Criss Angel - Mindfreak - The Complete Season Two Reviews

• Niggling flaws aside, this is one show I can't stop watching

  
  By A2M0DI4G6FUPU3 on 2006-07-09
  Criss Angel is one of the most mind-boggingly interesting magicians that has ever been. His show is definitely worth watching. The vast majority of his illusions are simply amazing and inexplicable.
  
  With that said, however, I do have some pros and cons to list.
  
  Pros:
  1. Amazing illusions that defy explanation.
  2. No stuffy, old-school, big-production-number-on-a-stage magic acts of the David Copperfield variety. Criss does nearly everything as street magic.
  3. He has more personality and warmth than David Blaine. (Of course, that's not saying a whole lot.)
  
  Cons:
  1. The show has an annoying tendency to show you clips of the finales of the best stunts of the show, before the show even gets going. I don't want to see that. I want to be surprised. Don't give me a detailed run-down of what you're going to do and even show me short clips of what you're going to do. It ruins part of the mystery. Just get the show started and do it.
  
  2. Criss talks in a monotone drone, like he's perpetually on quaaludes.
  
  3. I could do without his family members. They each have their own (obviously fake) "jobs" to do on the show.
  His brother JD's job is to pace around and act all nervous about everything Criss attempts, and to say things afterward like, "I'm telling YOU, that he will NOT be doing something like THAT again. No way."
  His other brother Costa's job is to give vague praise every step of the way. "Lookin' good; don't look down; you got it!"
  His Mom's job is to freak out and scream in horror at everything Criss attempts. I always think it is interesting, in an annoying sort of way, to watch her thrashing around in horror, and then see that all of the people standing around her have decidedly different expressions on their faces. Of course they do...because they know it's just a show. And Criss's mom obviously does too. But her job is to freak out and act like Criss is in mortal danger.
  
  4. During the large illusions, there are too many cut-scenes away from the illusion and onto some member of his entourage spewing some vague banalities about the stunt, or about how "deep" Criss is, or some other blather. Example: Banachek saying things like, "I think people would be very surprised to find that what they think is illusion, is not illusion -- and what they think is not illusion, is illusion." Or the big-eared dude (forgot his name) saying equally vapid things that have no real substance. Or even to Criss himself saying, "With me, what you see is what you get." OK, OK, yes, we know that already, you've told us a bunch of times. So on with the illusion, OK? One continuous shot, OK? Also, most of the illusions are shown with different camera angles. Every cut away from the action or even to a different camera angle means an edit of the show, in which ANYTHING could have happened between one cut and the next. It's the equivalent of saying, "OK, turn your back for a second...OK now you can look again." It serves to cast doubt on EVERY trick that Criss does.
  
  5. A lot of the people that Criss picks to perform in front of are idiots. David Blaine suffers from this more than Criss does -- "Hey, here's a tattooed low-life with an IQ of 70. He'd be a good subject to perform for!" -- but Criss also tends to have people that are no brain surgeons, or even reasonably intelligent professional types. Instead, he gets people that either (a) say Oh My God a million times, (b) say four-letter words a million times, which results in a ton of bleep-outs, or (c) run away. I can never understand the last reaction, running away. I mean, Huh?!? I'd be examining that as closely as possible, asking questions along the way and looking at it with an analytical eye. But instead, you get people that, when presented with an amazing illusion, RUN AWAY. Some of the mental midgets that David Blaine performed for also showed much the same reaction. (See Deion Sanders' reaction after Blaine levitated in front of him.) What the heck is up with that?
  
