"Into the Abyss" DVD by Oz Pearlman
Suggested Retail USD$34.95
Available from your favorite dealer
In a Blink: 9 Out of 10

"Into the Abyss", a DVD by Oz Pearlman, is a collection of routines based around a common mentalism technique that takes that technique to new and interesting levels and makes this a fascinating work for the experienced mentalist.

Let's get straight to the three routines taught on the disc and we'll get into specifics of them all after.

First up is "Listen to My Words". Okay, this one is gutsy and bold, but it's also different and powerful. In this routine a spectator writes down the name of someone they know, someone "important from their past". The performer has them show the name to other folks in the room to make sure they all know the name. Then comes the cool part: the performer brings out a miniature tape recorder, presses play, and everyone hears the performer's audio prediction revealing the chosen name. This is off the beaten path in terms of the reveal and just too slick not to play with and perform. It's a good one. You'll need to invest $25-$30 in a microcassette player most likely, but it's worth the investment.

Next is "Ultimate Vacation". I have to be up-front and say this was my favorite routine on the disc. It begins with a spectator writing down the name of someone they went on vacation with, keeping it concealed from the performer's view. The performer brings out a notepad and writes down when the vacation was and where they went. The performer brings out a makeshift envelope, made of two index cards stapled on all sides. A spectator verifies that the envelope is truly sealed and that there is something inside. The spectator opens it and finds a slip of a paper which accurately predicts all three elements of the vacation. This is, simply, a great routine that requires a little set-up but plays huge.

Lastly, there's "What in a Name?" and it's a freaky piece. The spectator writes down the name of someone they are thinking of and the performer begins to reveal details about that person, things the performer "could not possibly know", as the ad goes. For the climax, the performer removes his wallet and retrieves a slip of paper from inside which clearly predicts the name the spectator chose. This is better with a certain gimmicked wallet (do I have to say what it is?), though Pearlman teaches a version without the wallet. For this one, get the wallet if you don't have one already; this routines plays much better with it.

All in all, each routine is solid, with "What in a Name?" probably being the strongest of the three for one or two spectators and "Ultimate Vacation" being perfect for larger groups and "Listen to my Words" being a great piece for those times when a quick mental demonstration is called for. Taken in total, the material on this disc is powerful, worthwhile stuff indeed.

But now let's dig down a bit.

I started off by mentioning that all three routines are based around a "common mentalism technique" and you're probably ahead of me here: yes, Pearlman's work all has the center tear at is core (specifically, Richard Osterlind's "Perfected Center Tear"). What Pearlman has done here is fascinating, though, for experienced performers: his combination of the center tear with other established techniques and methods makes for powerful routines and makes this disc worth every penny.

Which is, of course, another way of saying that if you're looking for some brain-draining, never-before-seen methods at play, "Into the Abyss" ain't for you. If that's what you're after, you won't like this one at all. If, though, you're after some powerful mentalism routines that are quick and clean, then this is the disc for you providing you've been around the block a time or two.

Since I mentioned it, there are things to be aware of here, the biggest thing being the experience factor. "Into the Abyss" is not for beginners. Truthfully, even intermediate performers will have issues with some of this -- the material here is really best left to the more experienced. I say that not because of the mechanics -- they are relatively sleightless and gimmicked at times -- but because of the presentations. Pearlman keeps things simple there, but has so many fine touches that sell the effects so much better with than without that those with little experience won't be getting the most out of this stuff.

Something else to mention is the center tear. Pearlman opts to use Osterlind's "Perfected Center Tear" (and for good reason) when performing these, and teaches the basic center tear as an apparent "just in case" measure. However, you're really going to want to use a center tear or peek or the like that you are completely proficient and comfortable with other than the basic center tear: you want all of this to be as clean as you can get. Pearlman's routines are that, but the weight is on you to choose a technique that is at least as clean as Pearlman's structure.

So, do you need "Into the Abyss"? If you're a beginner in mentalism, no -- you're likely to be lost or frustrated with the results you get. If you're already knocking them for a loop and getting ready to start the Church of Me with a center-tear/peek routine you already do, the no -- you're probably already doing a great majority of the handlings and finesses Pearlman teaches. But if you're looking for something way, way more than revealing a written word, or you're after some time-tested, expertly structured mentalism pieces, then by all means get "Into the Abyss"; you're likely to love the results.

"Into the Abyss" DVD by Oz Pearlman
In a Blink: 9 Out of 10

Material: 9
Three great routines, with some wonderful structure and added touches, that will blow away audiences. They all revolve around a good center tear or peek (Pearlman teaches the basic center tear on the disc, but you will definitely want to apply a better one to these effects) so, for the experienced performer who wants to get more from those methods, look no further.

Practicality: 9
With the amount of set-up involved, these are really one-off performance pieces and not meant to be repeated endlessly: think "platform" or "living room" settings and not strolling. In that context, they all pack small and are easily handled. These are really very practical pieces.

Quality of Production: 9
There are some editing problems and the navigation will drive you nuts if you like to just press a button and watch the disc, but otherwise there are no worries here. There is gold in the decision to include a commentary track by Pearlman over the performance sections and whoever came up with that idea deserves a big pat on the back.

Quality of Instruction: 10
Pearlman does a great job of teaching the material, from start to finish. You'll have no problem learning the mechanics or the subtleties Pearlman is offering here.

Presentation: 10
It's all about being clean here, and Pearlman hits the note perfectly. These are gorgeous, different routines that are real workers for the working mentalist.

Shane

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