As an avid Dobson fan, I was looking forward to taking a look at this latest release from Dtrick. Most of the effects on this DVD are taken from his one-off television appearances from around the 80s before his regular television series (which I remember well from my childhood) started. Let’s tell you about the tricks first of all…
Departure Point
A freely chosen card vanishes from between a pair of Jacks and re-appears face up in the middle of the deck.
Sandwich Trick
An extra phase to an ambitious card routine where the spectator’s card jumps between a pair of cards on one side. Only basic card handling needed – and makes a good follow on to Departure Point.
Flip
This is an ungimmicked version of a trick released in a gimmicked form elsewhere. A spectator’s card swaps places with one of the queens in a packet of four – and the corresponding queen ends up face down in the middle of the deck. (This is the first time this routine has been published – it’s not even in the epic Definitive Collection)
Continuous Do as I Do
You and the spectator each shuffle and cut your cards – and the top cards of your packets repeatedly match. An amusing rather than an earth-shattering mystery.
Coins in glass
Four coins jump into a glass, one at a time, very cleanly with no gimmicks. A bit of handling practise needed to get this one smooth.
Lightening Matrix
What it says on the can – 4 coins arranged in a square rapidly assemble in one corner.
Razor and Invisible Card
A nice combination of effects. Two spectators choose cards. The first is removed ‘invisibly’ – correctly identified and then instantly ‘becomes visible’ on the table. The second is located by an invisible razor – which chops up all the other cards in the card box except the spectator’s chosen card. I particularly like the quirky razor finish. Like a number of routines on the DVD this one really needs a table.
Cap and pence
A prop/routine you don’t see done much these days. A stack of coins appear and disappear under a small leather cone. You’ll need some props which aren’t so easy to get hold of (though a clever alternative is suggested for one of these).
What do we think?
Mike Sullivan’s explanations are clear but sometimes a little minimal – there are occasions where a bit more detail would be useful. The sound is a bit dodgy on some of the old clips – but not in a way that is a problem – it simply isn’t up to the standards we are used to today – but given the age of the footage that is hardly surprising.
There are a few fun extras: an “interview” (more of a chat) with Wayne – which showcases his infectious humour! Also his ice bucket challenge. He is a good sport!
In conclusion
There is nothing earth-shattering here. They are all solid routines, but in the main they are what I would call classic plots with little distinctively Dobson about them. I’m a massive Dobson fan – but I was a little disappointed by this collection. If your only exposure to Wayne Dobson is his virtually sleight free magic of recent years, be warned, this will need more work.
If you already have versions of these classics, you wouldn’t necessarily want another one, but there are always things to learn from watching someone as good as Wayne at work. And the gaff-less Flip, and nice Razor routine tip the overall verdict into a positive one for me.
Available from the Merchant of Magic for £22.50 (at time of writing)
Review copy kindly provided by Murphys Magic to whom dealer enquiries should be directed.
Leave a Reply