The Magic Show with Doug Henning
by Norman Campbell
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DVD details
Actor: Didi Conn, Doug Henning, Jack Creley, Jon Finlayson, Sandee CurrieDirector: Norman Campbell
Brand: Image Entertainment
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 105 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2001-07-24
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Image Entertainment
DVD Reviews of The Magic Show with Doug Henning
DVD Review: Tears of Joy
Summary: 5 Stars
Well, if I had listened to the negative reviews I would have missed a wonderful ride of personal emotions of great joy to deep sadness. I didn't see the Broadway show, but I did see a touring show in the late 1970's, when I was 17. And of course I watched all of the prime time specials. Why are they not out on DVD by now? For some reason, despite or because of, I'm not sure, the chipmunk looks and tacky 1970's costumes (what were we thinking), I was enthralled by the illusions and Doug's contagious enthusiasm for the Wonder of the universe. I actually followed him into his transcendental meditation phase, but that is another story. I guess TM is no match for liver cancer.
When I first saw Doug on the DVD I found myself with a smile as big as Doug's and tears of joy in my eyes. It was like seeing a lost friend. A feeling of great joy came across me. At the very end of the DVD the performers are shown behind the curtain giving hugs and kisses, then the picture freezes on Doug with that great smile, tears came to my eyes as I held back an emotional upwelling that would have left me sobbing uncontrollably (I'm a guy so we should not do such things), as I know that Doug had died and we are left with a great loss. Well, that is just me, and a few million of his fans.
The first time I saw, actually heard, the DVD, was in my car on a long trip by myself. My minivan has a DVD player but only the back seat passengers can see the screen. So I only received the audio and I had enjoyed it so much that I replayed it three times, then spent some time skipping to the best songs over and over. I liked it even better the third time around. The story and dialog are way too simplistic, but I really enjoyed the songs, though I had missed West End Avenue, my favorite song on the Cast Recording, which I have on vinyl and I haven't listened to for about 15 years (time to get the CD). But I really like the new songs, and sorry, I never really liked Solid Silver Platform Shoes anyway.
The DVD show has a sort of prequel, showing the cast out of character doing a song and dance and Doug doing some illusions, fading into the main show which takes place in a night club. The prequel choreography made me laugh hysterically; very corny, reminiscent of those horrible TV episodes of The Brady Bunch when they would sing and dance, very embarrassing if not for them, then for me. Was this choreography on purpose for it's comedic value or were they seriously thinking this was how to dance? I think they were serious, making me cringe even more. Better to close your eyes as the music is very listenable.
The main show is entertaining even if it does have a very weak storyline and the dialog is very simplistic. But, of course, the star of the show is Doug and the illusions are great. DVD's allow for slow motion and replays and, though, recently I could use TiVo to discover how some illusions were done on America's Got Talent, I could not do the same for Doug's. Doug's torn newspaper trick is genius. And where did he hide that lion, and visa versa, Anita, in the cage, and it wasn't such a friendly lion at that.
I think any fan of Doug's will enjoy seeing this production. The negative reviews were not about Doug. Watch it for the illusions, and for the memories of Doug, and keep a sense of humor about the production. If you like the music, then that is a bonus. This is not a mega-production of the 1980's (a la Phantom), but it was nominated for best musical direction, so it must have set some standard for production at the time.
Description of The Magic Show with Doug Henning
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