I'll go on record right now and say that if you don't own the three Videomind DVDs you need to get 'em now . . . even if you're not into mentalism. There is a ton of great information, ideas, concepts, routines, etc. to be gained from this DVD set.

"Phase Three: Stage Mentalism" is no exception. My only real complaint about this series is that each DVD had too few effects. I believe that all of the material would have fit on one DVD. I understand where they're going with the three "phases" - Close Up, Parlor and Stage, so I "get" why they did 3 DVDs. But I think that there should have been a few more effects per DVD or fewer DVDs.

That aside, I'm still highly recommending this.

Since there are only five effects on the DVD, I'll give each one some attention.

First, The Title
Second, The "Official" Ad Copy
Third, My Comments
Fourth, Rating

Effect: Goal Mine
Ad Copy: This is an ideal opener: a routine of mental persuasion that serves to establish the performer's credentials, gets several audience members involved, has a climax that virtually guarantees laughter and applause - and all of the props can fit in your breast pocket.
My Comments: All true. This is a nice take on the "Bank Night" concept and leaves the audience smiling rather than feeling like they just missed out on a $100 bucks.
Rating: 4 Stars

Effect: Tossed-Out Tech
Ad Copy: One of the most valuable techniques of mentalism has also been one of the least understood - until now. This section covers an effect that has been a feature item in Max Maven's professional repertoire for over two decades. This is not a basic "bare bones" description; it is an in-depth analysis; knowledge developed through years of study, and honed during thousands of performances. The information that is disclosed here constitutes a virtual "post-graduate course" in mentalism.
My Comments: This is probably my favorite version of the "Tossed Out Deck." Maven streamlines the effect and gives it just the right subtle touches to really make this feel like true mind reading.
Rating: 4 Stars


Effect: Khan Artist
Ad Copy: The performer forecasts how members of the audience will rearrange a set of symbols. The props are so uncomplicated, so innocent in appearance... it's no wonder that this deceptively simple effect has hoodwinked some of the keenest minds in the business.
My Comments: Very clean and simple to do. It's pretty much self working. It will require making a whole new gimmick for each performance, but it's probably worth it.
Rating: 3.5 Stars


Effect: Contimental
Ad Copy: Could there be more direct exhibition of mindreading? Consider this: A spectator thinks of an international location; the mentalist reveals it. The end. There's no advance work, nothing is written down, and there are no props required. You can even perform this over the telephone.
My Comments: This is freaky. If you're not familiar with the concept in use, it looks like pure mind reading. The best part about this is that you could do this any time anywhere. Once you've mastered the method, you can literally have a spectator think of country and you reveal it. Best thing on the disk.
Rating: 5 Stars


Effect: Psign
Ad Copy: A prediction, quick and to the point. A large board is displayed, back-out. A spectator selects one of eight different designs, which proves to be the very one printed on the front of the board. The participant can stay seated in the audience - leaving the performer alone on stage at the finish, to accept all of the applause.
My Comments: This one is almost "cute" to me. It's good, solid, and baffling, and I'm pretty sure the performance will fool you, but it's a little "propy" and meaningless. Whereas the rest of the effects have more of a structure or meaning to them, this one . . . not so much.
Rating: 3 Stars

The average star rating for the effects is 3.9 . . . let's round that up and add in the value you get from watching a true pro, but minus out a bit for having too few effects for the price, and you're left with a total GEM with 4.5 stars.