects that matter. I love seeing PH work regardless. I really like Unshuffling
Rebecca, Nightshades, Shape of Astonishment, and Fizz Master. Wayne Houchin likes Fizz Master so
much that he used it in his stage show. The other effects are fair, but not my cup-o-tea.
Regardless, I highly recommend this to anyone. The effects are not difficult from a technical
standpoint.
I really enjoyed the boomerang card bit. I would do it differently, because it is just too
difficult for me to do it the way he teaches, but it was the first time I saw someone explain it and
it inspired me to come up with a method that works for me. However, the DVD was put together in a
wierd way, with a LOT of talk talk talk before getting to an effect. Then, it was really wierd that
after each effect, the spectator would get with his or her friends to tell them how amazing the
trick was. I didn't quite get why it was important to sit through someone telling someone else why
Paul's trick was so amazing. Maybe there is something I am supposed to learn from this. Perhaps it
shows the differences between what is said and done in performance and the way it is remembered
afterward. All in all, not bad, but now the best DVD.
Paul Harris' Art of Astonishment books are some of the best magic books out there. On this DVD you
will learn some of the best stuff featured in those books. The improve nightshades, Backlash, and
Unshuffling Rebecca are probably the best tricks on the whole DVD but you may feel otherwise. If you
can't afford to buy the books, this is a great way to start.
Today, when you order "Art Of Astonishment by Paul Harris - DVD", 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)
like being the only one at the party not smoking dope
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Good but not for me
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astonishing
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Paul Harris The Art of Astonishment
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