May I start with a confession? I hadn’t heard of Danny Archer until these DVDs landed at Bicycle-Cards.co.uk headquarters. But then I did some googling and wondered why. He is clearly a well-known magician state-side and has produced lots of effects and notes and routines. His bread and butter work seems to be performing close up – and that is why the subtitle of this collection is “Real Magic for Real People.” That is what you’ve got here – 2 disks of very practical, well tried material – very much in the ‘classic’ style.
The next real shock came when I played the DVDs. What has happened to BBM? Has some gremilin crept in to their music deparment? There is no other word for the soundtrack to the disk than ‘easy listening’ – it reminded me of classic Martin Taylor. And to be honest, I loved it! But I think I’m digressing. What about the tricks?
Here’s what was on the first disk…
EyE Exam
A nice little 4 card trick with a punchy ending. Four of a kind turn face down one at a time then all the backs change to eye exam charts. This is easy to do and breaks all the rules of packet tricks because it doesn’t require an Elmsley count! It ends clean and examinable (‘fractal’ as John Bannon would say). Pretty much instant reset. To my mind a worker.
Pick a coin, any coin…
This is similar to a Wayne Dobson effect called Lucky Dip but uses a slightly different method. You locate a spectator’s freely chosen coin from a bag of lots of change. For me one of the best things about this effect was Archer’s explanation of the creative process which led to its development. There are some nice subtleties in the presentation though and tips for performance. It is a strong and easy to perform effect, though has the same reset issue as the Dobson one!
Animental
This is Archer’s take on the ancient ‘cross matrix’ principle. There have been lots of versions over the years. A number of spectators mentally select an animal from various cards and you reveal their chosen ones. It is easy to do and can involve 1-4 spectators. But nothing too new here.
Eight the hard way
This is Archer’s work on the classic multiple selection routine – in essence a series of controls and revelations. If you don’t yet have a routine this would be a good one to learn, and if you do you might get some ideas for new phases. It is one of the more ‘movey’ items on the set – but I love his honesty about some of the moves he struggles to do. The ones you need are taught clearly and it is a flexible routine – allowing you to ‘jazz’ depending on your context.
There it is Again
This is an unusual trick to perform for one spectator. A freely chosen card continues to appear in different places as you spread through the pack, and then vanishes to appear on the performer’s forehead. It requires a couple of sleights you will probably already know and is a nice variation on the pick a card theme.
Disc 2 contains another 6 varied items.
Illegitimate Sponge Buunies
Somehow I get the sense that this would play best for ladies 🙂 It is, as its name implies, a sponge ball routine with bunnies. Great fun. Nothing new in terms of moves, but a logical and nicely constructed routine.
Anniversary Waltz my way
Again, Archer’s take on a classic routine – so you get his gags and specific handling. It is a straightforward handling which owes much to the work of others, including Garrett Thomas. One plus (which is true of most Anniversary Waltz routines) is that it retains the full deck order which may be an advantage as part of a longer set or memorized deck routine.
Purse Fly
For me this was one of the weaker routines on the disks – but it is hard to view it with a spectator’s eyes. He essentially adds a purse frame to a 3 Fly routine – which certainly frames the effect nicely. Perhaps the best part of this routine were the useful pocket management tips. He attributes both parts of the routine to others – so there is little he has added here.
Ballz
This is a nice little routine utilising small rubber balls. We like the fact that there is some kind of logic to the routine. You are taught all the moves that are needed – but it is the kind of routine you could plug your own moves into. To my mind it makes a nice change from the ‘usual props’ used in close up magic. The routine includes vanishes, transpositions, colour change and a big finish (which could lead you in to your next routine).
Dye and Dye Again
The colour changing silk is another true ‘classic’ – which you don’t see peformed too much these days. It is extremely visual so good for contexts where language is a problem. Archer describes tje manufacture of your own gimmick using props you probably already have. The routine is clearly explained and some nice ‘ditches’ are included…
MemDeck Trifecta
I think this is the strongest routine in the set. A thought of card is found at the bottom of the deck (‘the wish trick’), followed by an ACAAN, followed by a diary trick. It looks amazing! But it does require a memorized deck and some proficiency with it – which will put some people off. Well worth the effort for the effect though! Archer shares a suspicion I have held for some time that ACAAN is more popular with magicians than with audiences!
Archer Shuffle
This is an in the hands false riffle shuffle It is fully described including some tips on misdirection and is not too difficult – though like all these things there is a bit of a knack. It is possible to do it on the table too if needed. He also describes a false overhand shuffle though this is not attributed to anyone in particular. They are both included because to Archer’s mind regular shuffling of the deck is important in mem deck work.
The verdict?
Overall we think this is a good set of routines. If you are just starting out – especially in walkaround type magic – you could build a whole set from here. If you’ve been doing magic a while, you will still learn some tips from a pro who has worked hard on honing these classic routines.
In many ways, what you are paying for is his presentations – which you will learn lots from. My only real plea is PLEASE DON’T USE HIS LINES! They won’t suit you! Learn why he does what he does and then adapt it to your personality and context.
Why not pick one up for Christmas? £21.99 + p&p direct from BBM.
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