Derren Brown - Inside Your Mind [DVD]

If you haven't come across Derren Brown before then Inside your Mind is a great introduction to the considerable skills of the only living Jedi Master. His show, Mind Control debuted on Channel 4 in the wake of a resurgence of interest in magic spearheaded by David Blaine. But what Derren Brown does hardly falls into the category of sleight-of-hand--his "magic" is firmly grounded in the workings of the mind and psychology. The result is a fascinatingly mysterious, but definitely not psychic, phenomenon.

This programme takes the best bits of the series and condenses them into a manual of mind reading. Brown uses the power of suggestion, body language and basic psychology to predict and alter people's behaviour, be it using subliminal messages to make a couple of creatives come up with exactly the same ad for a chain of taxidermists; counting cards in a casino; or guessing someone's PIN simply by watching the subconscious movements their fingers make when they are thinking of the number--all of which will have you shaking your head at the TV wondering how he did it. Derren Brown is a showman of Barnum-esque proportions whose charisma, charm and originality have won him more fans than detractors. Just like the Matrix, no-one can be told what Derren Brown is, you have to experience him for yourself.

On the DVD: Derren Brown: Inside your Mind DVD, as well as containing the best bits of the Mind Control television series, is packed with special features that lay bare Derren himself and some of the techniques he uses on the show. A feature on how to tell when Used Car Salesmen are lying brilliantly demonstrates how he picks up on the subtle subconscious signs that people betray themselves with and will have you starring at people you know in an attempt to read their minds. As well as these "How to" guides there are a couple of interviews, one with Derren himself and one with some celebrity fans all of which adds up to a great insight into the man and his "mind tricks". --Kristen Bowditch

Derren Brown is a new and unique force in the world of magic and illusion – he can seemingly predict and control human behaviour. Whether he’s convincing a medical student to push a needle through his own flesh, scamming a London casino, touching table dancers without going near them, or making a bookie pay out on a losing ticket… Derren’s unparalleled performances will amaze and unsettle you.

He doesn’t claim to be a mind-reader, instead he describes his craft as a mixture of psychology, misdirection and showmanship. Derren is even prepared to share some of his techniques with you. So, sit back, turn down the lights, and open your mind to this extraordinary man.

• Audio Commentary
  
• Interview with Derren Brown,
  
• Unseen Sequences including a ‘how I do it’ section from Derren
  
• Extracts from The 50 Greatest Magic Tricks
  
• Links from E4 Mind Control Night
  
• Trailers

DVD Technical Information:

• Running time (feature): 74 mins approx
  
• Running time (DVD extras): 53 mins approx

In Derren Brown – Inside Your Mind, the psychological illusionist scams a casino, touches table dancers without going near them, and makes bookies pay out on losing tickets. But perhaps his most unsettling trick of all is in convincing a medical student to push a needle through his own flesh! Prepare to be awe-struck by the master of misdirection.

"The closest our galaxy can boast to a Jedi Master"