Magic Tricks

Pretend you've arrived at an out of town show...and your precious props aren't with you. No Multi-Di**nsional. No MOABT. No MindBus*er. Nada. I think most of us could manage as long as we could get to an office supply store. But with this DVD collection, you'll learn some of Richard Osterlind's solutions to all of the above without using anything high-tech. This is a DVD set with a pile of usable routines that have been tested in the real world by Osterlind.

You won't run across many mentalists who haven't been influenced by Osterlind in one way or another. His thinking, props and L&L DVDs have been teaching performers for 45 years. That's the inspiration behind his newest 2 DVD set: "The Sapphire Collection." There are 15 effects presented in the four hours...all original to Osterlind. Some use his specialized props. Many use props you already have -- or can acquire for a couple of dollars.

If you purchased Six Shooter, you're familiar with some of the material. Or if you're one of the many that picked up Numeric Vortex, Transparent Forces, a Dynamo Deck or a Whispering Die Box -- you're familiar with the basic workings of these props. What's new? On these DVDs you can see them presented to a live audience and then go backstage with Osterlind and Jim Sisti to learn the inner workings...and many of the nuances behind those presentations. "Nuance" is a very important component of presentation. If you're a visual learner like me, SEEING these props and routines is also seriously useful.

Each DVD concludes with a discussion on mentalism -- which is easily one of the highlights of this set. Osterlind's controversial and he's passionate...but there's no discounting who he is and what he's accomplished. I am always challenged by what he says.

So if you've ever wondered what Osterlind would do with an imp pad...or how he uses his own creations -- these DVDs are a wonderful resource. If you're interested in what gears turn in his mind when he's designing a routine this is the one. All of the effects are audience tested, well designed and many are very simple to execute.

It's obviously a matter of personal preference...but from where I'm sitting, there are three gems in this collection: the Vinyl Folder Q and A is brilliant way to do this mentalism classic with items purchased in a stationary store. I've been using Osterlind's ThoughtScan or Banachek's Psychic Folio -- but this concept could be done in a pinch and I am delighted with the simplicity of it. (And here I was thinking I was the only one who used doub*e sided t*pe to hold those bill*ts in place. )

I loved the pendulum routine (and not just because he was using one of Sheree's creations) because, as with many of Osterlind's creations, this was simple to execute -- and can draw off the charts reactions from audience members. Pendulums are a big part of what I perform and I see many ways that the material Osterlind presents (or material using m**ked tarot or playing cards) would play very well.

One of the highlights for me was also the Poor Man's Book Test...which will literally cost you about a penny to perform...and can be used with any book. I first read this in Six Shooter...but the clarification on this DVD made a good concept crystal clear.

I also like the way this DVD looks. I like the camera angles...the editing. It has a wonderfully creative hand-made feel to it. Does that make sense?

If you're an Osterlind fan..."The Sapphire Collection" is a must have.