“Go with the classics, and it’s hard to get it wrong”. Not impossible, just hard.

The 5 or 6 card repeat is one of the more common routines we’ve seen on stage quite often. And its also an effect where one can easily bore the crowd with.

While there are countless versions in the market, Paul Romhany’s 5 card repeat is a combination of two things. It’s a card repeat plot put together as a “Teaching Act”. Most of us understand this better by associating the presentation style to the classic “Vanishing Bandana” (and also the recently released “Shoe Business”) . Anyone who’ve done enough research on kids market or looked up for stage workers will come across “The Mystery of the Vanishing Bandana”.  It has been performed by several brilliant artist.
Here’s one performed by one of my favourites, Justin Kredible:

As some may say, if Copperfield does it, it has to be worth a try. Having said that, there are several limitations for such effects particularly in our state. In Singapore, not many can relate to the term Bandana, and thus the main punch line is ruined. To add on to that, for the effect to work well, it still requires much audience participation which is not easy to negotiate from some Singapore audiences. It IS a LONG and draggy effect.

So how different is the 5 card repeat?

1) Shorter Routine
As mentioned above, the vanishing Bandana is really a long draggy routine on stage. 5 seconds on stage can feel like 5mins and 5 mins on stage will feel like hours. Paul Romhany’s routine lasts for about 2mins. It’s perfect for an opening and just enough lines to get a laugh. Silly Billy once mentioned that comedians judge their act based on the the laughs they get per session. With this recorded presentation, its easy to gauge the audience response at the right beats.

2) Easy to understand Humour
Personally I feel that the Paul Romhany’s 5 card repeat has a very different comedic effect compared to “The vanishing bandana”. And it works better for us Singaporeans too. For the Vanishing Bandana, people crack up because the magician is having trouble with the instructions. For the 5 card repeat, the magician is frustrated with the the cards and you can see his emotions building up. That reminds me of what Tommy Wonder mentioned in “Wonderized”.

“Everyday theatres are filled to the last place, and people who see the show, what do they see? They see people who have conflict with each other, or with the world,or with themselves & emotions that come out of that. And people pay good money for it…. This principle of emotions and conflict has been around for thousand of years and its still effective. So maybe if we put that into magic, magic will also be effective.”

Putting aside the presentation of the 5 card repeat (which is really what you’re paying for at that price) the handling of the effect is also as worthy.

One of the few reasons why I was never impressed with the effect is with its handling. Many of the methods involves a false count; pushing off a chunk of cards, and counting it as one. We all know a false count when we see one. So that really wasn’t for me. Further more, some versions require you to hold the pack in a rather awkward fashion, just to facilitate  the count. Of course, there are still several outstanding performers using the above mentioned handlings and having much success. A good example would be Michael Finney who uses it as an opener. It’s fast, direct and entertaining to watch. Wayne Dobson too has a good presentation to go with it as an opener. Wayne Dobson’s 5 card Repeat:

You do however need a dynamic personality like theirs to pull it off half as well as these brilliant performers.

Paul Romhany’s 5 card repeat is clean as a whistle. While it’s really a palour/stage effect, I can imagine it done close up with a bit of work. But that’s hardly the point. (P.S. THIS right here is a brilliant performance of the classic plot adapted close up style, thought I’d share it to other hobbyists who really doesn’t care much about palour/stage effects but are still reading.

Paul Romhany’s handling is however a gimmicked version of the effect that allows for a natural handling of the cards for a trade off.

The Gimmick:
I swear I am not exaggerating here. But it took me less than 5mins to gather the materials and to make myself an extra set of gimmick. The construction of the gimmick is included in the teaching. The method can be applied to jumbo cards as well. (One of my main concerns were whether I could make my own refills and apply the method to jumbo cards) Further more, its a perfect way to use up the aged cards. You may have chucked away in your cupboard. I’ve been using the same gimmick over 10 performances including practice sessions and it still works like a charm. To sum it up, the gimmick is flexible, easy to make and almost cost free.

