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Dick Christian Inner circle Northern Virginia (Metro DC) 2619 Posts |
My copy of the AAA Book Test DVD by Justin Meitz & Trynt Harris arrived in today’s mail. I am sorry to say, especially after Mr. Meitz introduces the video with complimentary comments about me and my article on the history of book tests which appeared in the April 2008 issue of The Linking Ring, that as I expected there is nothing either new or original about this book test. In fact, in addition to the appropriation of a title already in use by two other book tests, there are several things about it with which it is easy to find fault.
The major issue is that while the claim that it can be done “Any Time, Any Place” and with “Any Book” is technically true, it is also highly misleading. Unlike the earlier AAA book tests by Michael Sibbernsen (2001) and Marc Paul (2003), either of which you could do by walking into a book store, having a stranger hand you literally any book at random and, with no advance preparation, immediately use that book for a book test, the Meitz/Harris test requires that you not only know the identity of the book in advance, but that you have access to it (or a copy of it) for sufficient time (probably at least an hour) to prepare a crib listing a word or line from each of 27 force pages. Hardly new or original, the use of a crib or prompt sheet for a book test goes back to at least the 1930s if not before. Additionally, the Meitz/Harris test requires that the book used have at least 369 pages in order to accommodate the possible page numbers to be forced. Not only must the performer know which of those pages the participating spectator is looking at — a potential deficiency in itself — but the manner in which the page number is forced is one of the more contrived that I have encountered in my study of book tests, making what might otherwise be a minor drawback potentially a more serious one. On the plus side, the DVD does include tips on handling and presentation although they struck me as little more than common sense, especially for anyone with any familiarity or experience with book tests. Overall the unfortunate use of a title already extant, lack of originality in either method or presentation and other limitations inherent in their test suggest to me that Msrs. Meitz and Harris have little experience with, and only a superficial knowledge of, book tests. For your $47.90 (which includes shipping) you get the instructional DVD, a sample crib sheet (printed with the crib for a popular contemporary novel and laminated for durability) and a laminated “bookmark” listing the 27 force page numbers. Compare that with $45.00 plus shipping for Marc Paul’s “Mind 2 Mind” DVD which contains his far superior AAA Book Test and a dozen other effects and the choice is clear.
Dick Christian
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magicmike30 Special user 744 Posts |
Thanks Dick I was looking at this one, but will pass now.
Mind 2 Mind Dvd sounds cool. My first book test was from an Old Town Magic video, yes back in the day for sure. magicmike30
Entertainer
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pegasus Eternal Order United Kingdom 10537 Posts |
Thanks Dick. I always listen to your expert opinion.
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p_n_g Loyal user 297 Posts |
Thanks for the review
Just asking: Isn't anytime means anywhere+any book ? So, if I can do it anytime - then it must be any book+anywhere ? Quote:
The major issue is that while the claim that it can be done “Any Time, Any Place” and with “Any Book” is technically true, it is also highly misleading I think instead of misleading you can call it a lie. |
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goldeneye007 Inner circle London 2423 Posts |
Thanks Dick! Very informative.
I really appreciate you took the time to write such a detailed review. |
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Dick Christian Inner circle Northern Virginia (Metro DC) 2619 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-01-15 05:11, p_n_g wrote: While I certainlay found fault with the test, based on what I perceive to be a limited knowledge of book tests on the part of its originators, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and attribute it more to a misunderstanding rather than a lie. Others are free to call it whatever they wish.
Dick Christian
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p_n_g Loyal user 297 Posts |
Yeah, I forgot to write that this is only my opinion, and I don't have this booktest in my repertoire.
I think this effect is in the "virtually/seemingly impromptu" category, so from the audience point of view could look like an impromptu effect. |
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Caliban Special user 727 Posts |
Sounds quite similar to the Val Andrews Unfaked Book Test then ...
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Dick Christian Inner circle Northern Virginia (Metro DC) 2619 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-01-15 07:25, p_n_g wrote: Yes, from the spectator's view it COULD look like it was impromptu; however, there are plenty of other book tests that really ARE impromptu and do not require prior access to the book involved. That may not look different to the observer, but from the performer's perspective it is a H-U-G-E difference.
