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A review fo In The Trenches with Paul Green will be appearing here in a little while!
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ok, finally!! I managed to give this DVD a quick going over this afternoon so I thought I'd do a review to ease the suspense! Hope it satisfies.
In the Trenches - Paul Green
http://www.penguinmagic.com/europe/product.php?ID=725
In The Trenches contains:
Jeopardy - This is considered to be one of the best presentations of the triple prediction. This effect literally UNFOLDS (prop included) and announces a series of card predictions that would make Alex Trebec’s head spin!
This effect is worth the price of the DVD in itself. It is awesome! The triple prediction is such a kick-them-in-the-head-type kicker. I was performing this within 5 minutes of watching the explaination. I can't do this one justice with words so I suggest you watch the video on Penguin.
2 Copper Silver - An eye-popping coin routine with the ever-popular 2 Copper Silver coin set (it also works with Silver, Copper, Brass). There are three distinct transpositions and it’s easy to do. Features Paul’s ‘Pouch Switch’ that elegantly ditches the gaffs and leaves you clean as a whistle.
If you use the 2 copper silver set or even the silver, copper, brass set this is a great handling and it does leave you clean as a whistle.
KB/PG Sponge Balls - Inspired by Ken Brooke, this audience tested routine has everything from vanishes, transpositions, and changes – all the way down to mini spongeballs!!
Again a very nice routine. It's fast paced and action packed with all the trimmings. Persoanally however, I think it needs a bit of work because I think a more intellectual or sharp audience would pick it up very quickly.
Mission Impossible - One of Paul’s most requested tricks as he becomes a spy and the secret documents (a signed playing card) appears in the most unusual place. – A mini-briefcase!
A nice little effect but nothing spectacular. As with amny of these effects they are Paul's and Paul's alone. This is one of those.
Above, Beside, or Below - Coins across that really surprises your audience. Perfect for strolling venues as it’s all done in their hands.
A very nice coins across routine that is perfect for strolling. However, I personally think it needs a little tweaking for the same reasons as the sponge ball routine. A sharp spectator would pick it up very quickly.
Here, There, and Chicago Too - Combining the classic ‘Here, There, and Everywhere’ plot with the ‘Chicago Opener’, this routine will fool your audience – hard! Not as tough as you think.
I like the handling of the moves used in this effect but that's about it. The moves are over used (as with many of the effects) leaving the method open for all.
Four On the Floor - With the help of J.C. Wagner, your audience will scream as they go through the twists and turns of this card revelation.
Out of all the effects on this DVD I think that this is the worst. Personally I find the presentation ugly and not very convincing.
Coming Together - Based on Peter Samuelson’s ‘New York Transpo,’ this is Paul’s take on bringing two spectators together Anniversary Waltz style. Two separate signatures end up on the same card – and it uses normal cards!
I like this effect but only for its inspiration value. Its helped me to iron out a few issues with one of my effects. Again another trick that should really only be used by Paul.
The Rope Routine - Fabulous, great, unbelievable handling for the Professor’s Nightmare. It will fool you even if you already do the routine.
I ove this handling for a rope routine. It combines to classic effects ina very fluid way. When I first saw the whole routine it confused me because at first I thought I was watching a cut and restored rope then I thought I was watching the professor's nightmare, then I realised it was both! Amazing. The method and handling are very good aswell.
Flying Eagles - A classic coin routine sprinkled with dynamic touches that make it a hard-hitting and striking piece of magical theater.
Another nice coins accross routine but again the moves are over used and I think it is a very personal routine. However, it is good for inspiration value.
Overall:
In the introduction to this DVD Paul mentions, although does not specify, that he would like this material to inspire rather than become part of a performance repertoire. He also makes it clear that this is magic that is very commercial and he has made money with this magic (yes, he is a pro) but it is his magic that is personal to him.
In all honesty I can say that all but one of these effects as they are will not be becoming part of my routines. However, I have gotten alot of very useful ideas and inspiration from this DVD, primarily in terms of methods or handling due to the fact that Paul has a very individual style, almost vaudeville.
The one exclusion that I mentioned would have to be Jeopardy. This effect blew me away the first time I saw it and when I sa the handling that blew me away aswell because its so simplistic. This really is a killer effect.
Paul's teaching style is very thourough and he goes into great detail bout each effect and for that I have to praise him. He is a good teacher.
Overall: 7/10 (Jeopardy = 11/10)
Price: £15.09
From: http://www.penguinmagic.com/europe/product.php?ID=725