Reviewed in 'THE MAGIC CAFE' by Steve Brooks

I'll begin this review with an apology to Tim and Sue-Anne.
You see, I've had these three DVDs for many months and for one reason or another have not been able to get this review written and posted. My bad! No excuses, and again - I humbly apologize and sincerely hope that Tim calls off any special contracts he may have made in my name. Ahem.

Obviously, since I have had plenty of opportunity to not only view the three discs, but actually play with many of the effects first-hand, I offer the following insight into their contents. Enjoy.

Ellis in Wonderland
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Disc Description: Tim and Sue-Anne have adapted one of there incredible lectures into 3 hours of wonder on this incredible DVD. Ellis & Webster have been known to bring there audiences to multiple ovations. There magic and presentation techniques are world renowned.
Over three and a half hours of magic on the DVD version of their famous lecture.

FEATURING LIVE PERFORMANCES AND DETAILED TEACHING OF Ultimate Blades, Credit Card Fax, Candle Tips, Deckstress, Deathslates, 7 Keys to Paradise, Jazz Cards, Deck Vanish, Cellular Thinking, Cash to Credit Card, Bill to Anything, and Shakespeare's Monte.

The DVD also includes bonus performances of Jazz Cards, Credit Card Fax, Deckstress, and Bloopers. Special features on Strolling Magic, Black Art, Thumbtips, MagicSports. 6 Card Rap Music Video, Photographic Gallery, Glossary of Terms, Promotional Video, and previews of other Ellis & Webster products

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As you can see by reading the disc description above, this DVD is crammed clear full of magical material. Some items are solid effects that you WILL want to know the skinny on, while other items range from Tim giving good sound advice on various topics, to Tim and Sue-Anne both playing around and having a good time doing so. That said, let's take a peek at some of the discs contents, shall we?

Ultimate Razor Blades: Since I have not personally seen every single razor blade trick ever invented, I'm hesitant to say this is the ultimate version. However, the effect that Tim presents is every bit as nerve racking and scary as any razor blade trick that I have seen to date - and I have seen a slew of them. Placing sharp pieces of metal in the mouth has always bothered me...probably one of the reasons why I have never done it.

That said, Tim uses the blades to cut paper, swallows the whole lot and then produces all the blades dangling on a piece of dental floss. The best part of the whole affair is the method, which is so darn easy and clever that even I'm tempted to give this a whirl. Good magic and worth a look.

Credit Card Fax: A whimsical little card routine in which the climax ends with a photograph of the performer appearing on the spectator's very own credit card. The kicker? In the photo the magician is holding the selected card. This is fun stuff to be sure and is not very difficult to do. If you perform a lot of walk-around this is just what the doctor ordered. Nice.

Deckstress: Okay, I'll state right up front that this is hands down my favorite thing on the entire disc. Given the great amount of stellar material included, that is saying something. Those of you who already own a Mirage Deck are going to kick yourself for never having thought of this concept. If you don't have this gimmicked deck, this is a good reason to go buy one - no kidding!

Given the effects that are possible and the concept being so bloody clever, Tim has several applications he discusses, including a way to personalize the trick as well as a corporate version for trade show workers. Even the purist among you should really give this some consideration, it is that good and easily worth the price of the entire DVD. In fact, this one item alone could have been marketed seperately and sold very well once people realized how well this will play for laypeople. Bravo Tim!

Death Slates: For the mentalist and bizarre among you, this will be something you may wish to consider. A set of spirit slates is required, but the trick itself appears promising when presented in the right hands. Worth a look.

7 Keys to Paradise: This is Tim's own variation on the classic Seven Keys To Baldpate plot, but with what I believe to be several unique improvements.
The effect is very strong and a no brainer to perform. The art will of course depend on your presentation skills. You will need to pick up a Viking coin tray from your local dealer, but if there was ever a modern day reason to purchase one of these trays, this would be it. Very nice.

Deck Vanish: This is a nice routine whereby the deck vanishes, nothing new there. However, Tim has some interesting thoughts on this and I think many of you who already do topit work can and will appreciate this routine.

Celluar Thinking: A clever and interesting trick using nothing more than a cell phone and a secret assistant. If presented properly you will no doubt run the risk of being burned at the stake. Don't say I didn't warn you. Very cool.

Cash to Credit Card: This is a visual quickie that has the performer turning a bill into an actual credit card. Everything you need to know in constructing the gimmick and then the actual presentation is covered here and I know that this will play well for many of you. Good stuff.

Bill to Anything: A stellar routine which ends with a spectators signed bill appearing inside a banana (though any fruit can be used). Extremely clever and well thought out. I like this and think you will too.

Shakespeare's Monte: (performance only)
While Tim does not cover the real work here, we are given the priviledge of seeing a very nice monte routine performed to poetry. Excellent.

I will end this by saying I believe this to be one of the best magic instructional DVDs I have ever seen. A ton of A+ material presented and taught by an excellent teacher. Mr.Ellis is ever the professional in his performance, and so darn personable that you can't help but like him. This helps us learn better I believe and after viewing this disc I feel like I have met the man himself. It is obvious to anyone viewing this DVD that Tim and Sue-Anne spent a great deal of effort in its creation and it clearly shows. If you can only afford to purchase one DVD from Tim Ellis, this is the volume you can't be without. My highest recommendation.

