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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
Title: Bad To The Balloon Issue One by Mark Byrne
Medium: DVD Arena: Balloon Twisting Restaurant, after show Available: Any shop, distributed by Murphys Magic Supplies You may wonder why I would review a balloon twisting DVD when usually my reviews are about magic. Many magicians are into allied arts such as juggling, origami, ventriloquism, and puppetry. Magicians have found that balloon twisting can bring in extra income and in many cases the main income at events. I think that enough magicians find balloon art interesting and a component of their practice that reviewing the products available to the balloon twisters is warranted. If you don’t think so then please, don’t bother with this review. Mark Byrne is a balloon twister and magician out of the Tampa Bay, Florida area. This is an area which has a surprising number of very good entertainers in it with strong clubs and active table working going on. Mark is known for his balloon hats and while I don’t know his intention as far as future projects this one being called Issue One leads me to think we can expect more from him down the road. The production level of this DVD is excellent, I’m talking outstanding. There is no verbiage on the DVD but everything is done to background music which isn’t too bad. There was some real thought put into this project too as you can see by each balloon featured is shot in an environment representing the figure. This DVD is about one subject, making balloon hats. Take it from me, a semi terrible balloon twister, hats are fun to make and are popular. I would rather make hats than anything else because you can, in a busy situation, get rather free form with them. It is great to be able to make top notch hats though, in particular when one is working for tips as often happens at restaurants or festivals. On this DVD Mark, in appropriate setting, goes through making the hat in question, then goes through it again slower and, wordlessly, emphasizing the actions to make the balloon. The opening of each sculpture is accompanied by a menu showing what balloons Mark will be using. I found the instructions easy to follow along, and I’m not great at balloons, and while some might need a couple viewings to get down the hats are for the most part what I would describe as easy to do. If I was to find something missing I’d suggest in the next DVD that when a balloon is blown up you have a statement pop up on the screen saying how much space is left in the balloon un blown up. I’ve found my biggest problem is running out of space when twisting and having to start over. You can guess the tail when Mark shows you but might as well make it easy on us. What if you are not experienced at balloon twisting? There is a nice, also wordless, section of the DVD showing the basics of each twist and action with referral back to the sculpture it will be applied to. Nicely done and I think it is a very smart addition to the DVD as it avoids the delay in giving instruction since none of the moves are very difficult with a bit of practice and once one is over the fear of popping. Mark is good about crediting and references good ol’ Pat The Hat out of the Bay Area. Note to Mark, you list a 408 area code for Pat but state he is in San Francisco, that is two area codes away. This is what you get: Shark and Dolphin: These I’m sure are his most popular hats and they are quick to do. Very similar yet Mark does recognize the differences in the shape of both creatures and the hats are different enough where you can tell one is a shark and one a dolphin. I liked these two and made them right off after one viewing. Mermaid and Surfer: Again sure winners. I’ve tried the mermaid before and this was the best instruction I’ve seen for it. A bit more time consuming than the Shark and Dolphin but worth learning well. I’ve not seen the surfer before, it looked great. Duck and Swan: Very different designs but, of course, both birds with recognizable features. Both are great looking hats and you’ll have request for them. Best duck I’ve seen, the swan is similar to swans I’ve done in the past but the way it is made into a hat is cool. Tiki and One Eyed Monster: Both similar in structure the monster a bit more advanced. I liked the monster and boys will be sure to like it as well. Gator: Based on a design by Pat the Hat I’ve seen this one before. It looks really neat and kids are sure to like it. Also can be worked into a dinosaur or dragon. Tower: I’ve not seen the method used to make a chain like effect but I really liked it. I had to go to the basics part to get it down but this hat, to me, was very appealing. It is tall and mix colors and you are set. Dragon: A bit more complex, just a bit, than the others this is a really nice version of an Asian style dragon. A great use in balloon bending to get the right look. Not difficult this one is a true winner but one you’ll likely hope all the kids don’t want. Pirate Hat: Are you kidding me? Get a group of boys and make this hat and a sword and you’ll make nothing else the rest of the day. It is a great looking hat and has a gold earring with it to boot! I made one and chased the wife around with it, she didn’t appreciate me doing that but I’m a pirate! One problem is the kids get the hat and sword, then they want a belt for the sword, then they need a parrot…you can turn into a pirate making machine if not careful. There you have it. I admit I’ve not seen a lot of DVDs on balloon twisting but this one was really cool and cheaper than what I paid for the last one I got. The production level surprised me greatly. I enjoyed it, will be using all the designs with the possible exception of the Tiki (might use the base for other hats though). I got it from Mark by using paypal to fla-byrne@tampabay.rr.com but because Murphys Magic Supplies is distributing them you should be able to get them from your favorite, and quality conscious, magic shop. If they don’t have it, make them order it. Oh, unless you are tough like Mark get a pump, last time I tried blowing up a balloon by mouth my dentures flew across the room. Well, I have my sword, time to go chase the wife. |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
I forgot to mention that when I ordered directly from Mark he sent it right away. I've seen where some don't mail quick but he did it as quick as he could, which counts for something.
