Derren Brown Live Collection [DVD]

3 great DVDs and the shows are unmissable. Just when you think the tricks (or illusions) are over, another facet appears. How on earth does a man acquire such talent? Well, it's probably lots of practising, whatever it is, I think anyone would find Mr Browns shows to be amazing and I can't recommend them enough.

Without doubt, Derren Brown's live shows are the highlights of his career. If you are a big fan of his work already then this box-set epitomises his talents- even if you're not a fan it will mesmerise you. If you have only seen Derren's TV shows, I would certainly indulge in the live shows: to me they are even better, as they are much longer and involve a spectrum of his talents. Derren seems to blossom on stage, performing cheekily, skillfully and with a massive amount of pizzazz. His stage presence is renowned, and after watching An Evening of Wonders for around five minutes, I found myself astonished. There is not a split-second where the audience is not completely enthralled in the theatrical world that he, seemingly effortlessly, creates.

As an avid watcher of anything concerning Derren Brown I had seen all three shows before buying the product, and the extras on "Something Wicked This Way Comes" and "An Evening of Wonders" contain deleted scenes from the shows which I'd never seen before and were amazing. An interview with Derren on Something Wicked This Way Comes is a very welcome extra, which is perfect to indulge in after watching the main show, and includes his views on the performance, and a rare appearance from Andy Nyman. I was lucky enough to have seen "Enigma" live last year, and the Enigma DVD included in the set features almost everything involved in the show, start to finish. Even though I'd seen the shows, watching them again made them (somehow?) even more enchanting, and the extras are marvellous. Every show has a unique and equally extraordinary ending, which you will find yourself rolling over and over in your head for days afterwards. Derren constantly provides the unthinkable, pushing the boundaries of stage shows and magic incredibly far.

In ENIGMA, a tone plays, "hypnotising" the audience, and leaving a few compelled to stand- the bizarre scenes that follow are simply bewitching. During the show, Derren often describes to the viewer what he is doing, and this shows the extent of his abilities- just like Penn & Teller, describing this often makes what is happening even more unbelievable. I believe that he is truly one of the best show-people of our time, and the ending to ENIGMA is the pinnacle of his talents, simply fantastic.

It includes Derren's incredible ability to control his pulse, walk on glass, perform the "Oracle" act, control other peoples' behaviour and choices and create a simply amazing atmosphere in every single show. Every act is baffling and Derren's dramatic performances leave you stunned. Another DVD which is simply amazing, and one of my favourite Derren Brown DVDs is "The Specials" including The Heist and Seance, which is extremely interesting for people fascinated by psychology and human behaviour and features Stanley Milgram's famous experiment, Derren Brown style! Derren Brown - The Specials [DVD] [2008]

Derren describes his acts as fusing "magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship" and I would definitely add comedy to that list as during all three shows on the DVD I found myself laughing until my cheeks hurt. The collection is also perfect for astonishing your friends who are new to Derren's work- mine were left dumbfounded. I'd say that all of Derren's work is worth watching, and I've yet to see anything quite like it- truly unique.

Derren Brown is a master showman and his abilities are pushed to the limit in these 3 live shows. Some very funny moments (in particular his banter with the audience) and some astonishing & unbeleivable feats. Very enjoyable (even on a 2nd and 3rd viewing)