  6. There are obviously "plants" in the audience. One of the most obvious examples was in one of the later Mindfreak shows, where he finds a couple in the Aladdin hotel hallway and asks them if they've ever experienced Deja Vu. Then another couple (a too-plastic-looking couple) steps in from behind and acts like they're just another couple at the Aladdin also. Criss says he wants to show these people something, and starts walking down the hallway a bit. The first couple follows him, but the second couple stays put, perfectly posed in the center of the hallway, even before Criss tells them to stay there. Then he tells them that they will experience Deja Vu, and he blocks the camera for a split second. Freeze-frame that split second. You will see the girl in the second couple move a little bit too soon. Obviously these people both have twins, and while the couple quickly darts into hotel rooms on either side of the hallway, their "twin" couple comes out of rooms at the far end of the hall, to make it look like Criss has just "reversed time" and thrown the couple down to the end of the hallway.
  
  It's the kind of thing that makes me skeptical of EVERY so-called "audience" member in any of Criss's stunts. I suspect that Criss has TONS of plants in the audience -- at least one with just about every illusion he does -- and that really lessens the impact of his tricks for me. For another example: Take the girl that he "just happens to meet" in a parking lot in one episode. He asks her to draw "any animal" on a piece of paper, and then fold it up. She draws a butterfly. Criss unfolds the paper, and a real butterfly flies out and the drawing is now blank. Well, great...but what if the girl had drawn an elephant, or a rhino, or an armadillo, or cassowary or something? But nope, she conveniently draws a butterfly, and Criss just happens to have a live butterfly under his sleeve to produce. The girl was obviously a plant.
  
  7. A bunch of the random people that "just happen to be there" when Criss shows up to perform something for them, curiously also just happen to have Mindfreak shirts or logos on their clothing. Like random people just go around wearing Mindfreak gear all the time. Right.
  
  8. The Mindfreak theme song. Annoying noise.
  
  Seems like a lot more cons than pros, right? But still, I watch the show because the pros carry a lot more weight than the cons. It is simply a very entertaining show to watch. Worth the purchase if you can put up with some of the cons.
  
  

• A Review of the DVD Set... Not the Celebrity

  
  By A3TLO8ZZK3H29Z on 2006-01-23
  OK. Here is, what may be, the only true review of the DVD set released by A&E Entertainment, and not a debate over who is your favorite Magician. This collection will be enjoyable to any Criss Angel fan or Magic enthusiast, so get it and grab the popcorn. But first, there are a couple of things you need to know. It is amazing that the Title is, "The Complete Season One", considering that 4 episodes are missing from the set. (1) The "Bullet Catch" episode that was ready for broadcast but banned by the network and never aired, (2) the one-hour 10/31 "Halloween" episode, (3) "The Best of Criss Angel" with scenes edited out from previous episodes, and (4) "The Best of Criss Angel Vol.II". I am happy that A&E released the collection, and would be glad if they released more of their programming on DVD, but remain dumb-founded that they would forget 4 episodes and then title the collection what they did.
  
  

• FOREFRONT of the MAGIC WORLD

  
  By A14Z0Q1DU6CBJJ on 2005-12-28
  David Blaine and Criss Angel are the forefront of magic in the new century. Why? Gone are the parlor tricks we've become so accustom to, and now we have magic that will make watch in wonder... how did they do that? Tricks on the street, with common observers. Tricks that not only take illusion, slight of hand and craftsmanship, but also take MENTAL TOUGHNESS and PREPAREDNESS.
  
  Some of the more dazzling things that Criss Angel does in season one will leave you awe-struck. Like when he walks DOWN THE SIDE OF A VEGAS BUILDING... or WALKS THROUGH A GLASS WINDOW. Even the little things... like levitating a frisbee that had landed on the ground, spinning it up to eye level and throwing it to an observer without ever toughing it. Or don't let me forget when he walks up to some random people in a park, puts a young girl into a trace, bends her BACKWARD at a 90 degree angle and then LEVITATES HER ENTIRELY.
  
  Of course there's the time when he levitates HIMSELF. I'm not talking a few inches off the ground like David Blaine did previously. I'm talking feet. Three feet. Four Feet. High enough to lift himself over a good sized dog. Not taking anything away from the equally incredibly David Blaine, but a nearby observer spoke the SAYS IT ALL COMMENT, "Blaine needs to kiss this guys ass."
  