Dick Christian
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carmean New user 79 Posts |
Thank you Dick. I was when I first saw this show up on the Hocus web site and glad I waited for your review.
Kevin |
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Ustaad Inner circle Iindia - States 6157 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-01-15 12:16, Dick Christian wrote: Well said!
MAGIC is a SECRET, without the SECRET there is no MAGIC.
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Arthur C. Clarke. |
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Dick Christian Inner circle Northern Virginia (Metro DC) 2619 Posts |
As Caliban has noted, it is very similar to the Val Andrews Unfaked test.
Dick Christian
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mralincoln Loyal user If I wasn't so busy, I'd have more than 220 Posts |
As someone who has become more and more drawn to book tests, I appreciate your objective, informative review, Dick!
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Dick Christian Inner circle Northern Virginia (Metro DC) 2619 Posts |
I note with interest that Jean-Luc.R., the subscriber who first brought this book test to the attention of the Café (and who obviously purchased it) has listed it for sale as of today (see the Sale or Trade forum). I take that as a confirmation of the opinion I expressed in my recent review.
Dick Christian
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tester2006 Loyal user 210 Posts |
I just received mine also and was drawn in by the name. To me AAA - Anywhere, anytime, any book gave me the impression this was impromptu but its not at all. I guess I can fault myself for that. I think they needed to include an asterisk somewhere saying anywhere, anytime, any book*. * - As long as the book is known in advance and prepared ahead of time. As Dick mentioned the Marc Paul Book Test and I believe the Hoy book test can truly be done anywhere, anytime, any book with no setup required.
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Dick Christian Inner circle Northern Virginia (Metro DC) 2619 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-01-20 15:01, tester2006 wrote: If you expect the typical promotional hype for a magic or mental effect to avoid misleading statements and include qualifying information that suggests that it might not be all that the title and hype suggest, you are living in a fantasy world.
Dick Christian
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mrdane Regular user Sacramento / San Francisco 191 Posts |
Hey guys,
I'm curious as to how this compares to Diction by Nate Kranzo and Taylor Made book test as I am on the market for a new book test. I don't mind the anytime anywhere stuff as I will have time for any needed preparation. Thanks -Dane |
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Caliban Special user 727 Posts |
The Taylor Made Book Test is a completely different method. The participant stops you anywhere (free choice) as you riffle through a book. She peeks at the first word on the chosen page and you reveal it. You need to do quite a lot of preparation to the book and it must be your own book - you can't prepare a borrowed book and then give it back afterwards. You can repeat it with a different page, but can't allow the book to be examined in any way. It's a stage effect for a formal act. The method used is not original and goes back many years.
You can achieve the same effect as a genuine AAA test with a borrowed book by using Richard Busch's Paper-backed Thought Projection from Peek Performances, or Marc Paul's earlier AAA test. I'd recommend either of those as superior. There's a long thread on Diction. By the sound of things, it has some similarities with this new AAA test - but you are suplied with everything ready to go. |
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Dick Christian Inner circle Northern Virginia (Metro DC) 2619 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-01-20 22:58, mrdane wrote: Dane, As Caliban has pointed out none of the AAA Book Tests are anything at all like the one of that name by Meitz and Harris which, if you read my review which initiated this thread I think you can assume that it does not compare favorably with ANY book test that I am familiar with. If you think that it might appeal to you, you should buy the "Val Andrews Unfaked Book Test" by Martin Breese, it is essentially the same (in fact if Meitz and Harris copied anything beside the title, it is that one) but $10 less expensive.
Dick Christian
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Nathan Kranzo V.I.P. 2955 Posts |
For those interested Diction is on sale with FREE shipping worldwide at the moment.
http://kranzomagic.myshopify.com/product......n-kranzo I have no shame. : ) All the best, Kranzo
check out MINDZILLA VOL. 2!!! Brand New Effects. Instant Downloads. Watch Demo Videos. Click below!!!
KranzoMagic.com |
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