History was made from September 2-6, 1982, in a modest filming studio in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, where the life and magic of Dai Vernon were captured for eternity (you know, just a casual bit of immortality). Sparked by the enthusiasm of Bill Larsen, this ambitious project was put together by Videonics, helmed by the ever-committed Hans Zahn. The dynamic trio of Michael Ammar, Gary Ouellet, and Steve Freeman co-hosted the magic mayhem.
L & L Publishing has now taken this priceless footage, worked its digital wizardry, and released it on 8 DVDs. Not only can we witness the Professor in action, but our great-grandkids (and theirs) will have the pleasure of learning the elusive craft from the grandmaster himself.
Here’s what you need to know:
* The format resembles a jam session (because who doesn’t love a good jam?), with Vernon chatting about his tricks, moves, and routines whilst holding court like the legend he is.
* Every move, technique, and routine discussed is performed by either Vernon or one of the co-hosts, complete with clear explanations (none of that mumbo jumbo!).
* Roughly half of the material is from the published record; the other half? Freshly unveiled secrets (at the time, anyway).
* Expect important new techniques on Vernon classics, including nifty improvements and previously undisclosed handlings, even regarding the renowned Stars of Magic effects (yes, you can thank me later).
* Some legendary routines, like the Coins in Champagne Glass and the Fred Kaps Coins and Silk (originally crafted by Vernon and taught to Kaps), are revealed for the first time.
* Important insights into Erdnase techniques, which Vernon has spent a lifetime dissecting, form a significant part of the content.
The idea behind these DVDs was to capture the essence of Vernon live, allowing future magicians to experience his magic firsthand (and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want that?).
No self-respecting magician should let this pass by. Dai Vernon was the Dean of modern magic, and he shares absolute gems on these tapes. AND now, thanks to the magic of DVD, you also get: Superior Picture Quality, Dolby Digital Sound, Interactive Menus that whisk you to every trick and explanation with just a click of your remote, and it’s even Multi-Region for worldwide viewing (because magic knows no borders).
Volume 7
Gary Ouellet Intro
An Unpublished Linking Ring Move
The Vernon No Key Linking
The Five-Card Mental Force
Some Thoughts on the Stop Trick
Taking Advantage of Good Breaks
The Trick That Cannot Be Explained
The Cutting Trick
How to Practice the Trick That Cannot Be Explained
Vernon Talks About Card Palming
The Hofzinser Bottom Palm
The Diagonal Palm Shift and the Vernon Improvement
The Hofzinser Bottom Palm Transfer
Volume 8
Gary Ouellet Intro
The Diagonal Palm Shift - a detailed description
The Hand Washing Move
The Gambling Palm
The Vernon Gambling Palm Transfer
Topping the Deck
The Erdnase Top Palm
Several Methods of Replacing the Palmed Card onto the Deck
Skinning the Hand, Version 1
Vernon Color Change
The Tenkai Palm Color Change
Skinning the Hand Version #2
The French Pass
Two Technical Descriptions of Bottom Palms
Covering the Side Slip
Dramatizing Revelations
The Loewy Palm
Some Moves for Cards Up the Sleeve
The Vernon Card Switches
A New Top Palm
The Card to Jacket Pocket
The Palm Change
Story of the Mysterious Kid
Vernon Talks About Shiners
