Woodyland-Disc 1

I really don't know where to begin with this review. I suppose the best course of action is to tackle each disc in turn. I really really wanted to jump ahead and listen to Woody's thoughts on stacked decks, the main content of disc 4, but I managed to resist. Over the course of a week, I have managed to absorb each disc, in order, returning to certain effects as I saw fit. I'll try and structure this as best I can. Without further ado, I give you, disc 1 of 4, "The Live Show".

With the insertion of the first disc, we are immediately presented with an effect for us, the viewer of the disc. This interactive trick is representative of a lot of Woody's material. Woody has us, at home, think of a card from a spread, and arrive at a mentally selected number. Sure enough, the digital Woody, sitting inside your DVD player will (hopefully) divine the exact card you were thinking of, having it arrive at your thought of number. This little piece of interactive magic allows you to get a flavour for Woody's style and type of magic. We then see a group of Portuguese (I assume, due to several references throughout to the difference between the Spanish and Portuguese language) dignitaries take their seat in a very smart, intimate close-up performance area. The aim of Disc 1 is to provide you with a view as to how Woody structures a close-up show; this aim is achieved perfectly. I really admire this style, as it allows me to clearly watch a full show, yet be able to skip ahead when reviewing or refreshing myself with a particular effect. I have witnessed other performers, for whom English is not their native tongue, struggle to deliver a message effectively to an English speaking audience. This is NOT THE CASE with Mr Aragon. His Spanish tone brings those friendly qualities we so admire in his brethren (Tamariz, DaOrtiz, Rioboo, et al), yet does not inhibit an English speakers understanding of the point in question.

The first effect presented to the audience, Woody calls, "Divination Ring" had me grinning. I will use this! Regularly! Without giving too much away, this effect is a perfect opener in any situation whereby you want to grab the attention of a large number of people relatively quickly. With a fantastic self-deprecating denouement, Woody has everyone laughing, whilst simultaneously scratching their heads. This is the type of effect that, once stored away in your memory bank, is sure to save your bacon some day. No props to carry yet you are able to entertain a good sized crowd!

The show proceeds with a mix of new effects as well as some that have seen print before. Whilst I enjoyed watching the performance of all of these effects, there were two things that stood out as being worth commenting on.

Firstly, Woody first introduces us to his Suite concept. I wish I could talk more about this concept, however, I really believe you should see Woody demonstrate and explain his thoughts. To describe without revealing, I will simply say that Woody gives us a method by which we can summarise a close-up performance, before moving onto our closing effect. This allows you to give your audience a recap of all of the magic you have performed, refreshing, or perhaps "adjusting" their perception of what transpired over the course of your show. I found Woody's full theory on this concept to be fascinating. This is certainly something that I would like to try and incorporate into my own close-up work.

For me, one of the effects that really stood out on this first disc was "Weighing the Cards". I had read Woody's method to this effect in "A Book In English", and was already a fan. Seeing him perform it really cemented for me it's practicality in a close-up environment. To see the effect performed really helped demonstrate how the structure of the routine has been designed to generate the biggest impact possible. Whilst you may choose to perform this close-up at a table, "Weighing the Cards" was clearly designed as more of a parlor piece. I, however, will make sure to master this routine, for those times when you are asked, last minute, to do something on stage for everyone.

Once the show is complete, Woody sits down and gives us his personal opinion on the use of structure and design when bringing together a show. Whether this is a formal parlor type show, a close-up table hopping environment, or informal for friends, Woody has something to share. I found this section to be really useful. The idea of structuring a show around 3 parts is nothing new, yet Woody delivers some fantastic advice to truly maximise the reaction you get from each stage of your, hopefully, structured set.

The bonus section of this first disc starts the first of four interviews with Woody. Again, I really enjoyed these. Woody throws ideas around that I found to be absolute gold, I wonder if he even knows the value of some of these little sentences and quips he makes.

All-in-all, I thought Disc 1 was a fantastic start to the set. I laughed, I was fooled, and I took away some effects that I have no doubt, will make their way into my repertoire.

Onwards to Disc 2.....

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