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World of Magic Shop, Products by Michael Close for sale
In Review
Michael Close
Effect
This CD-Rom (for both Macs and PCs) is a searchable database, containing All of Michael Close s MAGIC Magazine review columns from May 1995 through December 2001! Almost 900 pages of text, with over 1,100 books, videos and tricks reviewed. Before you make your next magic purchase, check with one of the most trusted reviewers in magic.
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Closely Guarded Secrets
by Michael Close
This revolutionary CD-Rom/Ebook includes routines straight from Michael's act at the Houdini Lounge in the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
The Luckiest Cards in Las Vegas The Shuffles Routine The Dumbest Casino in the World The Cheating Lessons The Trick that Lance Burton Showed Me ...and much more. * Text provides the information
* Photographs clarify the text
* Video shows the perfected sleights
This ebook offers unparalleled instruction by allowing text, photographs, and video clips to do what they do best and can be printed out to produce a spectacular 8.5 x 11, 179-page book.
Each routine is described in complete detail in Michael Close's clear, easy-to-read style. It's almost like having private lessons with Michael Close.
BONUS: Three Essays on Magic Theory and Michael's Presentation & Handling of: Dean Dill's Box & Gary Plants Magnetized Cards.
Note: This product is not a DVD, it is an E-Book.
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Michael Close's wonderful,comical tale of science and cloning begins innocently enough with the introduction of nine cards, each blank on both sides.A tenth card is then introduced, this one with the face of a clown. The clown card is placed into the packet and instantly the clown face is "cloned!" There are now clown faces on two of the blank cards!
As the comedy builds, the spectators gets involved in the "cloning" process and that s where things go horribly and hilariously wrong. The cloning process gets out of control and the spectators begin turning over blank cards to find that clowns have magically printed on all of them. On the last three cards are printed three, five and finally a whole card full of clowns! Just when the audience thinks it s all over, they look up at the performer to find a clown nose has magically appeared on his face!Easy to perform, requiring only minimal sleight-of-hand Comes complete with specially printed cards on Bicycle stock, nose and detailed, fully-illustrated instruction booklet. |
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Faro Shuffle!
by Michael Close
Effect
Learn the Faro Shuffle!
Updated Version, in PDF format.
From Michael Close:
"The ability to do perfect faro shuffles is a powerful weapon in the card magician's arsenal of sleights. It is a genuine shuffle; the cards are truly being mixed. But it is also a controlled shuffle, meaning that the resulting order of the cards is not random. For this reason, it is an excellent adjunct to memorized deck work.
Over the years, I have developed a very effective method for teaching the faro shuffle. I used this method for personal instruction, but I also discovered that the method of teaching is so clear that my presence wasn't necessary. In other words, I could teach the method long distance. In 2001, I released my first CD-ROM, Michael Close on the Faro Shuffle, which detailed this method. Feedback from purchasers was excellent.
The Faro CD-ROM has been revised so it more closely resembles my other ebooks, Closely Guarded Secrets and The Complete Workers Series. Five video clips provide detailed information on conditioning the deck, the proper grips, applying pressure, the twist, and further hints and tips. Additional text provides supplemental information and helps reinforce important concepts. The combination of text and video provides you with the most effective learning experience possible. Pay attention, put in some practice time, and you will soon be doing perfect faro shuffles with confidence."
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Flicking Fingers
by Michael Close
This is a superior product on many levels and a delightful change of pace from standard magic video fare."-Michael Close, MAGIC Magazine June 2003
"...hilariously funny and brilliantly entertaining. All fine magicians individually, but as a group, an absolute knockout."-Mike Caveney
Over 3 1/2 Hours of Mind-Blowing Magic!
In October 2002 the ten-man team of Germany's best close-up magicians known as "The Flicking Fingers" set out on a ten-day tour for a number of public shows and convention appearances. Lucky for us, they were accompanied by a professional film crew and the result is The Flicking Fingers Movie-a DVD like no other you have ever seen.
Follow the Flicking Fingers on their incredibly entertaining European road trip. Meet the goofy Gisbert and Gimmick-Man, watch magic TV ads and many more surprises! The Movie contains over 20 terrific routines, tricks, and moves showcased in a 2 1/2 hour road movie including the most entertaining explanations ever seen on a magic DVD and one hour of bonus materials like: the FISM acts of Pit Hartling, Jorg Alexander, Nicolai Friedrich, Thomas Fraps and more, plus out-takes, trailers and much more.