Closing thoughts:
Throughout my performances, many have asked “How did You do that”. While it shouldn’t be the first comment you get from people, since the main focus of the effect is with its comedic presentation. The compliment convinced me even more that the handling is as important as the effect.
There may have been much emphasis on presenting an effect. Having said that, we should also keep in mind that its barely a trick if it fools nobody.
Paul Romhany’s 5 card repeat IMO is a worker. The only few disadvantages would be about the need of a sound system for it to work at your birthday parties or stage shows.

If you’ve ever considered performing the Vanishing Bandana, but held back due to its presentation, choose Paul Rohmany’s 5 card repeat. It packs SMALL, and plays big. (:

WOW Factor: 6.5/10
It is still the 5 card repeat plot which can be mundane. But good enough for an opener to build up the rest of the shows. I never felt that an opening effect should be so perfect that it builds up too much expecation. As how Pambudi puts it across, (one of the few entertaining mentalist who has excellent showmanship put it) “Promise less, but deliver more”. So really, I think this works well enough for an opener.

Durability: 7/10
You have no worries about refills anyway!

Value for Money: 4/10
I’ve always felt that such effects are over priced, You get a dvd with an audio track and it cost you a bomb. Some justify the price by saying that its to keep kids away from the good stuff. While it is a worker, you are still going to feel that you paid a little too much when it arrives.

Overall Rating: 7/10

I probably haven’t addressed all concerns you splendid reader may have. So feel free to leave a comment if you’d like to know more. And I’d be more than happy to have a chat with you, on the subject.
- Jasper Lee,

So here, now, today, You’ll be reading about effects that work. Effects that I’ve had experienced with and talked about with other performers. In an ATTEMPT to give back to magic, more effects crowned as “Workers” would be reviewed on RDM on a monthly basis.

Workers Review : Miser’s Dream Granted

As an avid coin worker, it has always been my dream to bring the beauty of coin magic on stage and in parlor situations. To my knowledge, with the exception of Jumbo coin manipulation, the Miser’s Dream is the only routine/plot that has as much visual & auditory impact, worthy of stage.

I first saw the classic effect performed by an experienced overseas magician performing at Singapore Kite Festival. He was exceptionally entertaining to watch and its noted that his coins were HUGE! As always, a kid was asked to be his “Sorcerer Apprentice”, much popularized by Jeff McBride’s Routine.

Subsequently I noticed how many other magicians had similar routining.

Eventually I met Sherman Tang, who was kind enough to talk to me about the “workers”. As a full-time professional with an established name for himself both for corporate clients and in the children’s market, his words were golden to me. This was were I got introduced to “Miser’s Dream Granted” which was also part of my wishlist after watching Ponta the Smith performing with it with such grace and elegance.

And finally, after years of saving up (Okay, I am kidding. But it did cost quite a bit), I forked out enough $$ to get a set for myself.

Miser’s Dream Granted comes along with a gimmick, a DVD Teaching by the late Mikame himself, and also 20 beautiful palming coins. The only problem was that it came without a bucket. If You’d like to learn more about the type of bucket to use, do check out a run down by JC Sum and Magic Babe Ning here:

In my case, I settled with a simple steel bucket that cost me under $10 from a store that sold kitchenware. Its very much worth the money, and it looks just as pretty.

Misers Dream itself is a routine that doesn’t require earth shattering sleight of hand. Having said that, to be able to control the coins, and coordinating with the sound of it dropping into the tin can be tedious. Misers Dream Granted can be seen as a solution to this problem. It allows for the magician to start clean (with nothing in his hands) and with the tin on the table. The gimmick is simple to use and easy to install on the bucket. Just your daily adhesive (blue tac) will work.

When I first worked with Misers Dream Granted myself, I was very disappointed. But the more I played around with it, I saw its potential and it was definitely a keeper. Trust me on this. A self contained Misers Dream saves ALOT of hassle.

So here’s the run down:

1. The Gimmick
Its a flesh colored gimmick that is precision made for the palming coins provided.
Of course it also be used for our half dollars etc. I don’t see how anyone could
spoil it even with rough handling. So no worries about broken gimmicks even over
time.

