Greetings,

Today, I read the review that Peter Duffie wrote for my “Mental Deceptions” DVDs (in the April 2014 issue of MAGIC). As I told him in a personal message, he made them sound so good that I almost bought a set.

With that said, I just wanted to publicly thank Peter for his very kind words.


Keep the change,
Rick

I didn't read it, but I'm sure every word is true. Your stuff is gold. You know the band is always ready to back you up.

Greg

Click here to view attached image.

Thanks so much, my friend. And please tell the band that I have become very attached to them.

Keep the change,
Rick

It's a great set - well worth kind words!

Rick:

It is a fine DVD set, and helps us to wrap our imaginations around what we have read from you.

Months ago, we heard that you and Banachek were producing a DVD project what would feature Teresabos, among other effects. Do you have a projected release date for that?

It is great to see you post again on the Café. Is this a sign that your health is rebounding?

George

I have to say that I picked this set up, along with another one during the recent L&L "two for one" sale. I was actually significantly more interested in the other set -- and Rick's was more of an "I've heard of this...why not?" addition. Besides I'd seen him lecture at MindVention, and liked his ideas.

The first set was a plodder...no new ideas and tedious explanations of methods most of us can figure out from just watching the routine.

So I popped "Mental Deceptions" into my computer without any really high expectations.

You know that old Memorex commercial -- the one where the guy is sitting in an easy chair in front of a stereo and the music is so loud that it's blowing back his hair and his scarf? That was sort of the feeling I got looking at this series. I sat there and watched effect after effect and kept smiling at the utter simplicity of method and sledgehammer impact they had on the audience.

Admittedly -- much of the material is, on the surface, the kind of stuff I don't do. I don't care much for "gee...isn't THAT a coincidence?" variety of effects. There are a lot of those on these two DVDs. Coincidence and "Look what I influenced you to do" effects feel sterile to me and lack an emotional hook. I don't like poker chips as props and I don't like card based effects. (Not because of any thought that a mentalist shouldn't be using either...I'm just sick to death of both from my years in magic.) And there are a LOT of effects that feature them on this set.

But let's be real for a minute here. Who buys DVDs looking to copy directly what's presented on them? For me, the most valuable application of any teaching is in the IDEAS presented -- and ways that I can use these ideas to do what I do BETTER. And Maue has a LOT of wonderful ideas. He's an idea factory and nearly every one is a jewel. The things he shares are easily adaptable to a broad variety of effects and wide open to customizing...the re-purposing of concepts. If you walk away from these two splendid DVDs unchanged and NOT charged with excitement, you may want to check your creative pulse. My mind is churning...and I like that feeling very much.

I am reminded of the power of the m*ltiple o*t principal...and the many forc*s a performer can do and much more. I got splendid thoughts about the creative processes, for respectful treatment of audiences. I saw behind the mind of a man who is able to transform a coin envelope into the basis of a miracle.

And the vast majority of these powerful routines require nothing more than a trip to the stationary store. I REALLY like that too.

I knew I'd gotten many times my money's worth near the middle of the second DVD. But I didn't know that the real treasure of the collection was still waiting for me.

"The Journey" is a true masterpiece of mentalism: clever manipulation, dazzling deception and brilliantly simple design. It's one of the most powerful routines I've seen anywhere -- packed with emotional hooks and the perfect illusion that free choices are being made again and again. To my discredit, I'd heard of The Journey before -- but had only a foggy notion of what it was about. This is THE kind of blended routine and method you HOPE you're going to find when you pop a new DVD into your world. I'm working on developing it for my show...and I have no higher praise than that to give.

So...I'm late to the party. I think this set came out last year -- but I'm glad I came. And Rick deserves a huge round of thanks from the performing community for the wonderful material, challenging ideas and brilliant VDM (Venus De Milo) methods he's shared.

David

Best review I've read in some time David. Thanks for such pleasurable reading. =)

Rick, your set of DVDs are fantastic to watch. My head was spinning so many different ways afterwards!

I agree with all of the above. An excellent set, and loads of ideas to be gained from the effects.

I agree totally... And the "Journey" is indeed a wonderful piece of work. Unfortunately it did not surprise me anymore as I bought the manuscript already years ago Jan

Anything from Rick is a must have, I consider him one of the best thinkers out there and one hell of a great guy, it is why I consider him a good friend and when he calls, I am always ready to listen and help in any way I possibly can if that is what he needs. Great to hear the fantastic reviews but who would expect other wise unless you are not familiar with Ricks work.

I couldn't agree more. So what about the PK DVD release? How much longer will we be waiting?

Every concept in there can go in so many directions!

Mixed emotions for example:
I found a way to extend the method using a slightly different approach. The delicate part in audience management (well principle) becomes automatic. At the end you obviously know who has the chosen emotion but you can feel what it is.

Celebrity impressions:
I found a way to have up to 8 celebrities and know instantly who is who as soon as the paper is read.

Thank you Mister Maue!

pm if interested

This DVD set was one of my favorite purchases last year. I got so many great ideas from Rick Maue, and I hope he puts out more material in the future. Besides the effects, I enjoyed the interviews on the DVDs as well. And to echo David Thiel, "The Journey" is a true masterpiece!

I hope you are feeling better Rick and I hope you see you again at some of the upcoming events.

Greetings,

Thanks to everyone for all of the very wonderful words. All of you have truly raised my spirits.

As for the DVD set that Banachek and I shot, unfortunately, my entire life has been put on hold for an extended period due to my (lack of) health. I am going through additional testing for the rest of April, and I have more extensive surgery scheduled for the middle of May. At this point, I have asked a few friends to assist with the DVDs, but I can't promise anything until we see where the next operation takes us. I will do my best to keep you folks updated on any possible release dates.


Keep the change,
Rick

I wish you the very best.

I wish you all the best.
(I'll send you my ideas. Hope you like them!)

I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with Rick the other day, and what an incredible guy he is. Having said that, I must say: Rick is a cruel man.

When I told him how much I loved Group Dynamic, he told me I had to see the new version. Nothing about how I could see it. Nothing about how I could buy it. Nothing. I had to see the new version. That is it!

Any way, I have the DVDs, and I love Rick's thinking. I love his take on Out of This World. Brilliant.

Thanks for sharing part of your life with me, despite everything you are doing to cling to life.

Bobby

Thanks, Bobby. It was great to finally meet you.

And as for Group Dynamic...
Next time you're in town, I'll show you the video. You'll love it.


Keep the change,
Rick