  I don't know about that... Criss still hasn't done anything close to the most amazing trick that David Blaine did. Removing a wrist watch from a woman... walking a few feet down the street to a jewelry store where the woman's watch was displayed in the window... and being after hours, the store was closed, so he put his hand and arm through the glass right before our eyes and retrieves the watch. Or creating water, wearing a sleeveless shirt with a single leaf for a jungle tribe that had no running water.
  
  Okay, okay... back to Criss Angel. The show is incredible. I watch it religiously. One of the things I find enduring about the show is the fact that Criss' brothers are part of his crew and it's kinda cool to see them worry about him when he does his tricks... even though... sometimes it looks sorta staged.
  
  Also, the fact that he includes other magicians in his show, like Lance Burton, Penn & Teller & the Amazing Johnathan. I'm just waiting for the 2 part episode where him and David Blaine team up... dear lord... wouldn't that be great!
  
  If anybody out there is complaining about Criss Angel and the validitiy of his tricks... I'd like to see the magicians that they're watching because I can't imagine that magic could get much better.
  
  

• Criss Angel Mindfreak (Season 1)

  
  By A2LEHZ6KNQFRV5 on 2006-06-21
  Okay...as an opening statement:
  
  If you're looking for the unseen "Bullet Catch" episode, you're NOT going to find it on this DVD!
  
  Aparently the episode was deemed "too hot for TV", THEN aparently "too hot for this DVD." While yes, I do find that somewhat assanine, i'm not going to complain about it too much. Although I basically DID get this DVD, hopeing that the BC episode with JD, would atleast make an appearance here. Just so I could atleast see the only part of season one, that nobody got to see.
  
  But I was wrong.
  
  Contrary to the DVD title, this is infact NOT "the COMPLETE season 1", because it's missing a few episodes. It's missing the following:
  
  1. Bullet Catch
  -The episode featuring JD (Jonathan Davis) of Korn, which was never aired. It was banned from being so. And thus, might be the reason why it's not on this DVD. Perhaps Criss will release it on DVD, on his website in the near future...we can only hope.
  
  2. Halloween Special
  -Speaks for itself. This was an hour long Halloween special Criss did in 2005. It was aired on TV as part of season 1, yet is NOT on this DVD. Somewhat disappointing, as that episode was actually quite enjoyable.
  
  3. Best of I
  -One of the two "best of Criss Angel" episodes aired on TV, that is not on this DVD. It showcased outakes, and never before seen clips. Such as a few from the "Bullet Catch" episode, with JD.
  
  4. Best of II
  -The second of the two "best of Criss Angel" episodes aired on TV, that is not on this DVD. Again, it showcased outakes and never before seen clips from the Mindfreaks series.
  
  That's really my only complaint with this compilation of Criss Angel episodes. It's missing an unaired episode, and 3 aired episodes.
  
  Also, the "bleeps" you got on the TV, that cut out the cussing...they're STILL HERE! This is also somewhat disappointing, as Criss could have atLEAST given his fans RAW and UNCENSORED episodes. AtLEAST for the DVD collection. Oh well. Perhaps nextime, eh? Knowing A&E...it's highly doubtful.
  
  Anyways, aside from those flaws (the bleeps still being here/the missing and unaired episodes), the season 1 DVD is awesome! It contains every single other season 1 episode, exactly as seen on TV! Only now, you can watch them anytime you like, instead of having to wait for Wednesday nights.
  
  I give this product 4/5 stars, for it's 2 flaws.
  
  So if you're planning on buying this just to see the "Bullet Catch" episode with JD in it, you might want to skip this. Because that episode (along with 3 others) is not on this DVD.
  
  And if you're thinking of buying this DVD, because you're thinking it'll be unedited and uncensored, again, you might want to skip this. Because the bleeps still exist.
  