2. DVD Teaching
Mikame goes through a step by step lesson that is easy to follow for any level of
performers. I personally found the effect quite self explanatory and You would
probably too. Having said that, going through the practice sessions with Mikame does
make it easier to work with.

3. Twenty Palming Coins
One of the huge reason I justified with myself for the price of the effect is for
the coins. These 20 palming coins are half the thickness of your usual half dollar
and it shines like silver. While your audience may never get to handle the coins,
I’m appreciative of the simple design on it. As the saying goes, ‘when you look
good, you feel good’. When you’re confident with your coins, it shows.

Final Verdict:
Whether You’re already doing Miser’s Dream or not, I think that this is one effect
You’d be glad to have in your show. I do not however recommend this hobbyist because
there’re probably no close up situations that are good for this. If You find a
reason to carry a wine bucket around, You don’t need another reason to get Miser’s
Dream Granted.

WOW Factor: 10/10
(Let me explain. There is something magical about producing things from thin air.
And when its money, its even sweeter. There’s always a reason why a classic is a
classic. You will get your reactions from Misers Dream.)

Durability: 10/10

Practicability: 7/10
(As mentioned, this is not for the hobbyist. Having said that, its very
practical for any performers doing the Misers Dream because for once, its absolutely
self contained)

Value For Money: 4/10
(Its obviously too pricey.)

Overall rating: 7/10

I probably haven’t addressed all concerns You splendid reader may have. So feel free to leave a comment if you’d like to know more. And I’d be more than happy to have a chat with You, on the subject.
- Jasper Lee,

Within “Metal” lies not only teachings on fundamentals of coin magic techniques, but also 5 unique routines that could be added to your personal repertoire.  All of these routines are flexible enough to be adapted in both seated and stringent, real world stand up environments. In addition to its versatility, these routines are also within the grasp of a beginner coin worker.

Eric begins by giving a BRIEF run through of several basic coin concealments. While this may not be anything new to intermediate coin magicians, Eric takes a minute to explain the possibilities and subtleties that is applicable with each sleight to make it work like a charm. These pointers will certainly make a difference to any style of coin magic you perform. Many a times these finer details are left out in other coin teachings.

Many of the productions and vanishes taught in the DVD can easily be an add-on to your current coin routines. In the “vanishes” section, Eric starts off giving a run through on the concept of the “Put” and “Take” theory. This underlies the basic psychology behind coin vanishes which once again is seldom touched on in many other coin teachings. Eric was also very thorough about the retension pass, which he describes the techniques in great details.

Under the utilities section, Eric shares some of his own variations to a few classic moves in coin magic. He also had a short demonstration of showing both hands empty while concealing a coin. Its a combination of 2 different hand-washing sequences.

No matter how perfect your passes are, your audiences would inevitably look at your “Dirty Hand”. Its a big problem in coin magic, and Eric’s sharing in hand-washing techniques might just be the solution to your troubles. (Many hobbyist I know of takes great interest in the hand-washing techniques. I believe that this portion of the review would garner response since many could be buying this for these moves in particular.)

Alternatively, one would probably want to look at a complete vanish technique shared else where in the dvd. Its a contribution from Jim Pace where a coin vanishes upon a magical wave of the hands. I cannot begin to describe how elegant the moves are. Although this beautiful coin vanish was not included in the trailer, it was seen in another one of Eric’s most recent releases.

Here are some personal highlights under the routines section:

1) Simplex 3 Fly
This is as visual as it gets in coin magic. A coins across routine, right at your fingertips. As a trade-off, the classic 3 fly routine involves rather technical sleights that has always been quite a challenge even for experienced coin conjurers.

As its name suggests, “Simplex 3 Fly” is a simplified handling of the routine that allows for even beginners to have a chance at such a beautiful classic, while achieving the same amount of visual impact. The basic sleights involved are well discussed in both the explanation section of the routine and covered under the “basic concealments” section. Without holding anything back, Eric devotes another section to share about the psychology and misdirection used in the routine.

