Standing Room Only : Volume 1 - 3 (DVD) by Steve Draun

Over the years, Steve Draun has gained a laudable reputation as one of the finest sleight-of-hand experts in the magic underground. By perfecting and re-perfecting his magic, magicians from around the world were invariably fooled, stunned and affected. Back in the day, Steve Draun's work was often discussed in hushed tones. However, as time went on, Draun's focus shifted from fooling the greatest minds in magic to performing for laymen. Now, his vast and varied audiences see only the best of the best of the best.

AMBITIOUS CARD - Anyone can construct an Ambitious Card routine. You just combine a number of different phases. However, constructing a routine that's magical from the instant it starts and builds upwards from there is rarely done. This is one of the best!!

$100 BILL SWITCH - A hilarious presentation which solves many problems - including the clean up!

KNOTTED SILKS - New wrinkles added to Slydini's classic routine, including a surprise Vernon variation.

VANISHING CIGARETTE - A lit cigarette completely and mysteriously vanishes. A super-clean handling that leaves them shaking their heads!

COLOR CHANGING KNIVES - Pocket knives repeatedly change color and then - get this! - are handed out for examination. You'll love the strong finish for this classic - and the fact that it automatically resets!

3 CARD MONTE - A powerful routine that will leave the spectators rubbing their eyes in disbelief! You'll also learn a new and unique ending.

CARDS ACROSS - A thoroughly professional routine with an original handling. You'll also pick up some valuable insights into palming, holding out and adding cards.

RING FLIGHT - The classic Flying Ring plot combined with information on how to construct your own gimmick that will rival anything currently on the market.

LINKING RINGS - Vernon's Symphony of the Rings with the Draun touch. Also discussed is a flaw that occurs when the routine is performed close up to which a very clever solution is offered that reinforces the illusion that all of the rings have been examined.

Running Time Approximately 1Hr 42Min

***

Review by Enrico Varella (Vice-President of IBM Ring 115, Singapore), Resident Advisor of Magic Boutique

Standing Room Only : Volume 1 - 3 (DVD) by Steve Draun

I propose my critique of DVDs using the Rewind Scoring System. If a DVD is worth watching, we replay it. The highest score is 5, and lowest being 0. More replays means worth watching again (and again). It does not mean that the magician is a poor communicator or being nonsensical. In that case, it will fall under the No Replay ranking.

Steve Draun is a very experienced magician, and he draws mostly from his book, Draun From Underground (Kaufman) as his main source of material. Draun is both competent in close-up as well as stage; Volume 1 covers mostly stage routines including the classics, and the 2 & 3 mainly, close-up with cards. The book by Richard Kaufman is long out of print, and I was pleased that my American book-dealer located one for me.

The value-add of this set of DVDs are the Master Workshops that are presented in the Bonus section. It was useful to learn the Second Deal, Bottom Deal, Centre Deal, Herrmann Turnover Pass, Midnight Shift (Draun’s ace-in-the-hole variant) and many useful, Underground moves. I think he will be responsible for reviving the interest in the Herrmann Turnover Pass, a more deceptive method which is in effect a shift. While you are practising it, do study the Invisible Pass (1946) by Jean Hugard – the get-ready makes it all the more easier to execute than the Classic (fast) Pass - some cardicians may disagree with me.

His take on the Second and Bottom deals is interesting, and practical because of his esoteric grip. He insists that we can extend our thumb beyond the upper corner of the deck, and upon some of my personal adjustments, I could. I must admit that dealing seconds and bottoms have become easier and less detectable (so far). Also, I can now do Draun’s Midnight Shift after I understood the mechanics of the Shift and Pass. He makes it easy to understand, and is a very entertaining performer even at his age. His hands are steady!

I fully recommend buying this set of DVDs. My favourite is Volume 2 with this menu (I barely edited the descriptions on the cover): OUT OF THIS WORLD - If you could accomplish this classic effect by real magic, it might look very much like this - the clean-up is that good! FAN GLIMPSE - If you are not already familiar with this now-standard method of glimpsing a peeked card, you are in for a real treat. If you already use it, you'll find some interesting presentational ideas. FACE-UP ACES - A quick, surprising trick taught to Steve Draun by Ed Marlo. I am doing this now, and it is akin to an un-gimmicked version of Mutanz (by Bob Farmer). Some original ideas were added and what emerged impresses all who see it. TENKAI PENNIES - An impossible-looking technique is used to accomplish this standard, but still powerful, trick.

MEMORY TRICK - A long-forgotten plot is updated and you're going to love the results! DECK VANISH is a stunning trick that features several new palming techniques. Also, a well-kept secret move for showing your pocket empty is revealed that you will use all of the time. WEB SHUFFLE is a great method for simultaneously culling and stacking using the riffle shuffle. Table card workers will find this relevant. UNEXPECTED LOCATION - The spectator is in control throughout. They shuffle, cut, remember a card, and then cut and shuffle some more. After all of that, the performer, after some amusing by-play, reveals the selection!

BONUS MATERIAL includes PORTENT ACES - One of Steve Draun's best items! An Ace-cutting trick par excellence! In MASTER PASS CLASS WORKSHOP, learn the moves that Steve Draun made his mark in the world of card magic with, including his touches on the Classic Pass, the Table Pass, the Herrmann Turnover Pass, and his own remarkable Midnight Shift. You'll also learn Jack Sandwich, a strong trick that incorporates some of the powerful techniques taught in this special workshop. If you've ever wanted to learn, or improve, the Pass, you'll find this Workshop to be an invaluable resource.

While you are at it, get his Real Man’s Wallet – I have used for the last 8 years and put my money on it (and selected, signed cards secretly in it). Draun is a respectful and effective performer, and he is on the money for most of his effects. They are as polished as Paul Gertner’s, is humorous, and an intelligent performer. He is the cardician equivalent of Richard Osterlind; both mature, entertaining and mischievously clever.

4 Replays

***

Posted by:
Ning ^_^

Personal Note:
These DVDs are gems! Enrico has given an extremely well-written review, which serious students of sleight of hand magic, would find very useful :) Steven Draun is quite a character and his moves are simply awesome. It'd be good to learn from these classics as they are solid acts you can use in a real performance setting and not just on Youtube *grin* Definitely a keeper!


Now available at www.MagicBoutique.sg

Dealers can purchase this directly from Murphy’s Magic Supplies, Inc. www.murphysmagicsupplies.com