DVD Review: Celebration Of Sides by Robert Neale

Robert Neale, artist, topologist, philosopher and trickster, performs and explains a series of unusual and offbeat effects that are refreshingly different. Based on mathematical principles, geometry quirks, optical illusions and more, Neale’s take on semi-reality is always fascinating, and there are no coins or cards, the staple of most close-up DVDs.

I discovered two new items on the DVD that I am now regularly perform in my walkaround at restaurants. On the DVD, Neale is joined by noted magician Michael Weber who watches the effects, asks key questions and contributes to the discussion.

“Arrow of Good Fortune” is an optical effect that uses a special 3D arrow that you make yourself. The magician can make the arrow point either up and down at will. While spectators will figure this one out, it’s an intriguing optical effect that Neale dresses with a motivational theme, thus the routine’s title.

If you know the old trick where you ask a spectator to tie a knot in a rope without letting go (click here to read our description), “(K)not Magic” offers a means to make it look as if you can, without crossing your arms. I thought that this was simply a throwaway stunt, but was astounded to find that the effect got good reactions.

The best effect, “Whatsabox!” offers an intriguing paper box in which the bottom immediately becomes the top and the top the bottom. The magician can show a box with two bottoms-one on each side, or two tops. And with some manipulation, a small ball can be held in place in a box with two bottoms, or allowed to roll out on either side, contributing to the overall illusion.

“Inside The Beltway” is Neale’s take on an old gambling scam, a take on classic “Fast & Loose” that’s performed with a belt. A belt is twisted into a spiral which leaves two openings in the middle. Spectators choose to insert their finger into one opening and try to find the one that doesn’t catch (hold “fast”) their finger. But alas, the spectator is always wrong. While seemingly fair, the magician maintains full control.

An offbeat effect, “Trapdoor” offers a door that is manipulated in such a way that spectator can be immediately placed on either side of a cardboard “wall.” In this one, the spectator is the only person who doesn’t know what’s going on, so it’s a one-on-one type of effect (the spectator is asked to shut his eyes), or if an audience is watching, they are in on the secret.

The most esoteric and least interesting is “Borromean Rings,” which consists of a series of interlinked rings that can be overlaid in different ways.

An effect that others have marketed as a trick, “Brick Wall” is a fun, puzzle-style illusion. The magician shows that two puzzle pieces fit together to form a rectangle. Simple enough. But when the pieces are turned around and fit together again, there’s an opening in the middle. This one is bewildering. I really liked this one and now carry it around at my restaurants where it gets good reactions.

Finally, Neale offers a segment where he shows how to fold the “Bunny out of Hat” origami figure out of a dollar bill. The sculpture allows a magician to show a small top hat and then cause a tiny rabbit to jump out. I know that this is a hard figure to make, having tried to decipher the directions in Neale’s book. This video segment is a big help.

If you’re looking for different and offbeat effects, you’ll find it here in Neale’s “Celebration Of Sides.” And this one is just fun to watch for the refreshingly different tricks.

Wayne N. Kawamoto

MSRP: (US) $29.95

Click here to watch a video clip.

Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.