My rating:

Suggested retail: $US34.95

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24 years of living next door to Ellis
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Disc Description: Tim and Sue-Anne have adapted one of there incredible lectures into 3 hours of wonder on this incredible DVD. Ellis & Webster have been known to bring there audiences to multiple ovations. There magic and presentation techniques are world renowned.

FEATURING LIVE PERFORMANCES AND DETAILED TEACHING OF Kruger Kard Trick, Hi Tek Deck, Coins Across, Divide & Conquer, 7D, Rubberband Restoration, Barehand Coin Vanish, Spiral Bound, Big Deal, and Tricky Trick.
PLUS - Performance only of Soda Resurrection.

BONUS PERFORMANCES INCLUDE Hi Tek Deck, 7D, Rubberband Restoration, Coins Across, Tricky Trick and Bloopers!

SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE How to get an Agent, Floorshow Magic, Ellis & Webster On The Road, 6 Card Rap Music Video Dance Mix, Photographic Gallery of Jeannie, Glossary of Aussie Terms, Elly May's Scrapbook, Promotional Video, and previews of other Ellis & Webster products
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From the description above it is obvious that this DVD is crammed full of material - and it is! That said, let's take a look at some of the highlights...

The Kruger Card Trick: A stand-up routine involving the finding of a selected card ala Freddy Kruger. Claw marks are seen and cards are shredded! A must do routine for any kind of Halloween show says I. Cool.

Hi Tek Deck: This is an interesting trick using a gimmicked deck (found at any magic shop) and a calculator. Different enough that you just may want to give this a try. Fun stuff me thinks.

Divide and Conquer: Another stand-up routine which makes use of a secret assistant in the sudience. The effect is very strong and would be considered a real miracle to the average layperson. Extremely strong.

Big Deal: With the current popularity of Poker (and casino games in general), this will no doubt be a hit for any performer. The audience will love this and it is a breeze to perform. I like.

Tricky Trick: A bill is signed by a spectator, torn in three seperate pieces and then magically restored. What more can you ask for? My personal favorite on the disc and worth your serious consideration.

Broken and Restored Rubberband: A close-up miracle and my second favorite effect on the DVD. A rubberband is broken, then tied back together. As a kicker the performer causes the knot to fall off leaving a perfectly restored rubber band. Excellent thinking here and very strong material that is not too difficult to perform.

Soda Resurrection: (performance only)
This is a variation on Andérs Moden's Healed and Sealed Soda Can. Fun to watch and may give you some presentaional ideas if you already own the effect.

Spiral Bound: Instructions on constructing a tablet which will allow you to actually predict numbers that are given to you by a spectator. Mentalists may want to give this a serious look. Very clever.

Coins Across: A gimmicked three coins across routine with a jumbo coin climax. This is easy to do and uses a gaff that most magicians already own. If you don't already own a jumbo coin - go find one! Very, very nice.

7D: This is a variation of the standard Insurance Policy trick, but with a twist of sorts. Like Tim's other ideas, not too difficult and is sure to please your audience.

Bare Coin Vanish: This is a bare handed vanish of a coin using an extremely sneaky method. It is one of those tricks that makes you smile once you see the work. Very cool.

Like Tim's first DVD, this offering is loaded with a ton of great material. Besides the effects that I covered, there is a slew of bonus material which makes this DVD a real bargain. Again, Tim and Sue-Anne took the time to really make this a fun disc to learn from and it shows. It is interesting to note that Sue-Anne actually does the teaching on this disc and I had a lot of fun whille learning some great magic. Highly recommended.

My rating:
Suggested retail: $US34.95

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Runaround Sue (Cups and Balls)
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Disc Description: A 1 hour DVD containing the full explanation of Tim's entire FISM award winning routine. Tim Ellis is one of the most energetic and captivating performers in magic. He is a FISM award winner and an incredibly influential magician. Don't miss out on the chance to learn some of his fantastic magic. FEATURING LIVE PERFORMANCES AND DETAILED TEACHING OF THE ENTIRE ACT! EVERY MOVE EXPLAINED IN DETAIL.
SLEIGHTS EXPLAINED INCLUDE The Reel Vanish, The Tap Vanish, The Barehand Vanish, The Sunglasses Production and The Milkshake Production. PLUS - Early performances of Runaround Sue from 1991 to 1996.

BONUS ITEMS INCLUDE D'Cups & D'Balls, Promotional Video, and previews of other Ellis & Webster products. LIMITED EDITION - ONLY 1000 COPIES WILL BE SOLD

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If you have ever considered doing the classic Cups and Balls trick but never got around to actually learning a routine, this may well be the motivation you have needed. Those of you who already have a routine that you are comfortable with will gain knowledge in just watching this performance and listening to Tim's thoughts and ideas that led to the creation of this wonderful performance.

Now while this disc is a ONE TRICK affair, you need to know and realize there is a good reason - there is much to learn here and Tim spares no expense in teaching you the real work as it were. Everything is covered - props, sleights, presentation, heck even the music.

In addition, we are treated to a slew of bonus material including one of the funniest infomercials you may ever witness. Okay, maybe not, but you WILL smile. Recommended.

My rating:

Suggested retail: $US29.95

REVIEWED IN GENII MAGAZINE by Joe Turner.

Ellis In Wonderland, 24 Years of Living Next Door to Ellis, Runaround Suegicunlimited.co

They say confession is good for the soul, so here goes. Most of the instructional magic videos I’ve ever seen – even some of the better ones – could be marketed to the general public as insomnia remedies. I’ve even jokingly considered a “snooze” rating for the videos I review – zero to five “Z’s” based on how fast it put me out. Sure, it’s interesting to watch and learn magic, but if you randomly took a DVD out of your library and popped it into a player for a friend after Sunday lunch, odds are pretty good that he’d be out cold before it was half over.