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jakeg Inner circle 1741 Posts |
I am looking to buy a dvd on hats and would like to know if you have you compared Don's dvd with any other dvd's on hats? Don Caldwell's for example, Patricia Brunnel for another. If you have, how do they campare?
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
To be honest the only other one I've seen is by...and forgive me if I get the name wrong but he did the tour last year for TMyers, I think his name was Slim the Balloon guy or Stretch The Balloon guy, I believe it was Streatch. Either way he is out of Texas. I just went and checked the Tmyers site and his name is Stretch The Balloon Dude and the DVD I bought was called Toppers.
Stretch has a great more balloon hats and masks on his DVD but many are more work than the ones on Bad To The Balloon. Both have very commercial hats, both well taught, the production levels on Bad To The Balloon blow Stretch, who shot at home pretty much, out of the water. There are balloon hats on both I really liked, in fact pretty much all of them I liked. I guess it is up to you. If I was going to sit down right now and pick one to watch it would be Marks because it is easier to watch. I just can't tell you which you'll prefer so go look at the contents and make your choice. I'll tell you this, when I went to the Tmyers site they had a special price on the Stretch DVDs and it looks like the one I have that I paid $40 for is $25 and that is a heck of a deal. Since you can get both for a little more than what Stretch usually sells for I'd get both! If pushed right now for one that special price on Stretch's is hard to pass but that isn't at all a sleight on Marks work which I think was excellent. I can't comment on Don Caldwell or Patricia Brunnel as I'm not at all familiar with them or their work. I have at least heard of Don and seen his work, for what that is worth. |
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Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
Wow!! thank you for the great review.
I would like to clarify a few things: Even though I am know for my balloon work; I am also a magician. I have two products on the market. Twinkle...twinkle a sponge star routine endorsed by Dan Harlan, Jay Scott Berry and Cody Fisher and My Bunny Daryl a family friendly version of the sponge bunny trick with 4 special made bunnies that are white foam rubber. All my sponge products are custom made from the masterful Steve Goshman, the son of Albert Goshman of sponge fame. I have also won several awards for Close up stage and strolling magic with the IBM,FMA and magic on the beach. I lectured at Twist & Shout Balloon Convention in Nashville this year. All that out of the way now you know who and what I am. With Bad to the Balloon Issue #1 we wanted to accomplish something that most magic and balloon DVDs don't do. Many people put out DVDs on entertaining ,BUT they are not entertaining on their DVD!! most are exceptional performers but fall short of the steps necessary to translate to film. Don't feel bad Houdini had the same problem!! I have been stewing the Idea of BTTB#1 for about 10 years. Only in the last 6 months did I find the person with the right eye who exceeded my expectations for film quality and artist vision, Jason Jeter. I found in many DVDs the constant rambling to be annoying at best. This is why the instructions are silent. All the music except for the opening sequence are original score. The opening was played by a real band and sung by my Producer Jason. As to Pat in the Hat, Pat and I are friends and we bonded recently at Jeff McBride's MasterClass. Pat's business services San Jose, San Francisco Bay Area, Northern California, Southern California and nation-wide! The Phone number is correct. I was inspired by his design in the movie Patch Adams see the clip on his website: http://ballooncreations.com/patch.html As to the question about Don Caldwell and Patricia Bunell's DVD's. I don't watch other people's DVDs not because I don't want to BUT because I don't have to. I have an ability to see most things in 3D. Spatial Perception. I have been told some of my thing look similar to Patricia's. I'll find out on the 30th when I travel to Fort Lauderdale to see her lecture. Don and I have been to several events together, I think his work is incredible. My forte is speed and simplicity of design. It is late tonight and I tend to ramble ... one last thing I do have a lecture coming up on June 11th. Got a lecture coming up in Orlando Bad to the balloon Lecture with Mark “the Balloon Guy” Byrne Monday, June 11th, at 7 PM College Park Baptist Church 1914 Edgewater Drive • downtown Orlando It’s a Balloon Lecture, It’s a Magic Lecture.... It’s about entertainment. Mark will impart his 20+ years of work. Mark has worked every conceivable type of situation with Balloons & Magic. How to get the most ART out of your ballooning. You will learn to think differently about balloons and what can be made. When Mark performs he states “I can make anything within taste and reason” and does he deliver. With a combination of wit, speed and skill he can make anything. Mark general rule is to make it great and make it fast. Average balloon hat takes 2 minutes or less. Magical things you can do to spice up your balloon twisting. Entertaining while you twist. Some scientific principals, gimmicks, stunts and some just dumb jokes. Original magic created by Mark with only one card trick! Mark will perform his award winning balloon fantasy to open the lecture. Contact Jon webdude@gordonkorman.com if you need more information.
