Recently at the Magic Castle, I had the privilege of seeing Doc Eason work his amazing and entertaining magic at the Castle's bar. Of course, Eason is a legend in the world of bar magic, and if you can't see him live, his DVD, "...after all these years..." is the next best thing. This performance-only DVD shows the master at work and there's lots to learn when watching an accomplished entertainer who's done this, at the time of the taping, for 26 years.
Eason's amazing run at the World Famous Tower Comedy Magic Bar in Snowmass Village, Colorado, in 2003-the time of the taping, was 14,560 shows. This DVD presents effects from shows 14,561 and 14,562.
While the DVD is performance only with no explanations, there's lots to be learned. Of course, after performing over 14,000 shows, Eason's act, effects, presentation, audience interaction, crowd control and comedic timing are burnished to near perfection.
Eason learns the names of his audience to increase their participation and, when necessary, maintain their attention. Throughout the performances, you can see Eason subtly checking to see whether audience members need drinks-a staple of bar magic and the business side of the art. He also keeps the bartender in the minds of his audiences.
Throughout, Eason artfully maintains the crowd of drinkers, who, under the effect of alcohol, could become somewhat unpredictable. He's probably seen everything that you can think of. And should he want to tell his favorite stories, there's probably an entire DVD's worth.
The DVD presents six effects. The "Disappearing Knife" is Eason's color-changing knife routine. His "Card Transposition" offers a two-phase routine where spectators select cards, which are found and then switch locations. The Puzzle is a mind-blower that is perfect for people who are drinking. This effect used a prop that I had never before seen. Eason's Torn & Restored Card happens in a pay envelope and stupefies the crowd.
My favorite segment was "Bar Bets." Here, Eason tells the entertaining story of how he was once burned by a customer's bar bet, and then performs a series of bar bets with an olive, glass and hat that culminates in a stunning climax. The final effect on the DVD is Eason's Card on the Ceiling.
The video is well shot with two different camera angles edited together to maintain a good view of the magic. The sound quality is decent. Eason was adequately miked during the taping, but when the crowd goes wild in response to his antics, the volume tends to jump to a high level.
"...after all these years..." offers no explanations to teach you tricks, but there's lots to learn by watching Doc Eason. And simply sitting back and watching this master at work is reason enough to add this DVD to your library.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
