Watched Jimmy Tamley's "The Dummy Run" DVD. He does short bits with lots of characters - so if you are into seeing a lot of puppets, you will. One interesting thing was watching him wander with the puppets through the audience. Should have time to watch his other DVD "Jungle Jim" soon.

A great moment is alos the arrival of a dummy on the stage on a... motorbike! Lot of puppets, lot of voices. I love the old man (the first one) greeting the children and then «all the geriatrics»...
Jungle jim show another series of dummies. Animals, of course. Amazing and amusing.
Jimmy's technique is excellent. He sure is a great pro!

Frego

I paid for a Nina Conti DVD via her website but never got a confirmation message...I also emailed her and she never replied.

What should I do?

Wanlu,
Give her some time to get it to you. Not everyone sends out confirmations. If you placed the order through PayPal, you will have options - but I wouldn't sweat it yet. I never got a confirmation either - but I'm sure it will eventually arrive.
Tom

Thanks Tom I will just wait...

Just finished watching the "show" on Nina Conti's disk. She makes use of Monk throughout the program. If you've seen her Youtube clips, those bits featured some of her most time tested material.

It was definitely a different type of show from what I am used to seeing. She took some risks - some paid off and IMHO some did not. I absolutely died laughing at the "Voodoo P***s"

While I have yet to watch the extras - I would say this one is worth adding to a collection. Congrats to Nina for taking a unique approach.
Tom

Charming "Cast" of characters on your site, Tom:

http://www.magic-pig.com/ventriloquist1.htm

Just thought I'd say
Tod

Thanks Tod.

Charming "Cast" of characters on your site, Tom:

http://www.magic-pig.com/ventriloquist1.htm

Just thought I'd say
Tod

Finished Conti tonite. I agree with Tom that some bits worked very well, others less so. But let's hear it for her for taking vent in new directions. As with all great performers, she's original, not like anyone else.

Monk is, I think, one of the great vent characters of all time, truly original. He understands the ventriloquial relationship, he comments on it, he deconstructs it. I found it easy to forget it was Nina talking, and then Monk promptly slapped me back into reality.

The bit where Monk hypnotized her was both clever and beautifully executed. I had a "why-didn't-I-think-of-that" moment watching it.

The other characters are not nearly so well developed. But then how could they be? Some were appearing for the first time, and Monk has been with her from the very beginning.

All in all, think this is one of the best DVD's in my collection. Nina Conti is taking vent in a new direction. It will be fun to see where she goes next.

Bob

Got my Nina Conti DVD today and made my day extra special

I love Nina and Monk...her style is different and the old man routine was pretty cool. It probably happened for real, I mean not exactly like that but I have a feeling a similar thing happened to his Gramps using his vent skills...well you know the story.

Kudos to Nina

I however did not quite understand the EXTRA video in the DVD...

I see that Vince Dantona has a couple of DVD's available... http://www.vinceandgeorge.com. Anyone seen them?

I have them in my collection. It has been awhile since I watched, but I remember enjoying them.

Charlie Horner has a new DVD out on his religious ventriloquism called "Charlie Horner Live!!". I got one through eBay, but haven't had the chance to watch it yet. He may sell them on his web site:
charliehornerandtheboys.com

Just found this site: http://www.hymieandstymie.com/, selling a DVD and documentary on a show from 1988.

Dan Axlerod says he created the funniest ventriloquist act ever captured on videotape. Strong praise coming from the act himself. The only press clipping wasn't as impressive - but Dan talks about that. There are clips of the act and the comedy will definitely not be for everyone. Not sure if I will add this to my collection - but figured I'd post it here for others to find.

Tom

Not sure this was mentioned on the thread - but I'm No Dummy is out on DVD. It includes clips of Jay Johnson and Lynn Trefzger. Jay has yet to release a DVD, although you can get the SOAP series on DVD. Lynn, as far as I know, does not have a DVD either. I'm No Dummy gives you clips of their performances along with many others. If you don't have it, I highly recommend it.

I ordered it. I'll let y'all know what I think.

B

Apparently Dan Axelrod is listed as a dealer for this years Venthaven convention. Not sure I would add it to my collection either. Definitely not my cup of tea.

Whoa....I don't mind cutting edge humor, but this is crap - pure racist stereotypes. I am surprised Venthaven would allow this.

Vent Haven ConVENTion is definitely a family-oriented event and I haven't see Axelrod's DVD. I only heard about it after the fact..after he was registered as a dealer. To this day I haven't seen it...but if it is objectionable and sterotypes others I will have a talk with Dan about this.

Rest assured that the ConVENTion will not allow filth or racially objectionable material to appear in our dealer's rooms.

Mark Wade
Executive Director
Vent Haven ConVENTion

Here, Mark, go look at this: http://www.hymieandstymie.com/
It is pure filth. A real hate dvd. Any public figure who uttered even a smidgin of what is on this "performance" would be immediately driven from office or fired. I oppose most censorship - for this, I will make an exception.