  But if you're a fan of Criss Angel, and simply want to own (most of) season 1, AS SEEN ON TV, then by all means, purchase this DVD set! You will NOT be disappointed!
  
  

• A Master Showman - Magician Extraordinaire!

  
  By A2QMDPE7V7NKBB on 2006-07-02
  In Mindfreak, Criss Angel has found the ultimate formula to make magic cool to the younger generation, while at the same time making magic interesting and fun again to us older folks who gave up believing in magic about the same time we started questioning the existence of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.
  
  The show is mindboggling, but at the same time down to earth, in spite of it's subject matter, and Criss Angel just has one of the those "larger than life" personality types that just draws you into being interested in his world, whether or not you've ever been into reality or magic shows, either one. Not to mention the fact that if you happen to be female (or otherwise inclined, I suppose) he's a hard man to take your eyes off of, no magic required!
  
  In my opinion, this DVD does an excellent job of showcasing Criss as the Best Magician in the world right now, even though judging from all the talk on the Web at this time, there seems to be a fair amount of opposition out there on that claim. Why all the jealousy and sceptism exists at this time towards Criss and his talents, I don't know. But if anyone out there is looking at this DVD with a sceptical eye, or towards debunking Criss Angel's talents, let's consider for a moment what performing magic and/or being an illusionist is really all about. It's about putting on a show, and keeping your audience entertained, and Criss Angel puts on a flawless show, that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end. It doesn't matter how he does it, the point is that he does it so well.
  
  
• FANTASTIC ENTERTAINMENT
  By A2JP0URFHXP6DO on 2005-12-29
  I've been a magic fan since i was a very young boy and my family and I used to attend the annual, worlds largest magic convention in Colon, Michigan, home to the Abbotts magic factory and Harry Blackstone. Angel is one of the new breed of magicians/illusionists who have said forget the stage and the beautiful assistant in skimpy outfits and who has taken his act to the street to perform tricks both mind-boggling and dangerous. One has to question the sanity of a guy who sets himself ablaze on his mother's birthday but that's just what Criss does.
  
  His feats of sleight of hand and illusion make for great TV. Is it all camera tricks? Are all the people paid shills and plants there to oooohhh and ahhhh? I don't know and it really doesn't matter to me. Seein him levitate himself three feet in the air onto a chair in front of a casino lounge full of guests is pretty damn amazing no matter how its done. What makes Angel so intriguiing to me is his showmanship. The greatest magicians are those that have showmanship and flair. Even the greatest tricks can be dull in the hands of a bland performer. Angel is anything but bland displaying a likeability that anyone who encounters him certainly feels. The greatest trick isn't always how the magician pulls off his feats but rather how he manages to fool the audience.
  
  Great stuff!
  
  
• Love this modern day Houdini
  By A3AFCZTWL5VNNR on 2006-06-14
  I found out about Criss Angel late in its first season. Several friends were telling us about some of his feats and I had to tune in - This sexy Greek guy has it all - he is daring, very sexy (did I mention he was sexy?) and a master illusionist. A friend of mine is learning to be a magician in Vegas and he told me how cool Criss is -- May have to take a trip back to Vegas to see him in person. He peeks the imagination and the illusions are flawless. Houdini would be very proud -
  
  
• Criss Angel is in a league of his own!
  By A3JLFFJFFISFNZ on 2007-02-08
  Criss Angel has taken season 2 of mindfreak to another level! The illusions and demonstrations he performs are simply unreal! From the building float (he actually floated from one building to another!) to walking on water (surrounded by swimmers and with multiple cameras shooting!), Criss Angel keeps pushing the enveloppe and bringing never before seen material! In each episode, he performs a major demonstration and multiple illusions and street magic. He must come up with a great deal of never before seen material for each episode and that shows how creative he is. Mindfreak 2 is a must have for anyone remotly interested in the art of magic. It's fresh, entertaining and unbelievable. Criss Angel is the new and best form of magic.
  