Unless it was one from Tim Ellis and Sue Anne Webster.

Granted, if you’re one of the hardcore sleight folks who salivate at advanced technical moves and have little use for energetic or theatrical types of presentations, then these probably won’t be your cup of tea. But if you are called upon to perform magic for actual human beings who want to be entertained, then these discs will provide you with excellent tools for doing that. Plus, you’ll be entertained yourself as you learn the material and marvel at their creative energy.

Ellis In Wonderland is a whimsical depiction of what a magic video might look like viewed through the looking glass. Dressed in the character of Alice, Ms. Webster tells the tale of her visit to a strange land where the Mad Magician was performing a host of tricks. Following each introduction, the effects themselves are performed by Mr. Ellis in a variety of locations and situations, and finally explained. The magic is outstanding, from a truly practical razorblade swallowing routine to the nearly effortless “Deckstress,” which is seen to have numerous customization possibilities. The “7 Keys to Paradise” routine addresses some of the presentational weaknesses inherent in the effect, while “Bill to Anything” is a clever solution to the bill to impossible location effect that was spurred by the use of plastic currency in Australia. The resulting methodology is usable anywhere, however, and Mr. Ellis’ explanation is also a challenge to be creative in presenting the effect differently than seen on the disc.

This disc also has some fantastic bonus features, including some in-the-trenches advice on black art from Ms. Webster, tips on strolling magic, and a video of the duo’s outstanding “Six Card Rap” which has garnered praise from all over the world. And I haven’t even mentioned the MagicSports games which are demonstrated and then taught (in a font just a bit too small). The disc is literally packed to overflowing with magic.

Likewise, 24 Years of Living Next Door to Ellis is a video representation of the lecture that they did some years ago, transforming the genre from tricks and explanations into an engaging show for magicians, integrating the tricks and explanations into a single story with hilarious character acting from Ms. Webster. In the character of nosy neighbor Elly May, she reports on her surveillance of Mr. Ellis’ magical work. The magic is generally simple in technique and high in entertainment value, and it runs from close up card and coin tricks to a horror-themed “card sword” and an easily constructed device for close-up or stage mentalism applications. Be aware that the “Soda Resurrection” seen here is a performance-only piece; you’ll have to buy notes from Ellis & Webster or from Anders Moden to perform the routine.

Bonus material here includes business advice on how to get an agent, as well as several great tips on the real world details of working after dinner shows. Don’t miss the home movies from their lecture tours!

Both of the previous discs have over three hours of material – performances, explanations, tips, pictures, bonus items… easily worth the price.

Runaround Sue is the third of their recent releases, and it focuses on the development of Mr. Ellis’ FISM award winning cups and balls routine. Set in a malt shop with 1950’s music playing in the background, Mr. Ellis performs with milkshake cups and balls, finally finishing with the production of a milkshake. The routine is a complete act in its own right and is described in great detail. Every move, every sleight, every motivation is covered and discussed. In addition to the main routine, the disc also includes video showing the development of the routine over time, with early versions. Even on this disc, Mr. Ellis takes a comic turn by including an infomercial on “D’Cups and D’Balls,” which is the perfect gag for this disc. I’m sure many magicians have dreamed about Michael Ammar, but to my knowledge Mr. Ellis is the first one to do anything about it. This is an outstanding act and one that will teach you not only technique, but the art of developing a new act from the initial concept to the final form.

Technically, all three DVDs are extremely well produced, with great sound and video, easy menu access to all the material, and so forth. No complaints on that score. Frankly, I think all three videos are underpriced and therefore represent some of the best magical money you’ll spend this year. The tricks are good, the teaching is great, and even if none of the effects end up in your repertoire, you will have been entertained, amazed and motivated to add creativity to your own performances.

Runaround Sue ($29.95), 24 Years of Living Next to Ellis ($34.95) and Ellis in Wonderland ($34.95)

Even for a person who loves magic, some magic DVDS can be hard to sit through. Many are interesting, but few are as entertaining and informative as the Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster video tapes. You get a lot for your money from FISM Champion Tim Ellis and his wife, award winning magician, Sue-Anne Webster. I am not sure which I enjoyed more, the magic, the creative presentation style or the way the DVDs were presented in a variety of clever funny characters spying on and following the magician. For a change, the bonus material is substantial in volume and actual information.

Runaround Sue: The FISM Award Winning Cups and Balls Routines of Tim Ellis (Limited Edition) : running time 60 minutes. This is the Runaround Sue Lecture based on Ellis’ FISM Championship. It begins with a performance on an Australian newscast. The Cups and Balls routine was put to 5O’s music. The cups are milk shake mixing cups. Balls and sunglasses appear and disappear from the cups. It ends with the production of a huge straw from a paper bag. I was prepared not to give this a high recommendation since it is only one effect, albeit a FISM routine, but the fact is that this is a genuine teaching video that has lots of bonuses. From a practical point of view, the things discussed are what tables to use, how to store props, and what not to wear. In short, all the little subtleties which are usually only learned through trial and error. The whole routine is dissected so it also becomes a class on creativity that is fascinating. The idea was born one night in 1991 when Ellis won a FISM prize in close-up with a six card repeat routine called Six Card Rap. That night he dreamed about Michael Ammar’s Cups and Balls routine and woke up thinking about the song Runaround Sue. Years later, as he prepared for the next FISM competition, he remembered the dream, the song and the winning act was born.

