MENTAL DECEPTIONS

by

Volume 1

34.95

Volume 1 Download

34.95

Volume 2

34.95

Volume 2 Download

34.95

Volume 1&2

69.90

Volume 1&2 Download

69.90

The Blurb

Despite over four decades of magic and mentalism experience,
Rick Maue has always managed to remain a bit elusive…until
now! On this DVD set, Rick presents a number of his
signature pieces, as well as several unreleased items, with
many of the effects coming from his working repertoire.

Mental Deceptions is loaded with strong mentalism for
stand-up or close-up performances and remarkably, none of
the effects require expensive gimmicks or props – just
everyday items such as envelopes, poker chips, paper,
playing cards, etc. (It’s why Michael Weber dubbed Rick
“OfficeMax Maven.”)

What’s more, no sleight of hand is required. Rick calls it
VdM Magic – material that’s so technically easy that the
Venus De Milo could perform it! In other words, everything
is well within the technical reach of every performer.

You’ll also be able to step inside the mind of Rick Maue
during informative interview segments conducted by magician
Francis Menotti. You’ll see for yourself why Marc DeSouza
once asked Rick, “Why is it that when I see you lecture, I
feel like I am watching a mad scientist at work?”

Here’s what you’ll see and learn on Volume One:

Heads & Tales – Rick’s opener…but much more than a simple
coin toss. This is the way that Rick has set the tone for
his stage show for more than a decade.

Group Dynamic – A versatile routine that plays as strong in
a living room as is does in a large theater.

Reverse Roulette – Rick’s closer for many years, a Poison
Roulette routine with an unusual twist.

The Hole Card – A simple and quick poker-themed piece for
platform or stage. Mixed Emotions – A strong effect that
also teaches a powerful way to read minds from across the
room without ever having to touch anything!

Body Language – An anytime/anywhere chair routine, and
everything that you need fits in your pocket (except for the
chairs, of course!)

Focused Thoughts / Dichotomy – A couple of basic card
effects that are used to illustrate several versatile, yet
simple, techniques.

FATE? – A strong effect involving four audience members and
a number of powerful payoffs. One of Rick’s most popular
creations.

Interviews (with Francis Menotti): Categorizing Performance
Pieces; Process of Method vs. Process of Effect; Tools,
Crutches, and Life.

Bonus Feature: Seeds – The Hand-Out Force; The Classic Pass
False Cut; Ashes From The Palm.

Volume Two:

Beyond The Witching Hour – A bit of Spirit Communication
that also teaches a very useful utility move for the
everyday worker who wants to move the hands of a watch.

The Final Picture – Whether on stage, doing close-up,
performing a seance, or working impromptu, this is the piece
that Rick has performed more than all of his other creations
combined.

Animal Instincts – A close-up prediction effect that relies
on human instincts.

In The Neighborhood – A simplistic version of “Out of This
World” …but it doesn’t use playing cards!

Abstract Extraction (Francis Menotti) – A strange effect
that make brainwaves visible to the human eye.

Defining The Difference – A strong bit of mentalism that
demonstrates the difference between a magician and a
mentalist.

Focus / Sixth Sense Symbols – A three-phase routine that
looks and feels like real mind-reading. It appears
impossible, because it almost is…unless you know the secret.

The Journey – A stand-up piece that has fooled some of the
best minds in mentalism. It’s strong and versatile, and like
almost all of Rick’s creations, everything that you need
comes from a regular office supply store.

Interviews (with Francis Menotti): The Creative Process;
Rules of Mentalism; 3 Rules of Selling.

My Comments

Finally, the long wait is over. Rick Maue shot these for
L&L quite some years ago and now they are being released.
Most of his signature routines are included - Final Picture,
FATE?, Heads or Tales, and Journey, as well as many other of
his favorites.

Quite some years ago, Rick Maue, who had authored The Book
of Haunted Magick (which, at the time of his writing, is out
of print), appeared at Mindvention. Only the few who were
familiar with the book knew who he was. But after his
dynamic lecture, all those there knew he was and became the
talked about lecturer of the year. He returned to
Mindvention many times and also did many lecture tours.

Sadly, Rick Maue has made the choice to retire from
performing and lecturing and focus on other endeavors for
very personal and understandable reasons. This series was
shot for L&L before Maue made that decision and preserves
for DVD his very unique and inspirational style of
performing. For that alone, I'd highly recommend this DVD
set.

For those who know about Rick Maue and his work, my comments
will mean very little. This is a no-brainer decision and
you've probably already ordered this two-volume set before
getting to this paragraph. For those unfamiliar with Rick
Maue's work, all I will say is to buy the set right now and
thank me later. This is unquestionably one of the best DVD
sets to come out in awhile and may well be the best to come
out this year. And, yes, I'm well aware that I'm writing
these words in February with ten months to go. Rick Maue's
work is that good.