  
• Mindboggling Fun!
  By on 2005-11-02
  Perhaps one of the best shows on tv is finnally on DVD! This show is not what you think. It doesn't have any of those old and tired trick card tricks or anything like that. The tricks this guy does will have you watching over and over again wondering "how the heck did he do that"? Featuring the bed of nails, levitation (my personal favourite) and the coffin stunt this DVD is a muct have for fans of the magic and the extraordinary
  
  
• Criss Angel is the Best
  By A2Z7ZXU4DIHCV6 on 2006-02-23
  This DVD is the best, it captures the essence of Criss Angel...he is a miracle to the art of magic....this was a pure delight and I am so happy I bought this DVD....each time I watch it I am more and more amazed....
  Criss I love you babycakes........you truly are amazing....Houdini would be proud.....thanks, Laura
  
  
• Why compare him to Blaine, Copperfield, etc.?
  By A7EJERNB7IK3Z on 2005-12-16
  Firstly, let me say that the comparisons to Blaine, Copperfield, Penn & Teller, etc. are completely infantile and plain stupid. Why compare? Criss Angel is NOT in competition with these other guys. They are all consummate professionals in magic and illusion art, and all quite successful. Each has his OWN STYLE people! Sheesh! That said, "Mindfreak" is a highly entertaining show with great, mindblowing tricks/effects. It is top-notch professional entertainment, and Criss Angel has the ability to draw you in with his easy-going, magnetic personality! Truly great stuff.
  
  
• Second To None
  By A2GDED0MT4CTS5 on 2006-06-29
  Criss Angel has one of the most interesting shows I have ever seen. Some of the things he does just baffles my mind. Even the small tricks he does at the bars or just around town are extremely entertaining. There are a few missing episodes from the DVD but nothing to turn you away, unless you have already watched all the episodes to death. Even if you have I would still buy this DVD just to have it!
  
  
• Why 4 stars?
  By A3EQYJXOE9YIQ0 on 2006-06-11
  Well what happend to those few episdes that were on season 1 that are not on the disk..? The one with the bullet and one whee he goes through that shredder thing? Why does it not have all the epsides it kinda made me a little upset that i didnt get ALL of season one. Well it's pretty cheap for 2 dvds and it is worth thr price CVhris Angel is such an awesome guy. Very talented guy. My only probs are the missing episodes!
  
  
• AMAZING, BUT...
  By AHM15BKYUG77U on 2006-02-17
  At first when I saw Mindfreak on A&E I thought Criss Angel was the real deal. When I say real deal I mean a REAL magician. His levitation and building walk gigs totally got me. I thought for weeks trying to figure out how any human would be able to defy gravity to that extent. After, convinced he's the "real deal" I purchased his Mindfreak DVD and watched all the episodes. (I was disappointed to find that the "bullet catch" was not on it). Regardless, almost all the episodes are on it. OK, now this is where the BUT comes in. After you watch magic over and over again, you start to see things that you didn't see the first time. When Criss always says, "one continuous shot, don't cut" all he's doing IS cutting in the editing room. Criss writes, produces, and directs the entire series. So after I signed on to his website, and saw that he was actually selling the secret of levitation for $100 on DVD! Without hesitating i purchased it, and once the DVD arrived and I popped it in, I couldn't help but laugh my butt off! Very cheazy, but it does give the illusion. And if you think you'll be able to float 5 - 10 feet, don't get your hopes up like I did. All he teaches you is how to float a foot at most and its extremely angle sensitive, meaning your spectator(s) have to be right behind you. Not what I was hoping for at all. I also purchased the "Quarter through soda can" trick for $30 and that was 100% worth it. Fantastic illusion. I have fooled a lot of people with that one. Criss, if your reading this reveal your 5-10 foot levitations without shoes!!! Or how bout the building walk!?! If you put either of those on the market for $1000 (one thousand) then you got a deal, lol. Now that's one that still boggles my mind, if of course he's being honest and there are no special strings etc. Hard to trust a magician, lol. I wonder why you open the umbrella while turning. At one point I was so obsessed that he's real, that I attended his DVD signing at Virgin Megastore in Hollywood. After 3 hours of waiting it was finally mine and my friends turn. He was very nice and all, but when I asked him to do something with a quarter, all he did was a slide of hand my grandmother can do! There are a lot of more bloopers that are hard to spot on the Mindfreak DVD that I don't want to mention, because it'll take too long, but with these last words... Criss Angel is a master illusionist, not a magician. I give him 8 out of 10. And with all said, can't wait for season two!
  
