Magic Tricks

In this 3 hrs, 15 mins long lecture, Van Der Put performs the following:
1. Visual Deck Producer. This is an appearing deck effect in which an unfolded card box is shown on both sides before being folded into box form. After a shake, the box is opened to reveal full deck of cards which can immediately be withdrawn for use.
2. VDP. As seen on Penn and Teller’s “Fool Us.” A card effect in which a signed selection changes, piece by piece into a predicted card, while keeping the spec’s signature intact.
3. Out of the Box. A card under box effect with an “in the spectator’s hands” ending.
4. Smoked. A marked (signed) cigarette replaced in a box of cigarettes—held by a spectator—first rises, then jumps out of the box.
5. Everything to Envelope (E.T.E.) A multi-phase routine, using 2 spectators, in which a signed bill and a signed card disappear, and end up in an apparently sealed envelope that also contains the performer’s business card.
6. Double Revelation “Think of a Card” Routine Using Two Spectators.
7. Dr. Daley’s Last Trick. This is a technically harder version, which is less clean than the original. I don’t see any practical advantage to this, and it doesn’t look particularly good in Van Der Put’s hands.
8. Flypaper. A card selection is quartered, leaving 1 piece with spectator. The remaining three pieces are used for an “at the fingertips” hand-to-hand translocation (a la 3-Fly). At the conclusion, the three pieces are restored; spec’s 4th piece fits the restored card.
9. 4 Cards’ Transposition. 4 of a kind, divided by color, are placed at the outer ends of the deck and the middle, respectively. Colors change places two times, before the 4 cards transform into the aces.

Most of these routines have been previously released. They can be found on Van Der Put’s Out of the Routine, DVD and VDP is sold separately. With the exception of VDP, most of the routines are based on common plots and well-known and recognizable techniques. There’s not much new, here; you’re simply getting a look at the repertoire of a professional close-up performer.

Van Der Put rambles a bit in the beginning; although he only demos 2 tricks to start, it isn’t until the 55 minute mark that he begins the first explanation. The tricks are decent. Some are strong, as indicated on previous reviews of this material (GENII, July, 2012). Items #7 and #9, not so much, in my opinion. His presentations are nil: “Now I do this, now I put this here.” You’re not getting more than just the workings of the tricks.

He discusses his development of a performer from clown and juggler to close-up magician to character-driven stage persona. This is interesting, but is more the type of thing I am used to hearing in a free podcast, rather than a (not free) DVD-style lecture. The tricks themselves are likely taught better on his DVD (although I haven’t seen it). Also, his previously released DVD has more material included.

His performance style is comedic (dry and sardonic-nearly obnoxiously so, when it comes to dealing with his spectators) and his presentations are barebones. At the same time, his performing personality is natural and he’s generally pleasant to watch.

Overall, not a huge “bang for your buck” on this one, due to the emphasis on anecdotes over magic; but if you’re dying to hear about the development of his Piff character, perhaps it’s for you.