The Flicking Fingers is a team of ten of Germany's best close-up magicians, known to the magic community most from their unforgettable FISM '97 group lecture, as winners of Seigfried and Roy's 1998 Sarmoti Award and from their highly acclaimed "The Book-or don't forget to point" published in 1998. In October 2002 the team set out on a ten-day tour with a number of public shows and convention appearances. They were accompanied by a professional film crew and the result is this truly unique DVD. |
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WORKERS & THE POWER OF PALMING
The Absolute Best of Michael Close!
WORKERS - Michael Close is truly a magician's magician; but he does his best work on laymen. His reputation is unsurpassed when it comes to killing an audience with mind-blowing magic.
WORKERS contains~
Work on the Origami Bunny * Dr. Strangetrick * The Ring & Shoelace Routine * Dancers at the End of Time * The El Cheapo Magic Club * The Frog Prince
THE POWER OF PALMING - A DVD Treatise on the Art & Craft of Palming Playing Cards, from the basics through advanced palming. You'll find yourself learning techniques in far less time than you ever thought possible.On The Power of Palming you'll learn~
The Proper Grip * The Swing Points * Card Transfers * How to avoid "Framing * "The "Pivot Point" Principle * The Erdnase Bottom Palm * The Left-Hand Diagonal Palm * The Left-Hand Peek Steal * The Vernon "Topping the Deck" Palm * The Marlo "Turnover" Palm.
In addition, there are performances of two of Michael's strongest performance showstoppers~
The Card, the Forehead, and the Salt Shaker
Butte Ox? Two Butte Ox!
If you desire to become a better magician, this DVD may be the best investment you ever make.
To get all of the material on this one tape, you'd have to spend over $200 on seven different DVD's!
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The Workers Ebook Michael Close's Workers series contains some of the most commercial, entertaining, and powerful magic ever published - repertoire that spans almost 30 years of professional performing in real-world conditions. Michael has held nothing back. You'll learn the how and the why behind every routine.
"This is a complete revitalization of the Workers books, including an improved and expanded layout, corrected text, larger illustrations, and extensive annotations that cover insights and innovations that have been discovered since the books were first published. This is the Workers series the way I wish it could have looked when I first brought them out." Michael Close
This new Ebook contains updated comments, bonus material, and a new and improved layout and two bonus tricks. More than 650 pages!
Here are some comments about the Workers Ebook. "I've seen Michael do this stuff for real audiences, so I know these routines truly are workers: Effective, commercial and smart." Max Maven
"These are books I turn to again and again. I can't imagine any serious close-up library that is without its Workers." Gordon Bean
"Rarely, but every once and a while, you start reading a book and suddenly it makes you realize how shallow everything else you've been reading is. Among those rare enlightenments is Michael Close's Workers series. Even if you never perform a single one of these routines just reading them will give countless insights into making your magic better." Stephen Minch
"Michael Close's Workers series has it all: deceptive tricks, strong technique, audience-tested material, sound psychology and theory, structured routines, practical tips and touches, original commerical presentations - and more. It's like taking private lessons from a master. Workers is a must-have for any thoughtful magic library." Simon Aronson
"I have long and impatiently awaited a single volume Workers collection, and I have said many times that had these works first been released as a single book they would have been instantly hailed as one of the two or three most important texts of the decade, right along side Tommy Wonder's The Books of Wonder. I love the Workers series, and I can't wait to read them again." Jamy Ian Swiss
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On this series of DVDs, Michael performs and explains most of the routines from the Workers series. These are routines which were designed to be done under real world conditions and in real world locations. Places like restaurants, hospitality suites, cocktail parties and in stand-up shows. Besides the performances, Michael also gives you the work on each of the tricks. Not just the methods but the theory behind each one. Now is your chance to see these magical masterpieces performed by the originator. Shot in front of a wildly enthusiastic audience, using three cameras, every performing nuance has been captured. Following the performance, Michael sits down with friends Michael Ammar and Eric Mead and thoroughly explains every effect. Some of this information has never appeared in print and is being released for the first time. If you re looking for material which will completely baffle and entertain the most discriminating audience, look no further.
VOLUME 1
2 Hours 38 Minutes!
DVD Volume 1 combines two previously released videos: Michael Close's Very Very Close, Volumes 1 and 5.
The Invisible Deck - You know the effect of this classic trick: A freely named card is the only face-down card in a face-up deck. But when you watch the performance, you're going to get fooled. Using routines by Bruce Cervon, Allan Ackerman, and Steve Beam as a starting point, Michael has produced a streamlined handling which uses an ordinary deck of cards. Magicians around the world have speculated about this trick. Now you'll learn all the work.