2) Loose Change
This is one of the rare gems that’s an absolute worker. (even published in one of New York Coin Seminars series under “Workers”)

Copper silver transposition is another popular classic in coin magic. Many versions require the use of gaffs or an extra hold out and the magic happens within a clenched fist.

However, with loose change, all you need is ANY two coin of different sizes. Even coins of your own currency. Right away, take out your loose change in the pocket, and you’ll be all set for this little miracle.

Not only is this a practical worker,  the transposition happens right in front of your audiences. If you’ve seen “Digital Dissolve” at work, this is just as visual. A full view, transformation of the coin at your fingertips. If performed well, it is also a magician’s fooler for its simplicity.

Final Words:
“Metal” provides a good overview into coin magic. Beginners would find it easy to follow, while more advanced workers will probably find several unique ideas and be reminded of some concepts in coin magic that could have been overlooked before. Even experienced move monkeys may find something for themselves. (Hint: Flourish as seen in the trailer!)

Unlike many other coin magic these days, Eric Jone’s is both visual and straight forward. As how Dai Vernon puts in, close up magic is beautiful as its “effects can be described in one sentence.”

A good friend of mine told me that one of the strongest effects in magic suggests to the audience that the magician possesses supernatural abilities. Its the reason why mind reading, or psychics hold much appeal to the public. When the effect takes a more visual nature, like that of levitation, it hits the top of the chart.

While in close up magic, there are not a lot of routines that allow for scrutiny yet retain its mystery and enchantment. Having said that, one particular effect has always been tempting me on the shelves. As a serious hobbyist or professional performer, You surely have seen it more than once in your mundane research at home. This was often known as a classic in magic. & then popularized by recent retailers. The most memorable time I’ve seen this was in SOMA’s Phone Act. The ability to produce smoke.
(NOTE: If You’ve not seen Soma’s Phone Act, do yourself a favor and check it out. It may just change your life. )

Before I go ranting on, I shall at least pronounce the purpose of this writing. In a short while (a few lines more) You will be reading a review on “SMOKE by Alan Rorrison”. There have been much speculation and critique on the product. As an owner of the device, here are my honest opinions from both sides of the scale.

As mentioned in the first quarter, being able to produce smoke is one of the most magical thing you can ever accomplish as a magician (if performed well of course). The  reason why producing smoke has not been as popular can only be because of its tedious set up. There are other smoke devices in the market like “Ultra Smoke 2000″, “Smokey Magic” & a few more. While I do not own any of them, I’ve done a fair amount of research to conclude that the required preparation and cost was not worth my investment..at the moment. If you’ve seen the trailers, you’d agree that both looks beautiful in the right hands. As a utility device, the possibilities are endless.

Comparing these with “Smoke”, the effect is downplayed & less flexible. However the principles are the same. You’re producing smoke which by its nature has a very magical touch. At its price, with practically zero set up, this PORTABLE device was too much to give a miss. So I bought it.

It came in perfect condition, arrived in less than two weeks from Penguin Magic. There were no hassles, no post offices, no polices. It arrived right at my door step. Within less than an hour, I find myself practicing in front of the mirror, addicted to what it accomplished. There is no doubt that You will receive what is promised and you will too be able to perform what is shown in the trailers.

Not only did it pass the “wife test” the visual nature of the effect attracts alot of attention when done in an impromptu setting.

So what are the good points to this?

Advantages
1) Portable
This has to be the top reason why close up magicians should get a hold of this. It is basically a small “device” that You carry all around with You. Like your keys, wallet, PEN..etc. Its like holding on to a small miracle in your pocket. Sounds tempting enough?

2) Almost Zero Set Up
The move is done right in front of the spectator. There is no preparation, no reset required. So just take it out, and perform. Sweet.

