One of the most fascinating things in the world, to me, is the history of magic. I have a true
passion for the art, and I think that on many, many levels magic is possibly heading in a wrong
direction.
People - magicians and lay people alike - have lost the respect for the art. I
think it's that level of respect felt by men like Vernon and Marlo and Paul Harris and others that
makes a magician truly study and invest him/herself into our art.
I've sensed for a long
time, however, that people are losing that passion and interest. Magic, on some levels, has been
reduced to a bunch of kids who think that if they own an invisible deck that they'll be as "cool" as
Angel or Blaine.
It's a bit depressing sometimes. However, along comes Donna Zuckerbrot, an
excellent film producer with a passion for the mysterious and strange, to save the day! I think it's
safe to say that most people like a good documentary if it's about an interesting subject, and
what's more interesting than a DVD with a title like "The Houdini Code."
The great thing
about the Donna Zuckerbrot films is that they have a wide appeal. They're not for "magicians only."
It was a Houdini book I read as a kid that sparked my obsession with magic. The stories and events
in his life, the rich history, his love of the art was all very exciting to me. It inspired me.
However, In today's world of nobody-reads-a-book-anymore-because-video-is-easier, Donna
Zuckerbrot, has in her grasp, the ability to single-handedly shift the tracks of the magic train to
an even more wonderful route and direction.
The Houdini Code was inspiring, fascinating,
thorough, exciting and more. I absolutely loved it. It gets my highest recommendation. I think
everyone should watch this. I really can see this film inspiring some young magicians to become
serious students and develop a true passion for this amazing art that soooooo many people take for
granted.
As for the style, cinematography, etc... one word: Brilliant. This is top quality
professional work here, not some low-budget group of magicians filming stuff in their backyards.
This is Hollywood-level quality and production value. I see no downside to owning this DVD. In fact,
with a price tag of $20.00 bucks, the only down-side I see is that if you don't own it, it means
you shouldn't wasted your money on food; you should have ordered this DVD. GEM!
