I realize that magic is all about deception and I think Penguin should identify when they use it in
their video "demos" when selling tricks. In this case thanks to fast cuts (video, not card) and
missing parts you never get to see the full presentation. Perhaps it's by coincidence that they
leave out when certain moves and slights are performed, either out of concern that someone will
figure out the trick or determine it is too complicated (after figuring out the trick).
Some might say that's good business. Me, I look at the way magic used to be sold, by showing the
trick as it would be seen by a spectator and then letting me make the decision after seeing the
whole thing.
In this case several moves are left out that are quite old and to some not
very deceptive.
Given you can't perform this with a borrowed deck and need to to have
something extra handy it might be worthwhile considering Monkey-in-the-Middle (as recommended by
another reviewer) for the same effect that's more powerful, has a more direct handling, is angle
proof, and doesn't require a doctored presentation video.
Guys, please note: Monkey in the Middle is gimmicked. Middle Earth is not.
It's pretty simple; if you have to edit the video to conceal the secret, your audience will likely catch you when you perform.
Why can't & doesn't Penguin simply show ALL their videos UNEDITED, with NO Cut-a-ways?
If they're actually afraid that some potential buyers will figure out how the trick they're selling is done from a simple beginning-to-end demonstration from the spectator's POV, perhaps the trick doesn't live up to the ad copy & isn't very strong to begin with?
Isn't honesty the best policy? IF they want to include edits, at the very least insert a Disclaimer stating "This performance has been edited" - - and let me make my own INFORMED decision before plunking down my hard earned cash. Otherwise, edited videos are a real ethical & questionable grey area that I don't believe in.
Lavidra, Paul is a delightful performer, reminds me a bit of Tim Roth, and does a good job explaining his effects. For example, his Penguin Live lecture contains lots of great card material. My only criticism is that he chooses a point midway in an explanation to launch into a a side story that can take minutes to complete. That can be a bit annoying if you are trying to follow along. (and before anyone comments, it's difficult to fast forward when both hands are full of cards...)
As to the excellent YouTube suggestion, I looked and couldn't find it. I wonder if it was just taken down?
The author posted the full performance on youtube. I am not sure I am allowed to add a link here, but it is searchable by the title of the trick. As a magician, I am familiar with the mechanics, but the handling was very clean and this is a practical way to perform the basic sandwich effect. I have never bought anything from Paul Gordon, but I may - he made a good impression on me in the video. I always try to see the full performance and I agree that Penguin should not showcase edited videos. (They should also discourage clips shot in derelict warehouses or street corners, wearing ski hats indoors, hipster music in the background, and constant camera focus on excessive tattoos, but that's a separate discussion). I encourage everyone to search for the full performance video.
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Another deceptive presentation... by PenguinMagic
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