  
• Awesome
  By A2ZO3ERY6GGLQJ on 2008-08-11
  Who wouldn't want their mind freaked by Criss Angel? This is awesome, mind blowing, craziness and it doesn't hurt that he us easy on the eyes.
  
  
• Criss Angel -- Captivating and Tantalizing
  By ALB7W3XHB055C on 2007-11-24
  I already wrote a review for Season 1 of this show. My foray into Criss Angel's world continued into Season 2. What can I say with the typewritten word to convey what it is I want to convey in this review? You see, I could tell you how great and mystifying Criss Angel is from a standpoint of viewing him as a stuntman, illusionist, and mentalist. I could tell you specifics of him walking on water, levitating, getting cut in half (in the open, not behind a box) or doing some cool motorcycle tricks. All of that is cool, but that isn't what makes this show special in my eyes, and it certainly isn't the sole thing that makes Criss stand apart.
  
  I have never seen Criss' demonstrations live, and I am a bit of a skeptic, so I could sit here and freeze individual frames in the show, trying to figure out how he does what he does. Is it real? Is it an illusion? Is it fancy camera editing? Please . . .
  
  I hope one day to see him do his thing in front of my - hopefully, unbelieving, mindfreaked - eyes. I'm not here to pick his demonstrations apart. While I do have a sense of wonderment about how he does things, I'm not about figuring him out, either. What I am after is to be entertained, and he has done that - albeit in a slightly different way - for Season 2.
  
  The mesmerizing demonstrations are still there, although it appears that Criss has scaled back a little bit (and I emphasize little) on dancing with the devil by not performing as many death-wish stunts as he did in Season 1. What I think is a little different here is that I dare to think that we are seeing more than Criss Angel - we are seeing Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos. I think we are starting to see the Person behind the Illusionist.
  
  What I mean here is that, not only have I managed to become mindfreaked with Season 2, but I been tickled with the laughing fits. The humor in Season 1 was only hinted at (as in the episode, Chicken. Try that one on for a little light-heartedness - it's one of my favorite episodes from Season 1). Some of the extras on the disc provide this humor, as do the episodes themselves. We are introduced to Crissy, one butt-ugly chick, to provide some comic relief and some nightmares as well. This dressing-up-to-look-ridiculous-and- be-as-obnoxious-as-I-can trend continues with Season 3 when we are introduced to other lovable characters in the Angel archives, but that's another review altogether.
  
  What makes this man stand out to me is what I see behind the magic. I one episode, entitled Chad's Story, Criss makes a young magician's dream come true by coaching him and giving him a chance to perform with Lance Burton. Chad's story is truly tragic, as he had cancer when he was a very young child, and even died on a few occasions. His father taught him magic to keep his mind off the pain of his illness. Chad overcame his illness and was considered cured, only to lose his father to cancer shortly thereafter. Those who know anything about Criss Angel, aka Christopher Sarantakos, knows that he had lost his father to stomach cancer years ago. He took care of his father when he couldn't take care of himself, or even eat any kind of food. His father died in his arms, and something in Criss changed after that. He claims it made him fearless and gave him the inspiration to do what he does.
  
  You know, Criss Angel is a new guy for me. I just discovered him months ago. I have had favorite celebrities over the years. I don't put them on a pedestal, and I'm not attracted to the kinds who do give off the "diva" act. If I became famous for one of my talents, would that mean I was less of a human? Would my personable qualities go away? I don't think so. Fame changes people, but life does, too.
  
  Don't judge a book by its cover. People are multi-layered. Sometimes what you see isn't everything you're going to get, but just a fraction of it. Granted, if Criss had come out in his full Goth-garb like he was sporting pre-Mindfreak days, I might have run for the hills. I'm glad I found him when I did. He's a little less Goth these days and more rock-n-roller, but people will still form their opinions.
  
  Chad's Story was proof there is more than one side. In that episode, what he said to Chad is what you have cannot be sold and cannot be bought. He was talking about personality. When people want to know what makes Criss freak my mind so much, I don't just point to the demonstrations. I point to how kids are magnetically drawn to him. I point to how he handles animals and how they seem to love him. I point to how he hugs his mom or how close he is to his brothers. I point to how he interacts with people and seems to charm them and make them feel at ease. I point to an almost childlike enthusiasm (Check out Bike Jump Vanish. He's like a kid on that bike). Criss is crazy, but he's not creepy. He's got a sick sense of humor at times, but it's funny. He's not only talented, but terribly intelligent. His mind is always clicking. He's a light and an inspiration. There's something warm and personal about him. Maybe I'm wrong and he's mindfreaked us all by inserting subliminal messages throughout the episodes. Maybe we've all been hypnotized into submission. I suppose it's possible, but I don't think so.
  
  Season 2, like Season 1 and Season 3, is one big roller-coaster ride - all good fun. Now, I think I'm going to go out and confront my fears.
  
  ARE YOU READY????
  
  
  
• Criss Angel, Season one
  By AZHRTVR5N8ZFF on 2007-02-08
  Much better then the TV show, no commercials. Still cannot believe what he can do.
  
  
• FINALLY!!!
  By A148R8HSM3WV2N on 2005-12-07
  Chris Angel is the best! He's better then that Japanese guy who pulls hamburgers out of a sign and David Blain who does more mind over body stuff (freezing his nuts off for days). Chris Angel's stuff cannot be explained. If anyone's seen the Halloween special you'll know he's amazing! Can't wait to buy the dvd.
  
  PS: the guy who gave him 1 star is drugs. Chris Angel is the best this that hit AE.
  
  
• criss angel is a 5 star performer
  By A3FBTJCCNQXW2U on 2007-06-05
  I can't reccomend this Criss Angel's mindfreak series enough. He is a real self made man, and one of the greatest magicians ever! His goal is to make magic popular again, because in his words "magic has become a cheap novelty". That's so true. I can remember as a young child (in the 1980's) watching these huge stage magic shows. There was alot of props, smoke and mirrors. It was pretty lame.
  
  Criss has changed that by performing mind bending illusions in public. Not only does he perform illusions, he also performs death defying stunts. Aside from the magic and stunts, Criss is a good guy with family values. Sure, he is a bit of a flirt when it comes to the ladies, but what guy in his position wouldn't be?
  
  (DVD QUALITY: don't let the cheap price fool you. This quality of the 2 DVDs are very good (smooth, clean picture, and great sound).
  
  
• GREAT
  By A397JNUXS79YL5 on 2007-02-10
  Mindfreak: Season 2 was a whole lot better than Season 1! His illusions were cooler and you really get to see more of Criss being Criss instead of Criss being a performer. You'll laugh, you'll be amazed and you'll love it!
  