The Smiling Mule - A classic by Roy Walton. Michael has eliminated the one bad "moment" in the trick, and the results are staggering. Suitable for close-up or stand-up, this routine has been a mainstay in the repertoires of many top card men.
The Ooh-Ah Bird - Give your fingers a rest. Here's the perfect trick if you have to perform for children in a restaurant. The routine is simple, colorful, funny, mysterious, and the child takes an origami figure home as a souvenir. Plus, you'll learn some new work on the venerable Cross-the-Cut Force. If you're new to card magic, this is the perfect trick for you.
The Pothole Trick - This is the big one! One of the most talked about tricks in magic, and one of the most baffling. There are lots of "moving hole" tricks out there, but none have the impact and the memorability of The Pothole Trick. If you could really move holes, this is how it would look. Plus, the spectators take home your business card in an impossible condition. Even if magic isn't your profession, if you hand out business cards, The Pothole Trick will make you money. This is one of Michael's most prized routines, and this is the first time the method has been explained on video. In addition, Michael reveals some secrets which have never been released before. This trick is worth the price of the video.
Dr. Strangetrick - This handling for Card Warp may well be the most amazing and convincing yet created. Designed to fool the most astute spectator, this is Michael's favorite opening routine. For the first time, all the work is revealed; nothing has been held back.
The Judah Shoelace Routine - A great penetration effect resurrected. Stewart Judah's wonderful trick fell out of favor because it required a paper straw. Michael's solution is simple, and makes it easy to carry the props in your pockets.
A Trick for O'Brien - George Orwell would have loved this. Utilizing the concept of "who controls the present controls the past; who controls the past controls the future," a prediction effect is raised to miracle status. The principle involved can be applied to many other effects.
The Imagination Tester - A weird origami effect in which a paperfold of a belt buckle becomes real.
Tut Tut - Four widely-spaced Aces come together and trap a selected card. This sneaky effect allows you to shuffle a deck many times and still be ready for memorized deck mysteries.
Myopia - This is very close to real mindreading. Two spectators think of cards. The magician asks one question and can immediately name the cards.
The Birthday Book - A spectator selects a playing card. A date book is shown; next to each date is a playing card. The card written next to the spectator's birthday is shown. He has selected the exact same card. Michael Close has used this method to fry magicians and laymen around the world.
VOLUME 2
2 Hours 43 Minutes!
DVD Volume 2 combines two previously released videos: Michael Close's Very Very Close, Volumes 2 and 7.
Pink Floyd - The backs of four jokers change from blue to red to blue again. The perfect opening routine, and it resets immediately! Pink Floyd is an object lesson in logical and efficient card handling.
Renaldo the Great - A routine for the venerable Chinese Prayer Vase that will fool your magic buddies and the smart-aleck kid at the restaurant. This funny routine is perfect for table hopping.
The El Cheepo Magic Club - Based on Paul Harris' Flash Fold, this is a great routine for kids, and it leaves your business card with the parents. The El Cheepo Magic Club also provides a lesson in using presentation to cover methodological restrictions.
Coda Chrome - An unbelievable three way coincidence that will completely baffle magicians and laymen. Based on a trick by Stewart James, Coda Chrome brings the use of "outs" to a new level.
Chicken Teriyaki - A beautifully routined Copper- Silver transposition which rings in the gaff in a way that will fly by anybody. Perfect for walk-around conditions, and the magic happens in the spectator's hands.
You Hue - A Wild Card routine using the spectator's name and a freely selected color marker. You Hue demonstrates another diabolical use of outs, and the gaff can be used in many other effects. A stunner!
Red Blue Mama Fooler - This trick has a strange name, but the effect is killer. The audience decides on the name of any card. A red-backed deck is spread; there is one blue-backed card in the deck. It is the named card. For a kicker, a blue-backed deck is spread. There is only one red-backed card in it. It is also the named card.
The Wishing Trick - This is the trick Michael Close developed to help him become comfortable using a memorized deck. The routine is charming, and you will learn important techniques for the memorized deck.
The Haunted Deck - Anyone names any card. Without any overt manipulation, the deck cuts itself at the named card. This is another memorized deck trick, but it can also be done without the memorized deck. In addition, Michael has added a visual touch that makes it look as if the deck is alive.
Reverse Logic - Here's the perfect card routine for the strolling performer: a series of baffling card reversals. Because the routine is modular, you can stop at any point and still have a strong ending.