24 Years of Living Next to Ellis : running time 3 hours! The presentation here is close-up magic revealed by the Ellis’ snoopy neighbor, Elly May. The magic is people oriented, easy to do, with lots of presentation and Elly’s explanations are excellent. This DVD has Ellis’ FISM award winning Six Card Rap Video as well as “The Freddy Krueger Kard Stab”, a visual card stab using a “Freddy Krueger blade glove”. This is a very entertaining card stab. It begins with the usual magician in trouble concept “A magician’s worst nightmare”. The Freddy Krueger glove comes out and the cards are thrown into the air. Only one card ends impaled on the end of the bladed finger.

“A novel Bare Hand Coin Vanish”, “Coins Across”, a “Spiral Bound utility note pad for mentalists” is explained. “Hi Tek Deck,” a "computer controlled" deck entertaining reveal a card using a combination of effects including a Svengali Deck, a 52 on 1 card and stranger card, otherwise known as “Psychomatic Deck”. “The Seven of Diamonds Trick”, “Divide and Conquer”, a great two-person code system, Essays on Women in Magic Creativity, and the bonus section on Aussie Lingo translation is a hoot.

Ellis in Wonderland : running time 3 Hours! has Sue-Anne as Alice following the magician through wonderland. Effects include “Razorblade Eating”, “Cash to Credit Card”, “Card Fax,” 7 keys to Paradise”, “Deckstress”, “Deathslates”, “Bill to Anything”, “Jazz Cards”, and “Shakespearean Patter for the 3 Card Monte.” There are also Essays on Strolling Magic and Floorshows and three comedy pieces to amuse 'Magicians Only'. The effects are very entertaining and once again the bonus material includes an excellent look at how to do Black Art.

While the hard core finger flickers may not be wowed by the material, just about everyone else will find useable material and the most informative bonus material I have seen on the market these days. The last two DVDs in particular are among the best value for the money on the market right now. I understand that Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster will be on tour in the U-S this spring. Better carve out money in your magic budget to get to their lecture. I know I will be. Highly Recommended.

Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster are busy full-time professional magicians in Australia. They recently released three new DVDs. ‘Ellis in Wonderland’ and ’24 Years of Living Next Door to Ellis’ contain a variety of stand-up and close-up effects which were originally presented in one of Tim’s lectures. ‘Runaround Sue’ is a platform Cups and Balls routine with a 1950’s theme. We’ll start by taking a look at the lecture material.

I should mention that Tim and Sue-Anne have added a bit of novelty to the normal magic DVD format. As the title would suggest, ‘Ellis in Wonderland’ features a Lewis Carroll inspired theme, with Sue-Anne dressed as Alice introducing the various segments. The highlight of this DVD is Ultimate Blades, a very practical and safe method for performing the classic Indian Needle Trick as done with razor blades. The requirements of this method demand that it be an opening trick (Tim provides a few options if you want to do this in the middle of your show), and it is designed to be done silently to a musical accompaniment. The magician swallows five razor blades. Before each blade is swallowed it is used to slice up a sheet of paper (proving that the blades are real). The magician then swallows (apparently) a length of dental floss. The entire mess is regurgitated, and the blades are now threaded onto the floss. There is a final, funny bit of business that serves a double purpose; it gets a laugh and it allows you to clean up. If you have ever wanted to add this effect to your act, this routine is probably worth the price of admission.

The other routines on the DVD are a mixed bag. Deckstress is a very simple but memorable card trick that works well in a strolling situation. If you’d like to add a card trick to your repertoire, but you’re not really a card guy, this trick would fit the bill. 7 Keys to Paradise is a clever way to use a standard mental routine in a corporate prize giveaway situation. Deathslates is a card trick with bizarre magic overtones. Also included on the DVD are some excellent suggestions for Fantasio candles, Sue-Anne’s practical Black Art vanish, a very clever way to break the ice in strolling magic situations, and a sneaky way to hand out your business card.

’24 Years of Living Next Door to Ellis’ features Sue-Anne playing the character of Tim’s nosy next door neighbour. She spies on Tim while he does his tricks, and then explains his methods to the viewers at home. I was less thrilled with the material on this DVD, but I did like Divide and Conquer (a clever way for a stooge to cue you the name of a selected card), a Broken and Restored Rubber Band, and Spiral Bound (a method for constructing an Add-A-Number Pad). There is some very practical advice for anyone who does corporate after dinner shows, and Tim gives a very sneaky method for getting an agent to book you for a show.

Both DVDs feature lots of bonus material, including clips from MagicSports events, Tim’s 6 Card Rap music video, the Ellis & Webster promotional video, and a home movie of life on the road.

My wish is that the material offered had been edited down to a single DVD, eliminating the marginal items. I really liked the practical, professional advice that Tim and Sue-Anne offer, and there are a few really good routines, but much of what I watched looked like tricks designed for a lecture. And, as I mentioned above, Tim’s Ultimate Blades is an excellent method, and is worth your serious consideration if you like that kind of trick.

‘Runaround Sue’ features a single routine: Tim’s ‘50s themed Cups and Balls routine. The routine is done with two milkshake containers, a ball, and a pair of sunglasses. The routine is done silently to music. The ball and the sunglasses vanish and reappear in surprising ways, culminating with the production of a milkshake (just the liquid, not the glass) from one of the containers.