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
I'm hurt....you missed where I stated you were a magician in the review. I met Pat the Hat maybe 15 years ago, he is the balloon monster in the bay area. You should be proud of yourself, along with the guy who did the filming. That was as quality a DVD I've seen and there was no need for you to talk, the explanations were outstanding and best of all.....no squeeking!
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Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
Thanks Santa!! never thought I'd say that again!!!
I did see where you said I was a magician, I was just re-enforcing my standing with the community. Thanks again for your review.
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
I've heard your stars routine is very good too by the way.
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Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
Thank you again!!
I am going to be getting together with my Producer soon to create DVDs for My Bunny Daryl and Twinkle...twinkle. I already have twinkle shot. I have a question for the group: "Would you be more interested in a DVD of two effects than separated DVDs for each one?" Currently Twinkle sells for $24 retail, adding a DVD to the package would add $6+ 25 minute instructional. My Bunny Daryl sells for $10 retail, adding a DVD to the package would add $6+ too. I could probably put the two together and retail the DVD as a separate item for $10 retail, it would make a great intro into my products. Thoughts???
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
Sounds good to me...I'm getting ready to fill out your questionaire and it says you have a second DVD on balloon hats coming out end of May, which is next week. Is that true and if so what is on it?
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Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
It going to be ready closer to June 11th. that is when I have a lecture in Orlando.
The new DVD will focus on quick and artistic animals on hats or hats as animals ... which ever you prefer!! Same great quality. Price $25 for 12.5 balloon hats. If you can't master these and go out and make 8 times the amount of the DVD I will buy you lunch (just so I can smack you in the head) Preview of animals like no one has ever seen. 1. horse 2. Cow 3. Monkey in tree 4. Fishing Pole 5. Moose 5.5 Christmas moose 6. Elephant 7. Butterfly 8. Flamingo 9. Dinosaur 10. Unicorn 11. fly 12. Frog
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
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musicgutbucket New user South east UK 44 Posts |
Wow! Got my DVD direct from Mark, great service & care, thanks man. The DVD great quality, the man is fast.........am having..........to go into....warp drive to keep up. Some easy some harder. They are quick once you get the hang of them, which didn't take me long. I am a relative newbie.
So thanks Mark I am eagerly waiting for the next installment. |
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Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
Hey MG Bucket,
You know the great thing about DVDs is you can pause it : ) I actually prefer the term conservation of movement. If you notice there almost a Tai Chi like flow to my sculpting. Not that I do martial arts but my kids do!! I don't like to waste a lot of energy twisting, it is tiring enough as is. I also believe the material is real reputation building material that will set you far apart from weenie and sword guys. My favs on the NEW DVD are the Elephant, butterfly and flamingo. Reason being they are made from the same initial three fold loop. The other thing I think everyone will like is the number of balloons it takes to make my stuff. Usually 2-3 sometimes 4 balloons to make any of the above. I have a couple of recent photos on BalloonHQ.com Venom, Sandman and my daughter twisting her first parody balloon!!