  
• Criss Angel - Mindfreak - The Complete Season One
  By A2TPKV68B6O4KI on 2006-03-14
  I have only recently caught glimpses of Criss Angel's magic...and that was because my husband channel surfs so fast...but when I got a shot of HIM, I made my husband go back immediately! So sorry that I missed this first season, A&E was not a station I frequented that time of night...BUT when I found the complete season for sale, believe me I jumped on it. Criss Angel is not only HAWT, but he is so very talented! Illusionist on a well planned stage can hide cables and whatever it takes to do thier illusions,but Criss does his on the street and with ordinary people. He works hard to show you that there is no camera tricks, no cables, no hoky poky involved...He does some awesomely amazing things that will freak you OUT! Not called MindFreak for nothing! I'm a member of his loyal fans now! see: crissangel.com for more
  
  
• Is Magic real???
  By A92OJR9QNR04R on 2005-12-28
  Is magic real????....course not But magicians Criss Angel do make you think It could be...I don't Understand why some people are putting one star for this because criss angel is g'damn amazing on season one...Like many reviwers have said,most of his tricks will have you thinking about how he did them all the next day...I HIGHLY recomend this if your a fan of magic in any way...With stunts like getting hit by a car,Driving mandy moore blindfolded,And my personal fav guessing 4 of the lotto numbers
  And Having the Dj at the radio station pick the last one and all 5 come in,and more... 5 stars all the way!!!,Can't wait for season 2!!!
  
  
• Criss Angel - season 2
  By A7V8AWSP1NY73 on 2009-10-26
  I highly recommend this collection for any one who likes great, no, GREAT magic, slight of hand, and illusion. He will freak out your mind!!
  
  
• Extraordinary without a doubt!
  By A3DPH7ZIYYXKSR on 2009-09-13
  Criss is a 21st Century Houdini; not only to surpass his accomplishments but to far exceed them. How he gets the "rabbit out of the hat" is far beyond me. He is absolutely phenominal putting his life on the line to say to everyone watching him, that nothing in your life is impossible. He is the 8th wonder of the world without doubt.
  
  
• Mindreeak dvds
  By A22OV5NKNHDI8I on 2008-11-23
  I bought the set for my granddaughter and her husband for Christmas they both love watching the show so know it will be liked, she can't wait until she gets to watch them. Its his present so he doesen't know he has them yet.
  
  
• Criss Angel Mindfreak The Complete Season Two
  By A1G4EIPU0BB10J on 2008-09-01
  This also came quickly and was in excellent condition. A great buy for any Criss Angel fans.
  
  
• Amazing
  By A34Y7XGQ3FME8G on 2008-08-29
  How does he do that? If we knew how he does what he does then he wouldn't be as amazing as he is. What a superb showman Chris Angel is and what a magical, illusuonist is this wonderful Mindfreak! How DOES he do that!! Let's watch this one again...
  
  
• Amazing!!
  By A2ZAWZ9O2JNYCX on 2008-08-24
  I was amazed when I watched this dvd set. I never had a chance to see Season 1 when it was on T.V. Criss is amazing. I especially like his smaller magic tricks that he does one on one with people. His escapes and stunts are also amazing, but made me very nervous!!! I know he says he likes to blur reality and illusion, and he does this very well in these episodes. There is something about him that draws me in, he has a very warm personality. And he's pretty darn cute! I recommend this for anyone who loves great entertainment!
  
  
• Best show in A&E
  By A2VJTRDBRY63E2 on 2008-07-19
  I've already seen this season on A&E. Wanted to own my personal copy in DVD. One of the best shows I like. I really enjoyed it. Wish I can tap in to that part of my brain someday and do amazing things. The possibilities are endless. Watching this DVD gets you motivated, and lets you think nothing is impossible. He also educates you on which ones are fake, and how not to get scammed. Anything is possible, if you only believe.
  
  
• Good show but...
  By A21NNHCUFW5JM8 on 2008-06-19
  Unfortunately, many of his good tricks are set up. I'm disappointed but it's good if you don't know they're set up in advance.
  
  

• Criss Angel - Mindfreak - The Complete Season Three
• Criss Angel Mindfreak: The Complete Season Four
• Criss Angel Mindfreak - Halloween Special
• Mindfreak: Secret Revelations
• Criss Angel Mindfreak: The Most Dangerous Escapes