We get to watch Tim perform this routine on an Australian talk show. A 1950s diner set was constructed for the purpose, and this greatly adds to the effect. The female talk show host was impressed.

Tim goes into great detail explaining every aspect of this routine. (In fact, the DVD also includes early versions of the routine). Although the advertising hype on the back of the DVD case says, “It sets the standard for a self-contained close up act,” I feel that ‘Runaround Sue’ is a parlour or stage routine. It is simply not designed for normal, real world close up magic conditions. You will either have to preset the act behind a draped table, or, as Tim does, bring on a rolling table (with all the props inside) and perform behind it. Tim mentions that he has used the routine with great effect in children’s shows.

The routine is not particularly difficult, although sleeving is used extensively. The questions are whether or not you fit the type (Tim looks good in a t-shirt and leather jacket and can pull off the Fonzie thing) and you have a venue that will work within the demands of the method.

If the answer to these questions is yes, then ‘Runaround Sue’ is worth your serious consideration.

"LOVED your DVD's. The best produced instructional magic DVD's
I've ever seen not to mention the content which is insanely great!
The magic community is simply not worthy!"

”This is the way DVDs should be produced. Fun, entertaining, and we don't see the same audience DVD after DVD, its a real audience with real reactions. You can't go wrong with anything put out by Tim and Sue-Anne.”

"All I can say is the Ellis & Webster DVD's are awesome and well worth buying even if you did not find any material on the DVD useful (which you will find plenty) the comedy style layout and presentation is great! Long live Elly May!!!!!!!"

- Michael Sullivan

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"I received your new DVDs a few days ago and had a chance to view them this week. I must congratulate you on an excellent product. I found a number of methods that I will use. Your creativity is nothing short of inspiring.

Runaround Sue may very well be the most impressive magic routine that I have ever seen.

Ellis in Wonderland is absolutely loaded with usable material. I also found a number of gems in the 24 Years DVD. I love how interactive your material is. I am working on that aspect of my performance right now so your DVDs are very timely for me. Again, congratulations."

- Mike Whatcott

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"I got the DVD's (yeay) they are fantastic. I can honestly say that your lecture was the best that I have attended. I am glad that you decided to put out the DVD's. You present very clever material in a fun / easy to learn way. I like the variety of magic that you chose to present. Again, the lecture notes were awesome. Not only in content, but in presentation as well. I think that this is why your DVD's (in part) came out so well. You had a solid foundation to build on and could have fun with it. It is nice to see that you took the time to put out a fun quality DVD, not the standard shot in the basement with a handy-cam homebrew magic video. You should consider putting out a separate DVD on just magic sports. I think that it would go over big. I am glad that you included it in your current DVD's and it is a real treat to see. I have my magic friends over and we play magic sports. I get calls saying when are you going to have us over again?"

- Matthew Episcopo

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"I have these two DVDs (Wonderland and 24 Years) and I think that they are excellent. The production and quality is the best I've seen on any magic DVD. The tricks are top notch involving heaps of practical material with razor blades, mobile phones, credit cards, paper {plastic] money, coins, rubberbands, drink cans, cards,,,, The explanations [24 years of living next door to Ellis] are done in a very unique way. There are also heaps of special features which offer practical tips, show actual performances, describe Aussie Lingo, and show the 6 card rap dance Mix Music Video amongst many other surprises. There's well over 6 hours of magic and fun on these DVDs. Well done Tim and Sue-Anne"

- Michael Chappelly

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"Excellent content on your new DVDs (I had purchased one just to see, then went back to get the other two)."

- Thomas Faitg

Inside Magic Magic Reviews
Ellis and Webster - Top Beanie Weenies
By Tim Quinlan -- Kaspar Hauser Fan Club Vice President
Sat, 25 Sep 2004, 06:19 EST

Assume you grew up in the wild and never knew of civilization; as if you were a modern day Kaspar Hauser.

This strange man/boy wandered into a German town and lived a short, mysterious life. He lacked the social, hygienic and language skills that come from being raised by humans. And yet he was very bright and inquisitive. He was plagued with a terrible hunchback apparently caused by his prior imprisonment in a small space.

He was either murdered or killed himself in the center of the town one evening and the cause of his death has never been determined.

Now, you as little Kaspar, stumble into civilization and are adopted by a very rich person and treated to only the best in life. You have the best food, even though your palate lacked the sophistication necessary to discern Filet Mignon with a fine 1989 Mondovi Cabernet Reserve from Beanie Weenies and Grape Kool-Aid.

You would rightfully guess that all food in this brave new world tastes so wonderful and that all homes were stately mansions populated by caring and giving people.

You're probably thinking, "what the heck is he talking about? So much for modern psychotropic medication!" Or maybe your thinking, "I haven't even read this far. I gave up in the first paragraph." Actually, no, I don't know how you could think that if you stopped reading in the first paragraph.

Anyway.

Now, imagine you see magicians for the first time. Perhaps the occasion is your birthday party or the first night at the theater. If you saw Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster perform, you would assume all magicians were not only entertaining but capable of incredible tricks. You would have no idea that magicians could be anything less than this duo.

When you finally venture out of the wonderfully protective but cloistered mansion, you encounter Beanie Weenies and hack magicians or hack magic lecturers. While your chewing on your overly-salted hotdog and baked beans, you watch magicians perform uninspiring tricks with apparently no practice in routines with no imagination.

