Chicago Tapes

THE BLURB:
The Chicago Tapes by Eugene Burger, is actually a set of 3
DVD's and one explanation booklet. This incredible
collection features an in depth look into the routines,
effects, and even the life of Eugene Burger. This collection
is truly a must have!

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EUGENE GOES BIZARRE

Join EUGENE BURGER and his friends TONY ANDRUZZI and JAY
INGLEE as they explore the strange world of Bizarre Magic.

This 90-minute DVD features performances, interviews, and
teaching segments, plus an afternoon with a Magician, a
14-minute video produced by Michael Caplan in 1988 in which
Eugene takes you to his favorite Chicago cemetery to discuss
his philosophy of magic.

Among the performances, you'll see Eugene's Retribution, a
chilling new presentation of an ancient rite. You'll
experience Jay Inglee's mysterious Book of Ghosts and take a
visit to the unusual home of Tony Andruzzi.

In addition, Eugene Burger conducts an in-depth teaching
session on the classic HAUNTED PACK, explaining all the
subtle details and important secrets.

So lock the doors, turn out the lights, and prepare yourself
for EUGENE GOES BIZARRE.

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GOURMET CLOSE-UP MAGIC

See Eugene in action, just as if you were to visit the
famous Biggs restaurant in Chicago. Watch him perform three
shows: Working behind the bar, seated at a dinner table, and
doing stand-up walk-around in the lounge. You'll see the
magic that has

brought him international acclaim, including his THREE-CARD
MONTE, ALLERTON'S ASPIRIN BOX, THOUGHT SENDER, SHOTGLASS
SURPRISE, VOODOO, and much more!

Then spend some time with Eugene as he teaches you three of
his great professional presentations with in-depth
explanations. Learn his mind-blowing version of the MULLICA
WALLET along with David Parr's devious handling; Matt
Schulien's knockout SIGNED CARD UNDER THE TABLECLOTH; and
SHOTGLASS SURPRISE, an unbelievable production of a glass of
liquid from a folded paper bag! Eugene teaches you all the
important tips and psychology for actual performance.

Finally, David Parr interviews Eugene about his experiences
performing in restaurants. They discuss how to solve the
awkward moment of approaching customers cold, how to handle
repeat customers, dealing with rips, and closing the show.

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REAL SECRETS OF CLOSE-UP MAGIC

In this 70-minute DVD, Eugene Burger looks beyond tricks to
explore the process by which we learn to perform magic.
These REAL SECRETS are illustrated with sure-fire routines
taken from Eugene's own professional repertoire.

You'll learn:

• A terrific version of CUTTING THE ACES in which the
spectator finds the last Ace by cutting the deck and
spelling his own name

• The WORLD'S FASTEST CARD TRICK (Eugene's favorite!)

• The full work on MAKING CIGARETTES DISAPPEAR (two
different methods, for every performance condition)

• An OLD CARNIVAL GAME (Eugene's version of the classic
glass under the newspaper)

• The ACROBATIC MATCHBOX (it stands up, opens itself, and
gets handed out for examination)

• The THREE COIN MYSTERY (a surprising vanish and a
delightful example of commercial close-up routining)

• And a special bonus: Eugene discusses Al Baker's
IMPOSSIBLE CARD FORCE (one of the most deceptive card forces
of all time)

Here is your opportunity to learn the REAL SECRETS of great
magic — and to experience a teacher who will stimulate you
to think about your magic in new and creative was.

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CHICAGO VISIONS

This incredible little booklet holds all the secrets behind
the Chicago Tapes. Inside the booklet, Eugene is interviewed
by some of todays best magicians about each one of the
DVD's. Eugene shares everything from the conception of the
routines, to the execution of the effects. This rare look
into the mind of the magician is a perfect companion to the
DVD set!

MY COMMENTS:
Before I go any further, let me warn you that this item is
not strictly mentalism. This is one of those crossover
products. It features Bizarre Magick and some mentalism,
but mostly it is magic. Very good magic, of course. This
is a re-issue of three classic Eugene Burger videos on DVD.
It's available only as a set and comes with a booklet of
more recent interviews filled with updated information on
the included effects.

The first DVD features bizarre magic and Tony Andruzzi, one
of mentalism's greatest. This is really the key reason why
I'm including this in the catalog. And, then, in Gourmet
Close-Up Magic, Eugene features his classic Thought Sender
effect. This is a routine in which you send the thought of
a playing card to a participant. It is then revealed that
the card is the only one with a different colored back. You
can even boldly hand the cards to the participant for
examination!

Eugene is definitely one of the premier thinkers in magic.
I've always been impressed and enlightened by the insights
he has to offer on the craft of performing mystery magic.
Since these DVDs came from video, the picture/sound quality
isn't the greatest, but that's a minor point compared to the
wonderful material within.