3) ONLY Practical Smoke Device in the market
Disclaimer: To the best of my knowledge & from personal experience.
As mentioned earlier, the other smoking devices in the market requires more exaggerated set-ups and even restricts the choice of clothing. “Smoke” on the other hand, can be done naked. So if You’ve been thinking of having this effect in your repertoire, this is it. At least for a trial before getting the big guns.

4) Safety
Some of the other smoke devices were said to be rather hazardous. “Smoke” can be handled safely and it is claimed to be safe for the human body. Many have speculated quite a bit on this point, but I am happy to tell you that I am very much alive, and to start with, You should really have other materials to rely on than just excessive use of “Smoke”.

These are the good parts to it. Now, here are the rest of the ugly truths. I’ve to say that I did not regret buying the effect. & till today, I believe that it has much potential depending on the creativity of the performer.
It is hard to point out on the most obvious flaw to it without exposing part of the secret (which really is very much already exposed over the net)
Let’s just say that the move required for the routine, is also a move that is exposing the secret. Especially if the routine is not well structured. Don’t get the wrong idea that one could FLASH while performing “Smoke”. You can almost say that its completely angle free.

So here are its flaws, and You be the judge.

Disadvantages
1) Non-Justified Moves
In my opinion, the routine suggested in the DVD is not enough to cover up the “move” required for the effect to work. The entire routine lacks justification and presentation with the cleverly disguised prop. It is probably a personal preference. The effect in the DVD is is still much suited for hobbyists or professionals in close up situations. & it is still a “WOW” seeing smoke produced.

2) Refills
Yup. That’s right. Nothing good lasts for ever. It is also what keeps the good effects away from lazy magicians I guess. Effects like Loops, Kundalini rising etc all require refills every now and then. & they don’t come cheap. The good thing is that the order comes with about 5 refills. & so far, I’ve yet to touch any.

Final Verdict:

Its really up to the performer whether it suits his or her presentation ideas. I can imagine a friend performing this and getting away with it because of his style. I will think that younger hobbyists should find this cool to play with & it is. If you’re looking for a reputation maker, this could jolly well be it for you. As I said, producing smoke is probably as magical as it gets. (:

WOW Factor : 9/10
Durability : 7/10
Practicality : 9/10
Value for money : 6/10

Overall rating: 7/10

Join your host Mel Mellers and his crew as they travel the length and width of the UK to bring you seven brand new routines on this superb new DVD set. Over a year in the making, you’ll watch Mel perform in various live shows and then explain everything that you need to know in the studio.

Along the way watch as Mel wins $20.00 in his opening routine, tells the audience just what they’re missing on TV, cuts an audience members hand off with hilarious results, reads 6 spectators drawings using his knowledge of body language, takes a short break to show you a Wee Little Trick, teaches the audience how to solve their own problems and finds a freely chosen card with hilarious results.

As fans will know, Mel is a hilarious magician and all of these brilliant routines can be adapted to be used by all performers. As usual Mel takes an effect and turns it upside down with a unique and original twist!

THE REVIEW:

The Routines:

Bottle opener – If you own a vanishing bottle and don’t want to do the usual patter that’s provided by the instructional manual. Here is a varied presentation you can consider.

You could be - A Newspaper tear in reverse, with a twist. Mel takes the torn and restored newspaper plot to another place, giving it logic. The reactions by the audiences were good.  

Hands off – A more in depth treatment (and explanation) of the hand off illusion shown on a previous Mellers offering. A lot of fun, but I would want to pick the right spectators (not drunk!), so that the routine is not de-railed.

Personalitree - A group of spectators are brought onto the stage and asked to make a drawing of a tree. From these random drawings Mel is able to read into their personalities and tell each one which drawing was theirs. A easy effect that can fit into the comedy magician’s arsenal.

Wee Trick - No live performance. Got ‘Multum in Parvo’? Here is a way of presenting it with humour.

Solved Disolved – A slight variation to the Slydini silk routine.

Pseudo card routine. A routine that plays big but based on a simple card trick.

Will I use the material?

I could not just take a Mellers piece and more or less replicate it in my act. Mel has such a strong performace character, that is not something I would or could copy. Part of the value of the material is inspirational. Another part is the ‘bits of business’.