26 Cents Worth of Change - This routine is a rarity in magic: a truly impromptu coin trick. Two dimes go through a series of logical changes, ending up with the magician holding only a penny. This is another excellent strolling routine.
Flying Home - This is Michael Close's routine for the classic "Homing Card" effect. A signed card flies to the pocket two times. As a kicker, the entire deck flies to the pocket, except for the signed card.
VOLUME 3
2 hrs 40 min!
DVD Volume 3 combines two previously released videos: Michael Close's Very Very Close Vol. 6 and part of Vol. 3.
Erma la Fource - This method for the classic "Oscar" trick fools magicians and laymen alike. The magician makes a prediction: The Name of Your Card is Erma! The spectator names any card. He deals through the deck himself. Each card bears a different name on the back. There is only one "Erma" card. It is the card he named.
Tamariz Rabbits - Michael Close's routine for Juan Tamariz' very commercial packet trick. Michael has eliminated the need to switch cards in your pocket, and has still retained the maximum number of changes. This is a wonderful trick for children. The Unreality Machine - Here is another strange Origami effect, involving an offbeat transposition between an origami snowball and a pack of matches. The climax looks like "morphing."
Close's Clones - A restaurant routine that provides enormous laughs with minimum work. This is a topical, funny, and very commercial routine.
Down for the Count - Here's another funny routine that is simple to do. The magician proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that someone at the table is a vampire.
The Card, the Forehead, and the Saltshaker - One of Michael Close's favorite routines, and a masterpiece of audience management, this is the first time that all the work has been explained on video. Audiences around the world have raved over this routine; now is your chance to learn all the details from Michael Close.
Too Ahead - This three-phase coin routine is a fine example of diabolical routining. Done standing, it is perfect for table hopping. The subtle handling involved has fooled some of the best magicians in the world, and can be applied to other effects.
Four-Card Reiteration - Dan Garrett's marvelous routine provides a lesson in expert card handling. Included is a discussion on palming, and Michael's utility move, The Last Card Push.
The Lie Detector - The most commercial version of this classic effect. Three kickers, and the spectators get your business card!
VOLUME 4
& nbsp;
2 hrs 30 min!
DVD Volume 4 combines two previously released videos: Michael Close's Too Close Volume 4 and a portion of Very Very Close Volume 3.
The Big Surprise - The perfect way to open and close your show. A funny and seamless handling of the classic Card in Box effect. The assisting spectator discovers that the Big Surprise Canister really does contain a big surprise.
A Visit from Rocco - A charming presentation for a great Larry West trick. Using giant bills, the magician gives Rocco and the audience a lesson in arithmetic.
Rocco Returns - Rocco's back, with a lesson in Find the Lady. This routine for Ton Onosaka's Lucky Lady provides valuable information concerning the motivated handling of props.
Ring Fright - Michael synthesizes ideas from Gaetan Bloom and Terri Rogers to produce a remarkable two object transposition. And because no pulls are used, no harm can come to the spectator's finger ring.
Take a Letter - A weird effect using common stationery items. Never have so many magical principles been used in the cause of such a strange routine.
Butte Ox? Two Butte Ox! - Michael's handling for the classic Johnny Paul Cheek to Cheek effect. Hilarious and a lesson in intelligent, motivated card handling. And the Unbelievably Useful Comedy Prop comes into its own. This routine is a mainstay of Michael's stand-up act.
Bonus routine! - Michael performs (but does not explain) Stupid Travelers. Never has masterful card technique and maniacal behavior been combined in such a silly way. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll phone the authorities.
Rubik's Dollar Bill - A penetration effect using a dollar bill, a playing card, and a toothpick. This is the first time all the work has been explained on video!
The Growing Toothpick - Thirty seconds of eye-candy, as a toothpick triples in length.
Origami Bill Production - A simple and flashy way to give the spectators an origami souvenir. A borrowed bill instantly folds itself into an origami figure. Attach the bill to your business card and you've got the perfect give-away.
The Frog Prince - Hailed by the cognoscenti as one of the new "classics" of close-up magic, and one of the most astounding and memorable card routines ever created. A freely selected card transposes with a card which has been folded into an origami frog. An absolute reputation maker.