While you are sucking down a juice box of sugar water tinged with the chemical representation of grape flavoring, you could listen to magic lecturers teaching effects with no imagination or commercial value. No commercial value to you, that is.

The hack lecturers would teach effects described scantily in their stapled stack of photocopied pages they call lecture notes and more fully disclosed - with the necessary gimmicks - in the package "usually selling for $35.00 but specially priced for attendees at a significant savings for only $30.00."

You're probably thinking, "uh, excuse me. What the heck are you talking about? I have to go in a little bit and don't have time to read all this fluff. I'm not a hunched-over man/boy who stumbles into a German town and gets stabbed in the town square by someone cloaked in black but I do happen to love Beanie Weenies."

Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster are to magic, what Filet Mignon and a fine wine are to food. They are creative, theatrical, imaginative, caring, and funny and their lectures are among the best. How nice it would be to eat steak every day (I can't afford to because my cholesterol medication costs so much) and how nice would it be to watch Mr. Ellis and Ms. Webster perform, teach and improvise every day.

Here is the good news, then. The couple is providing three new DVDs to provide hours of enjoyment and education; to provide more than mere sustenance.

This is one of the duo's classic lectures. The concept is great and the effects taught are even better. The lecture features several tricks including 'Razorblade Swallowing', 'Deckstress', 'Cash to Credit Card', Credit Card Fax', 'Seven Keys to Paradise' and others. But in the tradition of great DVD etiquette, there is also much more than the lecture notes provided.

There are "special features" including essays on 'Close Up Magic', 'Floorshows', 'MagicSports', and humorous articles like 'What if magicians were like...' and 'A Magical Glossary'. Plus Ellis & Webster Promotional Tape, 6 Card Rap Music Video, Hot Tin Roof Photo Gallery, Glossary of Misunderstood Magic Terms, and Previews of other Ellis & Webster items. I can vouch for much of this material. The magic is creative but, more importantly, commercial.

This DVD is not out yet but is apparently on its way towards us. If you would like a taste of this Filet Mignon, you can read one of Mr. Ellis' essays to be included on the DVD, "Close Up Magic" by clicking here.

Mr. Ellis performed his Cups and Balls routine with great success at FISM. In fact, he won. I am guessing this success was due to the incredibly creative (both in method and presentation) routine. If you have already seen the routine either in lecture or as a presentation, you know this was pure genius.

Mr. Ellis plays the part of a 1950's ruffian with a tender heart as he presents the sad story of Run Around Sue through creative use of soda fountain accoutrement and accompanied by Dion's classic song.

The DVD not only teaches the moves necessary to perform the routine. Unlike the making of laws or sausage, there is much enjoyment in watching the sleights Mr. Ellis used to make a flawless routine. You will also have a chance to see the performance on two television appearances.

The final DVD on its way out towards us is familiar to those who saw the duo's most recent US tour. 24 Years of Living Next to Ellis is a unique presentation motif. The DVD has: The Kruger Kard Trick, Spiral Bound, Hi Tek Deck, Coins Across, Divide & Conquer, 7D, Big Deal, Bare Coin Vanish, Tricky Trick, Broken & Restored Rubberband, and the incredible Soda Resurrection.

The Soda Resurrection is as close to real magic as anything I have ever seen. To see a crushed can visibly return to its prior, pristine condition and seal itself, can easily convince one that Mr. Ellis has special powers. The Soda Resurrection is not taught on the DVD but the performance alone makes the DVD worth purchasing. You can read about the tragic theft of the Soda Resurrection secret by clicking here.

As a special feature, Mr. Ellis and Ms. Webster include their Six Card Rap. This is a great routine. It is not your father's Six Card Repeat. It uses rap music and costumes to bring a new vitality to an effect I have always enjoyed.

To push the Kaspar Hauser motif a bit further, if you just now took up the study of magic, you might assume DVDs always existed and were always produced with the high quality we expect from Mr. Ellis and Ms. Webster.

But we remember the old days of trying to learn from VHS tapes; the constant rewinding too see the move again if it wasn't obstructed by shadows or the magician's back. Watching a magic lecture video tape used to teach more than magic - it often taught us to be patient and not expect too much.

DVDs have turned us into instant critics: we can program our players to repeat difficult moves over and in slow motion. We have come to demand not only quality video direction and editing but also substance.

Mr. Ellis and Ms. Webster have set the standards for so many aspects of our craft. Their presence in magic requires all magicians to practice, think, create original material, practice, and care about the audience's perception of our shows.

Sometimes Beanie Weenies are nice but if I had to pick just one entrée for the rest of my days, I'd pick steak but perhaps replace the California Cabernet with a nice Shiraz.

Check out the Ellis and Webster website by clicking here.

© Copyright 2004 by Inside Magic

Reviewed by Shane at ONLINE VISIONS

"Ellis in Wonderland" DVD
by Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster
Suggested Retail USD$34.95
Available direct from your favourite dealer
In a Blink: 9 Out of 10

I was lucky enough to see Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster give their phenomenal and completely fun lecture "Ellis in Wonderland". I had a blast, picked up a few new tricks, and was eagerly awaiting the lecture's release on DVD.

It's been a while, but the wait has been worth it. "Ellis in Wonderland" contains some great, commercial, and ultimately entertaining routines in a fun compilation with some hilarious extras added just for kicks. To say this is a keeper is an understatement.

This is one of those times I really don't know where to start. So let's start with the material, which is going to take a while (the DVD is packed with over three hours of pure stuff, so a synopsis is going to be anything but short).

