I would like to welcome you to my first Review here at iTricks. I hope that I will be able to give all the readers out there an in-depth look into some really cool magic, as well as adding a bit of personal spin to things. Up first, ‘Panic’ by Mr. Aaron Fisher. Lets get to it.
The Performance
The DVD opens with a performance of ‘Panic’. Right away you see how Aaron Fisher really takes pride in presenting this effect. Which sets you up for a lot of the advice that is given in the importance of presentation later in the teaching. The effect itself is one that before this, I had never seen before. Everything is done right out in the open, there are no “funny moves”, no un-natural slights, every move you make is simple, and natural which takes away any thought the spectator may have of you trying to do something sneaky. The results, needless to say, are nothing short of spectacular. It is clear, just from the reactions on the DVD that this effect KILLS. (Not literally, that would be bad…very bad)
The Teaching
I have always heard amazing things about the way Aaron Fisher teaches, but had never gotten the chance to experience it for myself. After watching this DVD it is clear that all of those accolades are well deserved. Nothing is left un-turned in the teaching of this effect, he goes over everything from the materials to ways to perform this on the street and beyond, all in simplistic, crisp detail.
First up is the materials. They are very simple and not at all complicated, of course with practice you will be able to handle them with ease. The one thing about the effect that I noticed and Aaron points out in the DVD, is the way the cards are held. To some beginners and even some advanced workers the way that you hold the cards may seem a bit odd at first, but over time, like all magic mechanics, it becomes second nature.
Next, Aaron goes over both the basic handling and the advanced handling that Fisher dubs ‘Widespread Panic’. The basic handling is beautiful. It is almost elegant in a way. As long as you take the time to really work on your presentation, this will be an effect in your routine. The cards are spread, the cards are squeezed, the cards are gone. The advanced handling is a bit more complexed. It makes the trick last longer, so if you want to work this effect into a sit-down close up routine, then go with the more advanced version. For those who work restaurants and table hop, the basic handling is ideal for these types of settings. Aaron also goes into ways to make this effect play for an audience watching you on stage. So whatever your style is you will find an application for this effect.
There is so much more to the teaching on this DVD then just the effect. Aaron Fisher really stresses the importance of originality and presentation. He wants you, the magician, to take this very simple method and give it a life of it’s own. Now I know that sounds like every other magician out there, and that may be true, but give Fishers words a listen and you will understand what I mean when I tell you that there is really something special about the way he speaks about magic. He just makes you want to go out and really make this one effect the best it can possibly be performed.
Overall
All in all this is a fantastic effect no matter what your venue of performing may be. Aaron Fisher is a brilliant mind in the world of magic and those who enjoyed this should check out more of his work. Theory 11 once again does a fantastic job of production, editing, music, the whole package. This is a very solid effect and a great DVD. Highly recommended. 10/10