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Zach Allen Elite user 466 Posts |
I wanted to start a thread to review the technical layout of some DVDs. In this thread I'm not interested in sound or lighting problems, rather the actual layout of the DVD itself in terms of performances and explanations. I'll be going through my DVD collection later today to pull out some examples, but I'll ask a few questions to get the ball rolling.
How do you guys prefer your DVDs to be set up? Do you like it when it is a performance, followed by the explanation? Or maybe you prefer to have all of the performances grouped together, and then all of the explanations grouped together. My ideal DVD would have all of the performances together, followed by all of the explanations. However, before the trick is explained the routine would be performed once more. For me, that would be the best way to have a DVD. What are your preferences? Also, if anyone could point out DVD's that they particulary liked because of the layout, that would be great as well. Zach
Check out all 6 of my e-books!
The Magic of Zach Allen Also, here is a free PDF of ideas: Starlit Circles |
Decker Loyal user Hades 211 Posts |
I prefer the performances to be at the beginning in front of real people (as opposed to ones made of straw) Then, during the explanations, the trick would be performed again, just to get us on the same page.
"He had alot to say... He had alot of nothing to say..." --MJK
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kid iowa Loyal user Oklahoma 300 Posts |
I like the performance first, explanations second (all grouped together) with a quick performance of the trick before the explanation so we can remember exactly what the effect was.
I also like to see the performance done to REAL people, not the fake studio/bookcase that seems to pop up every other video. Real work done to real people in the real world. Also, I loved the Q&A aspect of the Finney dvd's with magicians in the audience to ask questions that they may have. Some of them were the exact same questions that I was asking myself. Oh, and one pet peeve. If you do a slight in a trick, even if it is a fairly common one, please explain it, even if only briefly. Nothing puts me off more than, "then you do the 'dipsy doodle cover pass double lift Marlo transfer.' It's in all the books so, go do your research." This may be the first video a person buys, and if they have to go out and buy 3 or 4 more books or vids just to figure out the routine in your video, I don't think they'll hang around the magic scene too long. My 2 cents. Jim PS: Zach, when do you plan on putting out your dvd?
Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile...can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction, "I served in the United States Navy." J.F.K.
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Zach Allen Elite user 466 Posts |
Seems like most echo my own views...
Jim, the answer to your question is whenever I get the time, basically. Now, time for another question to move this back to the top. When watching a magic DVD, do you guys prefer a typical setting (such as a Bob Kohler DVD, in front of a backdrop) or a more "artistic setting", such as Guy Hollingworth's London Collection video? Where would you like to see a magic DVD shot (location, not just in front of real audiences)? Zach
Check out all 6 of my e-books!
The Magic of Zach Allen Also, here is a free PDF of ideas: Starlit Circles |
kid iowa Loyal user Oklahoma 300 Posts |
I may be bashed for this, but I much prefer the Ellusionist style of shooting and explanation. I like the performance for real people outside, or tableside at a restaurant/coffee shop, and then the explanation in a fairly different environment. I absolutely HATE the LLPub fake bookcase background and the fireplace/basement of A1 Media. Even a kitchen table that Sankey uses is more interesting. To me it seems less staged and more "hey, let's check out this cool thing I came up with."
Oh, and if the over the top spectators from the LLPub shoots are in it, I'm going to rip my eyes out. I don't care what anyone says, they're reactions seem fake, over the top, and give me indigestion.
Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile...can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction, "I served in the United States Navy." J.F.K.
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phantomace Special user 651 Posts |
My favorite is the new style De'vo just put out on CTG. He has a mini-movie that is all done to original music and shows the moves, has promos and other cool stuff. This can be watched by anyone! THEN later you can goto the learning section. At the beginning of each move in the Learning mode, it has another video to music clip of just that move in performance from different angles, then breaks down the teaching. Also there is tons of other great innovations on his DVD such as no talking (with the ability to put in you OWN music), and other good stuff such as special teaching sessions that go over and over from different angles. You may want to study it. It's being herald as the best teaching DVD around by pros and teachers and has my vote!
I hate the L&L tapes! As well as others. Too cheesy, even some A1s are a bit cheesy. Ellusionist has a very good style as well. |
shomemagic Inner circle Missouri 2232 Posts |
I love the way the Flicking Fingers did their DVD it was entertaining and the material they explained was very good. The way they esplained them was as entertaing as the performances.
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psychic Veteran user 337 Posts |
All performances, followed by a section on individual breakdown of performances (where you can select) and then the explanations in similar mode.
I hate to tolerate explanation after each performance. that's my individual preference. I like to be entertained throughout first |
danielchua Regular user Malaysia 119 Posts |
U won't be bashed but I kinda support your idea. I don't feel bored watching brad's DVd again and agian but it's real boring to watch "the LLPub fake bookcase background and the fireplace/basement of A1 Media."
Quote:
On 2004-02-22 08:38, kid iowa wrote: |
budionodarmawan Regular user 114 Posts |
This is only an opinion.I prefer the performances, and then the explanations.So other people can watch the performances section.We can see whether the effect is good or not for lay people.
Budiono |
holytoledo36 New user 56 Posts |
I like it where you have an option, such as in David Acer's new DVD, where you can watch just the performances or with performances followed by explanation.
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phantomace Special user 651 Posts |
Yep, the same as De'vo's CTG DVD. I think that's the best of both worlds.
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partyboy Regular user Montréal, Québec 142 Posts |
Hum I don't know I would hardly see a magic video teaching like the CTG DVD because of the subtitles. Normally when someone is teaching an effect they should more than only the technique...they should teach the WHY of the effect too which NEEDS to be said. I personally can't stand subtitles because I feel it isn't professional and it's boring...it's more fascniating to listen to a story teller than to read the same story isn't ?
that's my opinion.
"communicate your humanity, 'cause that's what we all are after all : human!"
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holytoledo36 New user 56 Posts |
Here's an idea that I'm waiting for a magic video to try...
Take Lennart Green's new DVD's. Very complex and difficult. Well, on the explanations of his most recent three, Paul Wilson sits alongside him. Why not show the trick and then have Paul Wilson try to learn it or even explain it. That way, if the magician forgets to say or explain something, the person learning it immediately can say, "Wait, how do I do this.'' Now I realize there's a time issue here, but I think it could be edited down. On one of Greens trick, he even forgets to mention it and Wilson says, "Don't forget to tell them about this..." |
Cardjinx Loyal user 278 Posts |
I agree with the CTG format of having a performance video, then also having a performance again but in a different way before the teaching. CTG's teaching concepts were amazing.
Cardjinx |
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