Our thoughts on this Dvd:

My only issue with this Dvd is that once you take away the presentation/patter of the routines. The effects standalone are not strong enough to sustain a crowd for a 30/40 minute corporate performance. With that said, it is important to note that Mel Mellers is an expert in turning basic effects or concepts into comedy performance piece.
The performances here seem to have weak reactions, possibly due to the large constitution of magicians watching. Repeated views may increase  appreciation of the set.

Overall, this dvd offers good value. Mel is a great performer, a concise teacher, and proof of what you can do with a few simple props / basic plot. There are many bits of business that you can pick up, and  ideas that you can experiment with.

6/10 (A decent buy)

This Trick is Available @ Magic Boutique

Do support our very own local shop selling original magic products

Join your host Mel Mellers and his crew as they travel the length and breadth of the UK to bring you seven brand new routines on this superb new DVD set. Over a year in the making, you’ll watch Mel perform in various live shows and then explain everything that you need to know in the studio.

Along the way be amazed and above all amused, as Mel performs a 6 Card Repeat in a truly international way, a feat of number manipulation despite overriding distraction, a Plume routine that gets huge laughs, an underwater escape that has no water (!), a superb mindreading stunt in which he predicts a genuinely random set of numbers, manipulates his own eyeball, vanishes and reappears a borrowed watch and for his grand finale uses a flea and a feather (don’t ask!).

As fans will know, Mel is a hilarious magician and all of these brilliant routines can be adapted to be used by all performers. As usual Mel takes an effect and turns it upside down with a unique and original twist!

THE REVIEW:

The Routines:

6 Card Mystery – Another variation of the classic 6 card repeat. Mel’s method of counting cards is unique, but I feel that the count does not look legit and fair.

Do as I do Plumes - An excellent piece of comedy magic. Mel even goes through how to make one set of the gimmicked plumes for yourself. This is a must have for any Children’s Magician.

Mass distraction – An amazing Magic Square routine at speed. Well done, but at the end of the day, effects that appear to be based on a mathematical principal will  not come across as a strong piece of magic.

Eyeball – A quick bit of a visual gag using a billiard ball as the performer’s “eyeball”. Seasoned billiard ball manipulators will find this a piece of cake.

Watch this – A smashed watch vanishes and is reproduced by Mel Meller. The watch’s reproduction can easily be reconstructed by a discerning audience. A combination with a impossible reproduction in a nest of boxes etc…would strengthen the overall effect.

Feather Flea Finale – A flea performs a feat of strength. A overly dramatic routine with a feather that seemingly stands on its own.

My thoughts on this Dvd:

My only issue with this dvd is that once you take away the presentation/patter of the routines. The effects standalone are not strong enough to sustain a crowd for a 30/40 minute corporate performance. This dvd shows you how small effects can play big depending on how you present it. The effects however does not have a shocking or visual impact on the audience. Rather all the memorable parts of the routines offered in this dvd would be the funny lines and bits of comedy that Mel offers. The performances seem to be mainly at lectures , although you still get strong audience interaction and all the gags. The explanations are detailed and includes instructions which tell you how to construct or where to purchase  the props.

Mel also offer valuable thoughts and insights into the (paid) magic world, including cruise ship work (mainly as a response to lecture audience questions).

6/10 (A decent buy)

This Trick is Available @ Magic Boutique

Do support our very own local shop selling original magic products

What would you want to see if you had just one more chance to join the session of a lifetime?
Thats the question we asked after the first Seattle Session (Night One), and the one thing everyone wanted was more.

So here you are, the session continues on Night Two with more than two hours of more new moves, more improvements on classic techniques, more gambling demos, more magic and yes, one more version of Jacks Gilligan Trick. Carpenter & Company (Jack, Steve Mayhew, Steve Dobson, Will Conine and Tobias Pasha) deliver exactly what you asked for, and more, including the real secret to undetectable false deals, two new passes, killer applications for familiar passes, a strip out shuffle that changes the moment and even a better ending to three card monte.

