The Web Illusion Vol 3
Patrick Richardson
Lance Richardson
Our world is filled with unique creatures that appear to have magical abilities. Take the spider, for instance: it creates a beautiful work of art, then disappears like magic until prey stumbles into its trap. In this illusion, two volunteers prove that a 40-foot rope is real and solid before it's tied to a metal frame, creating a "web." The magician stands behind the web of rope, then his hands are tied and the lower part of his body is covered with a cloth. In an instant, he steps through the rope, drops the cloth, and reveals to the audience that he has "melted" through the impenetrable web. An impossible feat for any creature other than a spider...well, up until now!
This book provides every detail to build this effect. A working mockup/prototype was built and photographed from every angle, providing a clear look at the featured effect. Along with detailed images from all angles, there is a complete set of workshop plans with ALL the measurements required and written details on performance, routine and building. I am sure you will find this the most comprehensive set of workshop plans available.
- Self Contained
- Extremely Visual
- Involves the audience
- Detailed performance tips
- The performers hands and head are in FULL view throughout the effect
- Jim Steinmeyer
Pages: 24 - 8.5" x 11" - Softcover - Black and white illustrations and photos
Reviews
(Top ▲)
For $35 bucks you get a very clear and thorough explanation with detailed diagrams and photos of how to build this illusion. The question for you is whether or not you would do the illusion. In other words, do you like the illusion? I can't answer whether you like the effect or not, obviously. But I can tell you if the method is doable.
It totally is. Frankly I'm not that found of the effect itself, but you may be, so if you liked the demo, you'll be very happy with your purchase. Just keep in mind that you're only buying instructions on how to build the illusion. You'll still need to buy a bunch of steel or aluminum tubing and sheets along with the needed hardware and rope. Further you'll need access to a tack welder (both the device and the person).
The book is quality and very well laid out. I've read illusion books like this before, and they can be a very dry and difficult read. This one was not. It was interesting, simple and clear. The only complaint I have is that on at least 2 different occasions the author mentions a specific part you'll need. He then says that he bought them online. On one occasion he even includes the actual part number and says he buys them from a "source online." He then proceeds to tell us that a Google search for such and such keywords will turn up the results you need to buy these products.
Um . . . why didn't you just give us the actual website you used? Other than that and a couple of well placed (for my amusement?) typos there's not much else to say. If you like the effect seen in the trailer, you'll be able to build that very illusion with this book. Based on the method, I believe that that illusion shown in the demo is exactly what it will look like in performance.
The only caveat I would throw in here is that you need to be a fairly coordinated and relatively agile to be able to do this. I'm not talkin' acrobat or gymnast level here, just the ability to carefully maneuver yourself through the "secret."
Final Verdict:
4.5 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem.