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The Mirror Images Inner circle Michigan/USA 1980 Posts |
There is a post from J.C. Sum that has some really amazing ideas that make this illusion a must have. Check it out here http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;forum=7
It will make you rethink about it. Michael
Steven and Michael, The Mirror Images
The MOST Identical Twin Illusionist http://www.themirrorimages.com Check out our latest new effect - Liquid Steel NEW - MotoBox NEW - MotoMation NEW - Voyager |
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n3cromanc3r Loyal user 248 Posts |
Is the illusion lame? Not at all. Are most presentations of it a yawner? Absolutely! But there are some great performances of it still around as mentioned above. For the average magician though doing the average zig-zag routine though, it falls into the same overused catagory with the Zombie, Dancing Cane and Sub Trunk in my book (not that I want to get into that discussion in this thread, that would be thread hijacking). The link above is a good one, check it out. There's some good originality there.
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magicross New user Staffordshire England 76 Posts |
I think that the zig-zag is a favorite of a lot of illusionists, even when you know the secret its still impresive. I would say there's a lot of potential left in this one yet, I'm just starting to design the mark2 version of my own zigzag illusion which should make it even more of a puzzle when finished.
There's a great variation of this effect in Mark Parkers 4effect book, if you havent got this book get it, got mine this week and I cant put it down. Great book Mark and I cant wait for a second one. |
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templemagic Elite user Sunderland, North-East England 420 Posts |
I like the illusion. Only problem is that there are some really naff rip-offs floating about that look really obvious and not deceptive at all...
TM |
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Grandillusionsmagic Loyal user 270 Posts |
How long has this illusion been around? and why is it still around? because it works. there are many effects that come and go, but this has been around. there is always someone who will not like it, but in general, it works. I get better reaction from Zigzag than Modern art at every show, I would have thought my modern art presentation is better. I have even cut modern art from the show and am working on a new presentation for Zigzag.
e and go, but this has been around. there is always someone who will not like it, but in general, it works. |
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CARNEGIE Loyal user 267 Posts |
Wow, you guys have really said some amazing things about ZigZag. I will throw in a few things. My original ZigZag was a poorly built model, but it had the tickle box and sliding panel. The first thing I did was change the blades to give them a more modern appearance. I have presented it both to music and with the Harbin-esque routine. AS has already been stated, it really plays the strongest with Harbins routine because you lead the audience step by step through the entire process.
I had a group of Doctors come up to me after a show once and they were stunned by the Zig Zag. One other note, the exposure by the masked idiot was long enough ago that you can do Zig Zag today with no fear of problems. It's a classic and presented properly, it's a knock out illusion. |
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Rip New user Ireland 57 Posts |
Hi Grandillusionsmagic,
sorry to hear that you have dropped Modern Art because it does not get the reaction that Zig Zag does. Check out Pendragons presentation of it. They follow the same 'formula' as Harbins ZZ presentation and the effect is strong. 'Lead' the audiance proving that what they are seeing is impossible... yet happening right before their eyes. MA is a great illusion, even if its modus operandi prevents it from being scrutinised as closely as ZZ when a member of the audience is on stage helping. Hats off to Mr Steinmeyer for creating another perform-anywhere illusion with a small footprint. |
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
I was never quite sure until I added it to my show ( years ago when I performed) and I was amazed at the reaction and follow up after the show. The Classics are called that for a reason...especially if performed well. Not sure how well I did but still...just do your best
Chance http://www.wolfsmagic.com
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
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Nick Wait Inner circle Lichfield, UK 1042 Posts |
I think your question has been answered! May I ask who you saw present it, and if you have seen any of the greats perform it. If you have I think you'll be able to appreciate the beauty of this effect.
Nick |
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Rip New user Ireland 57 Posts |
Masked magician complete with Zig Zag was repeated again last night on Sky TV throughout Europe!!!
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Magic Monkichi Elite user Ontario, Canada 401 Posts |
Hey guys;
I remember when the Masked Magician did his first show. The next day I was booked for a show at a local seniors center. When we were un-packing a and setting up many of the people came up to me to let me know they had seen the show and that they would not be surprised if I pulled out one of the illusions revealed. BUT becuase I stuck Harbin's original routine intentions things changed. when I pulled the cover off my zig zag, I heard snickers as if they knew how it was done. But when I called someone up to help me perform the illusion, and then went through my routine as Mr. Harbin had originally done, I receieved gasps. I even had people coming up to me saying that they had recently seen a TV showing that explained how the zig zag worked, but when I did it, they couldn't explain it! they had no idea!! In short, I am saying stick to how the inventor had intended! If you are doing it right, no body will know. No-one will be the wiser. Magically yours, Matt Kielbiski Quick Change Artist |
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Scott Alexander V.I.P. 1471 Posts |
I think we may be deluding ourselves here. The ZZ was great in it's day and was a true innovation in the art of grand illusion. But for a modern audienece, even with a slick,talking presentation....I think (without any disrespect to Harbins genious) as illusionists we can do much better.
Scott |
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JL608 Regular user 193 Posts |
Hey Scott,
That's a surprising statement from someone who has built his reputation performing two classic routines (Bill In Lemon & the Bullet Catch). And no disrespect implied either. You're obviously a very creative person, not unlike Robert Harbin! Just surprised that you'd feel a modern audience wouldn't appreciate a classic illusion? Joe |
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Jack Murray Special user St. Petersburg Fl. 773 Posts |
Modern audiences aren't stupid, but for the most part are completely baffaled by ANY magic effect. To say the Zig Zag, properly performed isn't deceptive, is to say the 3 card monty doesn't fool because it's "too old". Ask all those who have lost money on the streets of NY if it fools:)
Jack
Jack Murray
http://www.dream-illusions.com |
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Nick Wait Inner circle Lichfield, UK 1042 Posts |
I too was slightly suprised by Scotts coment. I have seen very little better than this, and this includes scott's material which I rate highly.
Nick |
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Kline Veteran user 361 Posts |
Spent some time in HK with John Bundy and Morgan this past summer - John actually shipped a zig zag in for the magic festival. Opening day he and Morgan performed it in the audience for the media ( ala Mark Wilson at the Great Wall of China ), They went NUTZ !
Hands passing through the open section, gasps galore and photo flashes blinding all in attendance, Talk about a well received bit. I never told John this but it did bring back a few memories of performing the Zig Zag, as like Chezaday, it too was one of my first - I guess you never forget the first ! It has been said many times on this board - people are way to quick to judge, not only each other but also the magic we perform.
Steven Kline
<BR><BR>www.stevenkline.com <BR><BR>www.stevenklineproductions.com Follow me on Twitter @steveklinemagic |
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Scott Imler Special user Calgary, Canada 545 Posts |
This subject is dear to my heart as I performed the Zig Zag for several years and have built about 4 of them for other magicians.The one I used and have now sold was, I have been told, one of the most deceptive models out there.Several magicians have commented on it. Even after our masked friend exposed it I gave a private showing to a neighbour who is a magic buff and he was fooled by it even after seeing the masked fool three or four months earlier!He said it could not be done the same way.May not be the most modern but in its day and for its practicallity it made a lot of money for thousands of magicians over the years. There is a small clip of a magician Donovan Deschner using one of mine on his site.Still looks pretty good.
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rannie Inner circle 4375 Posts |
I don't think its lame. There are some ..., actually a number of lame zig zag performers out there. Another point to consider here is the fact that its way too old and it deserves a good rest.
Peace, Rannie
"If you can't teach an old dog new tricks, trick the old dog to learn."
-Rannie Raymundo- aka The Boss aka The Manila Enforcer www.rannieraymundo.com www.tapm.proboards80.net |
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joe the magician New user springhill florida 6 Posts |
Quote: that was killerOn 2005-02-20 09:04, JL608 wrote:
joe the magician
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tabman Inner circle USA 5946 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-02-20 03:56, Scott Alexander wrote: ...even with a slick,talking presentation....I think (without any disrespect to Harbins genious) as illusionists we can do much better. That's all Harbin (no disrespect to anyone please) was doing was improving on some ideas. Zig Zag Girl is probably overexposed and overdone. I'm curious about one thing in your statement above if you don't mind. When you make the slick talking reference were you referring to the presentation of Robert Harbin as "slick talking?" Respectfully!! -=tabman
...Your professional woodworking and "tender" loving care in the products you make, make the wait worthwhile. Thanks for all you do...
http://Sefalaljia.com |
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