Exploring Magical Presentations by Eugene Burger

When it comes to entertaining with magic, presentation is more important than the trick itself. And to help improve presentation, Eugene Burger offers his "Exploring Magical Presentations" where he discusses themes that may be applied to tricks, as well as teaches some intriguing effects and presentations.

This DVD is almost like spending some time with the master and I think that almost all can walk away with considerable food for thought, some potential themes that may be applied to effects that they already perform and a few new tricks to try out. And most should have the potential to be stronger entertainers who can better involve their audiences.

Burger teaches The Black Envelope.You bring out a mysterious black envelope and set it in view. A spectator cuts a deck of cards and then begins to deal cards into your hands. The spectator is free to stop at any card. Of course, a card in the envelope matches the spectator's freely selected card.

With this as a start, Burger explores six different approaches and explains his own preferred presentation. Burger also offers some fascinating discussion on the various themes that may or may not work.

The remaining effects don't get the thorough analysis and discussion of The Black Envelope, but there are some good ones. In Fading Coin, an effect by Tomoyuki Takahashi, you ask a spectator to imagine different coins that are resting on the table. Using his or her imagination, the spectator picks up one of the virtual coins and places it into your hand. You then produce that coin in your hand. I really like this one and plan to try it out at my restaurants.

Invisibility Powder provides a vanish with a theme that can better involve audiences. An offbeat take on a Robert Neale effect, in Ob-ser-vo, two spectators view the same set of cards but come to different conclusions. This routine is a strong one that Burger uses in his corporate work.

Finally, Burger lends his magic touch to Out of This World. Burger's version of the Paul Curry classic involves a shuffled deck, an intriguing prop and an improved overall method. The impromptu aspect is similar to a version that was published Harry Lorayne. And technically, Burger cleans-up the ending.

None of the tricks is difficult to perform and there are no complicated sleights or methods. As in that classic line, "you can focus on presentation," this is the case here.

Purchase this DVD to improve your ability to involve audiences. You'll walk away with not only things to think about, but some strong presentations and effects. It's a win win scenario that can only strengthen your magic and make it more involving and entertaining.

-Wayne N. Kawamoto

MSRP: (US) $34.95

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