Taken as a whole, the material is quite simply excellent. Ellis and Webster have been at this a while and it shows: the material covers so much ground that there should be pitfalls along the way, but there are none. Zero. Zilch. All the material is commercial and entertaining. If there is any drawback to this collection, it's the reliance on set-ups and gimmicks needing resets which will make some wince. But even having said that, there are pieces here are so gorgeous that squeezing them into an existing act is a pleasure.

Now, of course you'll be picking your own favorites off the disk, but here are a few worth mentioning.

Bill to Anything. This is exactly what the name implies and is incredibly slick. Essentially, a borrowed bill is vanished after a piece is torn off for later verification, and the bill reappears anywhere your little heart and overactive imagination can dream up. This is one of those "worth the price of the disc" pieces that makes this disc a keeper.

Seven Keys to Paradise. Ellis and Webster take on the old "Seven Keys to Baldpate" theme with an interesting use of an old gimmick. Worth more than the trick itself - which is very good - are Ellis' thoughts about using this for corporate gigs. Wanna make more money at those shows? This is one way of adding value to what you do and up the price accordingly.

Shakespeare's Monte. This is the script Ellis put together for the three-card monte (specifically, the Vienna Jumbo Monte) but it will work with virtually any monte routine, mechanical or not. This was one of the first things I began using from his lecture - it's too entertaining not to.

Jazz Cards. Magicians hate this one, which is why I fell in love with it. The presentation sounds silly to us, but to an audience it's an incredible card location that floors them and has them giggling at the same time.

There is a great deal more here, including a razor blade routine (yes, ye olde swallowing and threading bit) with a great touch added to it; a routine where the photo on a credit card vanishes to reappear on the spectator's chosen card while changing to show the picture now is one of you holding the card; a great personalized card location (another money-maker for corporate gigs); a routine using Spirit Slates to locate a selected card in an eerie way (yes, Ellis and Webster went bizarre on one - good on them!); a change of a bill to a credit card; and a great deal more.

Will you do everything on this disc? Magic doesn't work that way. You'll find your own favorites here and there. Can you do everything? Yes, because one of the best parts about the material is that it is all very simple to pull off. Ellis and Webster don't rely on complicated sleights or rigid set-ups to get things done; they keep everything light mechanically so that, theatrically, you can succeed. It's a welcome line of thought to see.

But wait - there's more. We just covered the highlights, well, at least what is traditionally considered to be the highlights. Now comes the really fun stuff.

Along with all the material, there are also a ton of tips on using props and performing in certain venues. In this category of material, we get some of what we expect - like a mini-lecture on Fantasio candles and thumb tips - but also some unexpected and very welcome bits on strolling, corporate shows, black art, and more.

And if that wasn't enough, some of the most entertaining minutes on the DVD will be spent with Ellis explaining and showing the results of MagicSports (believe me, the bit about magic dealers is a scream, but nothing beats what happens to an innocent little dice-stacking routine). Add to the mix the performance of "Six Card Rap" and you're really having fun.

If it sounds like I'm high on this disc, it's only because I am. There is some great stuff here and both Ellis and Webster are capable and talented teachers. The production values of the disc are very high, even when, by all rights, they shouldn't be (like the un-staged "MagicSports" segments).

The final analysis? There's wonderful stuff on this disc that makes this a solid keeper.

"Ellis in Wonderland" DVD by Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster
In A Blink: 9 Out of 10

Material: 10
The material here runs the gamut from razor blades to cards to paper money and from cabaret to close-up. It's a wonderful potpourri of the thinking of Ellis and Webster and it's marvelous. Like anything else, you'll find your own favorites, but the odds are it will be a tough call.

Practicality: 9
There are gimmicks galore and set-ups required which can be a bit of a put-off. If you're looking for completely impromptu pieces, this collection ain't it. If you're looking for material which is still easy to fit into your act, this is one you'll want.

Quality of Production: 10
Major kudos for the production quality here. The video is extremely well shot and the sound is great (even the convention footage, which one expects to have lower quality, is way above average). Even the navigation is perfect.

Quality of Instruction: 10
Another win here. Ellis and Webster both teach things extremely well, covering all the basics and the nuances needed to put the material to work quickly and easily.

Presentation: 10
Ellis and Webster shine here. Even when the presentation is stiflingly silly, it's still very, very entertaining.

Originality: 9
Ellis and Webster make use of some great leaps in imagination to come up with some of this stuff and it shows. Even when the method is old as the hills and tried and true, the thinking the duo put into what to do with it is something else.

I've reviewed lots of DVDs of late, but Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster's Ellis in Wonderland stands above the rest. This DVD offers 12 solid effects that range from close-up to stand-up and stage. And there’s lots of good, real-world advice.

For stand-up, Ellis offers a first rate version of the classic razor blade routine where he swallows a series of blades, which ultimately reappear out of his mouth, threaded on a string. Ellis' brilliant approach maximizes safety but still allows him to use the blades to visually slash jumbo playing cards. And the clean-up is logical, humorous and pure genius.

Credit card fax is a good card revelation that uses a borrowed credit card. An ID picture mysteriously moves from the magician's credit card to the spectator's and reveals the chosen playing card. I'm personally not comfortable borrowing a spectator's credit card in my performance situations, but the effect is a strong one.

Effects for Workers

Deckstress is another effect from Ellis' arsenal. Here, a spectator names a card from those that he or she sees and discovers that it’s the only one that is marked on the back. Ellis provides an easy way to perform this effect and all you have to do is focus on presentation. A variation on Deckstress, Name Deckstress offers a more powerful version that uses a spectator's name.