Running time approx 2 hours 14 min.

THE REVIEW:

What you will need:

• The dvd
• A lot of time on your hands

Method/Difficulty:

A variety of sleights and routines are taught in this dvd. Some of them are relatively simple, while others are highly complexed and require loads of time practicing the material. The session-based sharing means that most sleights are not explained in full details. Rather, the overall idea of the sleight is taught and invaluable small tips and tricks to make it better are shared.

Practicality:

Some of the ideas discussed in this dvd can definitely be incorporated and refined into your own routines. I personally enjoyed Jack’s finale on the 3 card monte, and Tobias’s ambitious card routine. Both opened my mind to the limitless possibilities of magic! As all the magicians in this session are highly skilled working professionals, having a chance to see their routines and why are they structured in such a way is extremely invaluable. Some routines in the dvd however, are purely for the interest of entertaining other magicians (e.g. a twist in a handling, a card routine with inner jokes between themselves) and hence might be entertaining but otherwise impractical or cumbersome when approaching a total stranger and performing for them.

Overall:

As a session between magicians, the dvd is less organized and more lengthy than most instructional videos out in the market. Nevertheless, there are many gems in the dvd that is waiting to be uncovered. A phrase that will tickle your audience, a improvised move that will make a sleight undetectable, or even a twist to a old routine that you are doing. Most of the routines also have detailed explanations about the motivations behind them which is a helpful guide as the same principles apply and should be taken into consideration when you are working on an original handling of a routine or sleight.

Recommended for: Experienced magicians looking for new ideas and original routines.

6/10 (Decent Buy)

This Trick is Available @ Magic Boutique

Do support our very own local shop selling original magic products

This is Andy’s first set of notes and they are packed full of strong, easy-to-do mentalism tricks. Trust me – you WILL want these notes! Featuring: Deep Red Prediction No Way Out Witness for the Prosecution (as performed with Derron Brown at Andy’s fantastic International Lecture) M.O.B. Billet Routine Homicide

SHORT, PUNCHY, AND MENTAL

• No Way Out
• Witness for the Prosecution
• Mike O’Brian’s Billet Routine
• Homicide
• Take the Money and Run
• Deep Red Prediction
• Magicians’ Graphology

Pages: 36 – Saddle Stitched

THE REVIEW:

Items involved in these effects:

• Blank Cards
• Post-Its
• Film Canisters
• Playing Cards

Method/Difficulty:

The advertised description mentions that this lecture notes offer easy to do mentalism tricks. This is true for most of the effects. “Take the money and run” requires an execution of a bold move which may cause discomfort to some readers. “No way out” is another effect that I believe requires quite a good deal of practice before it can be executed and presented properly. Definitely not a “easy to do” mentalism trick.

Practicality:

The tricks shared in this set of lecture notes can fit into the repertoire of the working mentalist/magician easily. The materials offered here requires the performer to be well-versed in theatrics in order to bring out the full flavour of the effects. Technique is not the issue, rather presentation is something that the performer must take into consideration before presenting/executing these effects.

Overall:

I’m not a big fan of mentalism effects. However, this set of lecture notes definitely has something to offer for everyone. The “Fargo Principle” mentioned in the lecture notes can definitely take your mentalism/magic act to a higher level. “Witness for the prosecution” is definitely one of the routines that stood out for me in this notes. It combines role-play, movies, imagination and mentalism all into one act. It is easy to execute and the  leaves great room for the individual to change the presentation as his own.

7/10 (Recommended)

This Trick is Available @ Magic Boutique

Do support our very own local shop selling original magic products

Craig Petty is back and this time he’s left his coins at home. Featuring ten killer routines designed to be used in the real world to real people. Most of the routines require just a regular pack of cards and any moves required are fully covered in the “sleights section”. This is material that you WILL use; all routines have been tried, tested and perfected over the last ten years. Get ready to take your card magic to a new level.

