Coming in late on this, but I recently got this video by Jon Allen and wanted to comment. This is one of the best magic videos I've seen in quite a while. Jon really knows his stuff, offers valuable advice, teaches everything very well. The effects:

Ghost - I've never been a thread guy, but this one inspired me to give it a go. Jon offers a wonderful argument for 'animation' over 'levitation' when using thread.
Coins Across - Not a coin guy really, but I was motivated to learn this one. Absolutely stunning, well-constructed, and really gets the spectator (oops, I mean participant) involved.
Rubber Band Trilogy - I know a lot of guys here love to perform CMH. Well, after seeing this, you're going to want to add these other phases to it if you haven't already learned them. An excellent routine.
Ambitious Card & Destination Box - Sheesh, I want one of those boxes. Outstanding work.
Thought of Card in Envelope - Great work on the mental force. Very clever.
Freddy'd Dead - Excellent work on the Professor's Nightmare. Time to get the ropes out.

What can I say, I could see any (or all) of these effects finding themselves into anyone's repertoire, regardless of what type of magic they perform. Strong, practical, solid stuff. You WILL use these effects and you WILL put the advice to good use. Thanks Jon for making such a wonderful video.

Marko,

Thank you for your kind words. It's always nice to hear that someone really does gain from purchasing something of mine. I didn't want to hold back anything on the video. What you see is what I do to keep the wolves from the door!

If you want one of the boxes, drop me a line.

Thanks again and good luck with the routines.

I second Marko's endorsement of Jon's tape. It has magic that's very strong for real world performances.

Regards, Larry D.

I recently got to see Jon lecture at Marc DeSouza's house. His lecture was superb - the count of the ropes he did in his Prof. Nightmare routine fooled me real bad - he really counted (not a false count) all 3 ropes one at a time while showing they are the same size!

Though Jon, the best was your little marionette routine - I almost fell to the floor with laughter. What entertainment.

Bought the tape and it was worth every penny I spent for it.

I couldn't agree more..a refreshing look at effects..

Great video Jon!
Besides great magic Jon provides a unique way of approaching and responding to his audiences.
Michaels

I have this tape and really like it too! My favorite parts are:

1. Jon's opening line when coming up to spectators...I use it all the time now.

2. Professor's Nightmare - having ropes change lengths in spectator's hands.

3. Jon's reason for showing spectators the cards during the force (a logical reason for showing the cards instead of just having them think of a card)...excellent.

I think I'll have to save up for the Destination box too. This is just a superb tape...one of my favorites.

Ron Reid

Just on the search and wish there were more tapes like this. Real world magic is what we should be focusing on as magicians. Well done Jon

Everyone is asking which is the best dvd of the year. I vote that this is the best video of the year IMHO.

Any idea if this will be coming out on DVD? I'd hate to get the video and find out that it's soon coming on DVD.

John's video is wonderful. He's a real thinker. And I LOVE his effect Double Back ( not on the video ). It's my favorite card effect.