Price$29.95
Media TypeVideo Tape (VHS)
CategoryGeneral
Date AddedMar 16, 2003
Celebration of Sides
Neale, Robert E. & Michael Weber
Murphy's Magic
(Based on 1 review)
Mr. Neale is joined by Michael Weber as they discuss miraculous plots with items like impossible boxes, walls that have invisible holes and multidirectional arrows (objects easily found in any alternative dimension.) Note that there are no cards and no coins, just fresh impossibilities that will confound, enlighten, and delight both you and your audiences.
Included are: Arrow of Good Fortune, (K)not Magic, Whatsabox., Inside The Beltway, Trapdoor, Borromean Rings, Brick Wall and a special bonus of Robert Neale’s famous Bunny Bill.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
A Celebration of Sides, The Nonsense World of Robert Neale is now available on DVD. This video was originally released in VHS format in 2001. It is a bit odd to find a magic video today that does not include at least one card trick, but viewers will not find any card material on this DVD. How refreshing! Instead, Robert Neale shares eight pieces of magic that use objects as diverse as index cards, bits of string, a belt, and a dollar bill. Mr. Neale is joined by Michael Weber, who acts as a guide through Neale's topsy-turvy world. Production values are simple but effective, and Mr. Neale is meticulous in crediting each piece.
Mr. Neale's passion for puzzles is evident in much of this DVD. While some of the material may be best suited to educators and others who work with children, there are a few gems here for the creative performer of magic for grown-ups. "Inside the Beltway" is a clever way to perform the old "Fast and Loose" game using an ungaffed belt. My favorite piece on this DVD, "Whatsabox," utilizes a special box constructed from index cards. The top and bottom of the box change places repeatedly and in a way that seems to mystify the performer, but in fact the box is under the performer's control at all times. The presentational possibilities for this effect seem almost limitless.
The video also includes one of Robert Neale's signature creations: the "Bunny Bill." Many years ago, Mr. Neale created an origami fold that makes a dollar bill resemble a tiny top hat. At the end of the routine, a little dollar-bill bunny is produced out of the hat. The routine has been in print for over forty years, but this is the first time it has been explained on video. Viewers who, like me, have a tough time folding paper models based on printed instructions will understand the value of the instructions provided on this DVD.
I must admit that this video probably won't appeal to the performer who is looking to add something flashy to his or her set. If, however, you are a performer seeking creative and unusual ideas, then I think you will find several pieces here to delight and inspire you.