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
I'm not an experienced balloon guy...I'd like to be one though. I found I was easily able to follow along because of how you physically emphasized the important aspects of the sculptures. Balloon twisting isn't hard, being a creative balloon twister is...I'm not...so I rely upon guys like Mark to learn different designs. I don't want any beginner to be afraid of jumping in on balloons. If you know the basics, you can do all these sculptures. I'm going to get that second DVD....
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Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
Even if you don't know the basics we did put 13 twists in a high contrast extreme close up menu separate from the Bad to the Balloon movie.
You know no one ever said "you have to make a poodle"
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
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Bernard Sim Inner circle Singapore 1095 Posts |
I've own several balloon dvds and I find Mark's dvd to be one of the best I've seen.
The designs are simple and practical. The way Mark teaches without speaking is very unique and he does the job well. In the dvd, you also wouldn't hear the squeaking sounds of balloon being twisted. Some of the scenes are funny too. I highly recommend this dvd. Will wait Mark's next dvd.
Bernard Sim
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Tivoli Loyal user Paris (France) 252 Posts |
Hi Bad
Can you say hello from Arthur Tivoli the balloon guy in Disneyland Paris to Pat in the Hat, I met him a long time ago.... Regards arthur |
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MagiClyde Special user Columbus, Ohio 871 Posts |
The only complaint I have about this DVD is that it doesn't give a list of all the balloons needed right off the top. If it did, one would be able to order all the balloons needed in one shot. It could be both in the movie at the beginning and as a readme type file for the computer. That way, anyone buying it could get the list, even if they don't have a computer, just the DVD player. As it is, I had to go to the "Ballooning 101" portion of this website to get the list of balloons.
Magic! The quicker picker-upper!
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Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
Interesting thought? however the balloons needed for each sculpture are in the beginning of each sculpture on the screen. I would hope that most people would practice the balloons in each sequence till they got them to look right. Also TMyers on his site I believe made a listing like the one below. Funny Tom put that the motorcycle is NOT INCLUDED in the instruction. (Okay I chuckled)
I encourage everyone to watch it once with out twisting... get some popcorn and invite family over they might enjoy it too. Here is it is: Dolphin 1 Blue 260, 1 white 260 Shark 1 Gray 260, 1 white 260 Mermaid 1 green 260, 1 blush 260,1 red 260, 1 purple 260 Surfer 1 blush 260, one orange 260, one blue 260 tiki 1 blush 260 one 5" smiley Duck 1 yellow 260, 1 orange 260, 1 black 260 one 5" clear gator 2 green 260 1 white 160, one 5"yellow round one eyed monster 2 lime green 260 one eye ball 5"round pirate 2 brown 260's 1 yellow 260, 1 5" white round tower 4 gray 260's swan 2 white 260's dragon 2 red 260's 1 black 160,1 green 260, 2 black 260 You also need a black marker, a white marker a red marker. I use markalot retractable chisel points and meanstreak marking pens. Just got a e-mail from Wales!! so where are most of you guys buying your DVD's from?
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
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Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-05-26 02:44, Tivoli wrote: Hello Arthur, I am a big fan of your work!! You get a lot of ART out of your balloons. Next time I see Pat I will say hi. What happened with your USA tour? I was contacted about it then heard no more. Did you make it to Florida? I have a lecture coming up on June 11th in Orlando, Florida. Bad to the Balloon Lecture. Anyone interested contact: Jon webdude@gordonkorman.com for more information. Info from the flyer: Bad to the balloon Lecture Bad to the balloon Lecture with Mark “the Balloon Guy” Byrne Monday, June 11th, at 7 PM College Park Baptist Church 1914 Edgewater Drive • downtown Orlando It’s a Balloon Lecture, It’s a Magic Lecture.... It’s about entertainment. Mark will impart his 20+ years of work. Mark has worked every conceivable type of situation with Balloons & Magic. How to get the most ART out of your ballooning. You will learn to think differently about balloons and what can be made. When Mark performs he states “I can make anything within taste and reason” and does he deliver. With a combination of wit, speed and skill he can make anything. Mark general rule is to make it great and make it fast. Average balloon hat takes 2 minutes or less. Magical things you can do to spice up your balloon twisting. Entertaining while you twist. Some scientific principals, gimmicks, stunts and some just dumb jokes. Original magic created by Mark with only one card trick! Mark will perform his award winning balloon fantasy to open the lecture.
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
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