THE REVIEW:

What you will need:

• A pack of playing cards

Method/Difficulty:

This Dvd features solely card effects and hence extensive use of card sleights are required. Not to worry, Craig goes through the sleights in details in the sleights section of the Dvd.

Practicality:

Most of these routines are classified as FASDIU routines (from a shuffled deck in use). This means that these routines are great for professional worker as the effects require complex set up or stacks.

Two effects worth mentioning are Shoperman & EZ Waltzer

Shoperman:
This routine is a master class in body loading. Three cards are selected and signed. The first card appears under a spectator’s watch. The second card appears in the spectator’s own pocket. The final card is found folded up in the spectator’s own shoe. An absolute reputation maker.

The materials shown are very much angle proof. Note that the effects are taught in the context that tables are available, making it more relevant to restaurant workers. Of course, the handlings could be changed to suit a more in-the-hands performance setting.

EZ Waltzer:
An easy to do version of Doc Eason’s ‘Anniversary Waltz’ with a borrowed deck of cards – no gaffs required.
Overall:

I can’t help but say that the freaky front cover design of this Dvd will put people off right from the start. But I sidetrack…

The live performances shown in the DVD does not justify the “killer routines designed to be used in the real world to real people” statement in the DVD description. You hardly get the exact same spectators sitting in a well mannered way, watching you perform your magic in the real world. There is definitely greater potential in the card effects demonstrated. However, the reactions from the “live spectators” show that the tricks are all so ho hum.

Recommended for: Freshmen to Card Magic

Not recommended for: Seasoned Card Mechanics/Freaks/Geeks

5/10 (Get it if you have extra cash to spare)

This Trick is Available @ Magic Boutique

Do support our very own local shop selling original magic products

Since its initial release in 2006, Prohibition has been a best seller and allows magicians around the world to perform the cap in bottle effect seemingly impromptu! No longer needed is the setup time involved with other cap in bottle effects. Simply walk up to someone, borrow their bottle and perform a miracle right before their very eyes. This has become the legacy of Prohibition.

Flash forward to 2009 where Charlie Justice has not stood on his laurels. He has taken all the things that made Prohibition great like the impromptu nature of the effect, the ability to borrow any bottle and to have everything examined before and after and come up with some new ideas and moves to make the Cap Trap effect even better, and it’s FREE!!!

Included with every Prohibition DVD is a second bonus DVD called “Prohibition Provisions”.

THE REVIEW:

What you will need:

• PK Ring
• Clear Bottle and Cap

Method/Difficulty:

The method is simple to understand and Jeff has broken it down elegantly into a few main steps. However, as the “move” itself can be a little knacky, it does require a fair bit of practice. Also, performing it impromptu can be slightly harder as the bottles tend to be damp.

Practicality:

This trick is highly practical. Just slip on your PK ring and you are all set and ready to go. In fact, the seemingly impromptu nature of the effect is why this trick has been selling like hot cakes since 2006! Both working magicians and hobbyists alike will definitely be able to incorporate prohibition in their daily routines. The trick is also angle friendly, which makes this trick ideal for most situations.

Overall:

The first dvd offer a comprehensive guide for the effect. It offers a step by step guide on how to perform Prohibition, broken down into different phases, with Charlie going indepth in explaining every nuances of the routine. From the positions of your hands to the proper way to hold the bottle. His instructions is also precise and clear, using easy to understand words to convey his message.

The second dvd, “Provisions”, answers all your questions and doubts regarding this effect. From dealing with damp bottles to instant reset techniques for that cliche “do it again” question. It is evident that Charlie and Jeff has performed the effects countless of times and have refined it to perfection. It is also filled with practical and useful information that will ensure that you get reactions everytime you perform this effect. He also included several new routines such as “The Coin Accomplice” and “The Ninja Fold”. I daresay that this is the best coin trap effect there is in the market till date!

Recommeded for: If you want to look like David Blaine instantly!

Not recommended for: A reason to go out drinking with your friends 

9.5/10 (One of the Dvds that Every Magician Should Get!)

This Trick is Available @ Magic Boutique

Do support our very own local shop selling original magic products