Deathslates is an offbeat and creepy card prediction with slates. I was particularly impressed with Ellis’ freeform Jazz Cards, an involving effect where a spectator seemingly controls the deck to find his or her own card. (The “jazz” in the name represents the trick’s flexibility.) Deck Vanish is an impressive routine that allows two spectators to choose cards. And after returning them to the deck, 50 of the cards in the deck disappear, which leaves the magician with the two chosen cards.

7 Keys to Paradise is Ellis’ version of the well-known Seven Keys to Baldpate. Ellis offers a method that’s straight-forward and easy, and he shows how to adapt the effect for strong use at corporate events and other occasions. Cellular Thinking is a useful, no-code telephone prediction that allows a spectator to name a card or object, and call a number to have a “wizard” reveal it.

Cash to Credit Card allows a magician to visually fold a bill and turn it into a credit card. Ellis’ Shakespeare's Monte is an entertaining, Elizabethan-themed presentation for the “Jumbo Monte” effect. The DVD shows his performance and offers text for the routine.

One of my favorites, Bill to Anything allows a magician to borrow a bill, have it signed and make it reappear anywhere. And the torn “receipt” matches. In the performance video, the reappearance happens in a banana. Ellis’ method is clever and cunning.

This DVD offers helpful tips on a variety of topics. Candle Tips serves advice on working with Fantasio candles. After watching this segment, you should have fewer problems with the lighter fluid drying out. And the segment explains Ellis’ method for producing a lit candle.

I liked the segment on approaching crowds in strolling situations. Here, Ellis and Webster also tip some of the valuable promotional methods that they use. There’s also solid advice on getting rid of a thumbtip when spectators are burning your hands or are in the know and looking for it.

A gift, Webster explains her black art illusion that allows a person to vanish or mysteriously produce objects. This is a practical illusion that shouldn’t be too expensive to build and it offers an excellent disappearance.

The DVD features Ellis and Webster’s hilarious 6 Card Rap Music Video. Here, Ellis recites an infectious rap while performing the classic 6 Card Repeat with jumbo cards. It’s fresh, brilliant material. There’s also a segment that discusses MagicSports – impromptu activities based on theatre games where magicians are asked to improvise with given objects and more. It’s zany fun.

Strong effects, no Knucklebusters

Ellis and Webster offer straightforward, mostly gimmick-based methods to perform their miracles. No knuckle busters here. But the effects are strong ones and Ellis and Webster have the performance footage to prove it.

Throughout, Ellis and Webster do an excellent job of explaining their routines and philosophy in a light, entertaining manner and they dispense lots of insight and psychological implications. The video incorporates multiple camera shots and good editing. Audio is a bit uneven, although that’s to be expected when taping in a variety of performance venues. The audio in the explanation segments in excellent.

Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster are creative, engaging entertainers who seemingly do it all. Their enthusiasm and fresh approach to developing and performing magic is infectious. They’re not only great on this DVD, they’re great for magic.

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"While it’s true that Australia’s Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster are fellow residents of our “global village,” it is also true that they are relatively unknown in the western world, largely because they live and work three trillion miles away.

However, as a Canadian, I am no stranger to obscurity (which my agent assures me is not the same as anonymity), so I made a point not to judge Tim and Sue-Anne while I popped this DVD into my player, and thankfully so. Ellis in Wonderland is overflowing with rock-solid, practical magic, of the kind that only results from real-world performers setting their creative sights on designing tricks they will actually use.

There are a dozen or so routines on here, some platform, some walkaround, including “Ultimate Razor Blades,” a clever, safe method for the razor-blades-from-mouth with a funny gag at the end that could be incorporated into any version of the effect; “7 Keys to Paradise,” a non-sucker (and ultimately more satisfying) approach to “7 Keys to Baldpate” in which 7 different keys are handed out for a small chest that contains something special, whereupon fate intervenes and ensures that the one person who has any claim to the item in the chest is in fact the one who chooses the key that will open it; “Jazz Cards,” a card revelation that will likely fool you the first time you see it (Vernon’s “The Trick That Cannot Be Explained,” from More Inner Secrets of Card Magic, should have been cited as precedent - in fact you may want to refer to Revelations, Volumes 7 & 8, which are both on one DVD, for more angles on this type of trick); “Cellular Thinking,” a fun routine with your cellular (a.k.a. mobile) phone that has a variety of applications; “Cash To Credit Card,” a visual change that would be particularly effective for TV work; and “Bill To Anything,” a burnt bill routine that both borrows from and builds on Terry Seabrooke’s seminal approach to the plot.

The DVD itself is extremely well produced, and includes performances before many different types of audiences (a rarity on lecture DVDs). In addition, the material is framed by introductions and interstitials in which Sue-Anne plays Alice in Wonderland (although frankly, given the title of the DVD, I think Tim should have played this part). Admittedly, this kind of theatrical “hamming” is not everyone’s cup of tea (at one point my girlfriend walked in and, upon seeing “Alice” sitting next to a giant mushroom, she just shook her head and said, “They must be smoking some pretty good stuff...”), but it is indicative of Tim and Sue-Anne’s commitment to making unique and original DVDs, a trend I would like to see more of in magic.

All in all, this DVD is chock full of usable magic, and well worth your attention, particularly if you’re looking to add some audience-tested routines to your repertoire."

- David Acer