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Contains :
The Invisible Deck - You know the effect of this classic trick: A freely named card is the only face-down card in a face-up deck. But when you watch the performance, you're going to get fooled. Using routines by Bruce Cervon, Allan Ackerman, and Steve Beam as a starting point, Michael has produced a streamlined handling which uses an ordinary deck of cards. Magicians around the world have speculated about this trick. Now you'll learn all the work. The Smiling Mule - A classic by Roy Walton. Michael has eliminated the one bad "moment" in the trick, and the results are staggering. Suitable for close-up or stand-up, this routine has been a mainstay in the repertoires of many top card men. The Ooh-Ah Bird - Give your fingers a rest. Here's the perfect trick if you have to perform for children in a restaurant. The routine is simple, colorful, funny, mysterious, and the child takes an origami figure home as a souvenir. Plus, you'll learn some new work on the venerable Cross-the-Cut Force. If you're new to card magic, this is the perfect trick for you. The Pothole Trick - This is the big one! One of the most talked about tricks in magic, and one of the most baffling. There are lots of "moving hole" tricks out there, but none have the impact and the memorability of The Pothole Trick. If you could really move holes, this is how it would look. Plus, the spectators take home your business card in an impossible condition. Even if magic isn't your profession, if you hand out business cards, The Pothole Trick will make you money. This is one of Michael's most prized routines, and this is the first time the method has been explained on video. In addition, Michael reveals some secrets which have never been released before. This trick is worth the price of the video. Dr. Strangetrick - This handling for Card Warp may well be the most amazing and convincing yet created. Designed to fool the most astute spectator, this is Michael's favorite opening routine. For the first time, all the work is revealed; nothing has been held back. The Judah Shoelace Routine - A great penetration effect resurrected. Stewart Judah's wonderful trick fell out of favor because it required a paper straw. Michael's solution is simple, and makes it easy to carry the props in your pockets. A Trick for O'Brien - George Orwell would have loved this. Utilizing the concept of "who controls the present controls the past; who controls the past controls the future," a prediction effect is raised to miracle status. The principle involved can be applied to many other effects. The Imagination Tester - A weird origami effect in which a paperfold of a belt buckle becomes real. Tut Tut - Four widely-spaced Aces come together and trap a selected card. This sneaky effect allows you to shuffle a deck many times and still be ready for memorized deck mysteries. Myopia - This is very close to real mindreading. Two spectators think of cards. The magician asks one question and can immediately name the cards. The Birthday Book - A spectator selects a playing card. A date book is shown; next to each date is a playing card. The card written next to the spectator's birthday is shown. He has selected the exact same card. Michael Close has used this method to fry magicians and laymen around the world.
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Contains :
Pink Floyd - The backs of four jokers change from blue to red to blue again. The perfect opening routine, and it resets immediately! Pink Floyd is an object lesson in logical and efficient card handling. Renaldo the Great - A routine for the venerable Chinese Prayer Vase that will fool your magic buddies and the smart-aleck kid at the restaurant. This funny routine is perfect for table hopping. The El Cheepo Magic Club - Based on Paul Harris' Flash Fold, this is a great routine for kids, and it leaves your business card with the parents. The El Cheepo Magic Club also provides a lesson in using presentation to cover methodological restrictions. Coda Chrome - An unbelievable three way coincidence that will completely baffle magicians and laymen. Based on a trick by Stewart James, Coda Chrome brings the use of "outs" to a new level. Chicken Teriyaki - A beautifully routined Copper- Silver transposition which rings in the gaff in a way that will fly by anybody. Perfect for walk-around conditions, and the magic happens in the spectator's hands. You Hue - A Wild Card routine using the spectator's name and a freely selected color marker. You Hue demonstrates another diabolical use of outs, and the gaff can be used in many other effects. A stunner! Red Blue Mama Fooler - This trick has a strange name, but the effect is killer. The audience decides on the name of any card. A red-backed deck is spread; there is one blue-backed card in the deck. It is the named card. For a kicker, a blue-backed deck is spread. There is only one red-backed card in it. It is also the named card. The Wishing Trick - This is the trick Michael Close developed to help him become comfortable using a memorized deck. The routine is charming, and you will learn important techniques for the memorized deck. The Haunted Deck - Anyone names any card. Without any overt manipulation, the deck cuts itself at the named card. This is another memorized deck trick, but it can also be done without the memorized deck. In addition, Michael has added a visual touch that makes it look as if the deck is alive. Reverse Logic - Here's the perfect card routine for the strolling performer: a series of baffling card reversals. Because the routine is modular, you can stop at any point and still have a strong ending. 26 Cents Worth of Change - This routine is a rarity in magic: a truly impromptu coin trick. Two dimes go through a series of logical changes, ending up with the magician holding only a penny. This is another excellent strolling routine. Flying Home - This is Michael Close's routine for the classic "Homing Card" effect. A signed card flies to the pocket two times. As a kicker, the entire deck flies to the pocket, except for the signed card. |
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