The effect is to make thread apparently penetrate your neck. Then, with a snap of the thread, it comes right back out - with no harm to your neck. Very visual.
Saw is absolutely brilliant. I love the simple nature to the effect. It is easy to perform, and the reactions are wonderful. I love how there are different applications to use the effect. This was such a great trick, Criss Angel himself performed it on one of his episodes, but instead of using a Life Saver, he used a ring. I love how you can swallow a lifesaver and apparently retreive it through your neck with a thread. Excellent work! The setup is easy, and performance is totally easy, and people freak out - so it definitely hits hard!
The only con to this trick would reveal the secret, so - I won't actually do that. BUT, regardless of this one downside, the excitement of the reactions is well worth the downside.. which is minor, and solution to it is provided with the DVD.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Stigmata - Wayne Houchin
Ok, so this is a really fun effect. I love the video and the different versions you can use. The direct mind reading effect is hit or miss, so I don't recommend using it. One save I might recommend is to have them select a number 1-10, and whatever number they say - if you are wrong, then have them select a card from the deck... the amount of cards down as the number they select, but force the card that has the number you had predicted they would think of.
Anything from Wayne Houchin is awesome. He's an excellent performer and great with details as he explains his effects. I showed this to co-workers the next day after learning this, and people literally FREAKED OUT. People were talking about it the rest of the day. People said things like, "I know that this is just a trick, but this really blew my mind.. I have to remind myself that this is just a trick"
If you don't have stigmata yet, I would recommend getting it as soon as possible, since the reactions are amazing. If you like this type of magic, I also would recommend any of Banachek's videos.
Anything from Wayne Houchin is awesome. He's an excellent performer and great with details as he explains his effects. I showed this to co-workers the next day after learning this, and people literally FREAKED OUT. People were talking about it the rest of the day. People said things like, "I know that this is just a trick, but this really blew my mind.. I have to remind myself that this is just a trick"
If you don't have stigmata yet, I would recommend getting it as soon as possible, since the reactions are amazing. If you like this type of magic, I also would recommend any of Banachek's videos.
Pros: practical magic that you will actually use
apparent mind reading with a few different methods
easy, step-by-step instruction
very nice video quality
definite "wow" factor
Cons: There really aren't any that I can see except for the direct reading method. If it works, then people really do freak out, but if it doesn't work - you are left trying to dig yourself out.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Melting Point
Melting point has a really great demo online. I love the demo, and it really made my mind spin with application before I bought the trick. Especially when the demo showed a starburst passing through glass. When I received this item, I quickly opened it up and popped the DVD in the player, and found that the instructions were all in TEXT on my TV screen. I was thinking, "what's up with THAT!" I thought I was missing something, but the instructions were in text, and you gotta read fast. They show what they're talking about in video, but that is a bit fast. I was used to having explanation videos break down each step, and evaluate each part. Receiving hints and tips with each step in the process. This video pretty much sucks. The trick itself, though, is pretty cool. After you get past reading the explanations and seeing short clips, it all comes together. The only problem I have with this DVD is that the method really requires a glass table. I was so frustrated because I didn't know anyone with a glass table, and the nearest thing I had was some plexiglass. So if you get this, make sure you have a glass table to practice on. Other than that, the method is pretty sweet, and if you have a PK Ring, you'll find ways of applying the method to many other glass items to make things apparently pass through them. Even though I didn't have a glass table, I really enjoyed learning the secret to this. Is the secret worth the cost, I don't think so. But they sure did a great job including a free gift, so it isn't a total loss. I'm sure I would have enjoyed it more if I had a glass table like the one they have in their demo. This became a bookshelve piece; one hardly used... except the coins that came with it, I found very useful with my PK ring, so again - not a total loss!
Wiregrams
Ellusionists.com is the only place I have seen Wiregrams. This product is basically a piece of wire that when you apply heat, it turns into a shape. The same it changes into is a type of card. For instance, a trick you could do is have a spectator choose a card, and have them return the card to the deck. Tell them that you will put the cards away and while you do, have them hold on the wire and concentrate on that card. Explain that the wire is a special mind reading wire, and that as they concentrate the wire will absorb the brain waves, and interpret them. You could even say that if they avoided the card in their mind, than inversely the card would still be found by this wire. When they are done, and you've pattered enough about the wire, take the wire back and pull out a lighter. Apply the flame from the lighter to the wire, and it will start to move on its own. The wire will then resemble the selected card!
Wiregrams are really fun. People literally freak out when they see the wire move all by itself. They can even be the one holding the wire, and you can hand THEM the lighter. You don't need it back, because there is no sleight of hand - you are not manipulating the wire at all. This is a great product, and the price is very low, and you can reuse the wire again and again. This is a great piece of magic to add to your repertoire, I highly recommend them.
Wiregrams are really fun. People literally freak out when they see the wire move all by itself. They can even be the one holding the wire, and you can hand THEM the lighter. You don't need it back, because there is no sleight of hand - you are not manipulating the wire at all. This is a great product, and the price is very low, and you can reuse the wire again and again. This is a great piece of magic to add to your repertoire, I highly recommend them.
Amazing Magic Tricks With Rope DVD with Tomas Medina
If you're looking to learn rope magic, this DVD is a great one to get. All the great rope routines are included in this DVD, and Tomas does a great job explaining how to perform them very well. I would recommend getting some rope before watching this DVD, because watching the DVD with rope in hand can help the explanations make sense, and help you learn the magic a lot better. This DVD covers everything from cut and restored rope, to the professor's nightmare rope trick. Definitely a great addition to any magician's repetoire. The DVD is low in cost, and high in value. You might not find all of the tricks on the DVD helpful, or something you'd actually end up using, but just like other DVDs with a ton of tricks - the ones you pull away are good enough to be worth the purchase.
Criss Angel - Self Levitation DVD
Criss Angel is a wonderful performer. I love his magic, and I love his levitations. The DVD was very disappointing to say the least. I was one of those who waited for this product to be released for months. I went to Criss Angel's website and found out that he was going to release how to do his levitation. There was a video clip that showed his levitations and I couldn't wait to learn how he did it. The price was high, but I felt it was going to be worth it. There was another product on the market called Icarus Effect by Aaron Paterson. This has a price tag of $395.00, so when Criss Angel was releasing his for a lot less, I thought it would be a great product. Well, the video shows how to create the effect, but the steps are so complex he even suggests finding a master seamstress to sew some special clothing you'll need to perform the effect. The levitation he teaches is not how it appeared it would be in the video. He did teach the method used for a couple of clips in the levitation sequence, but the others were so awesome - which were the ones I bought the DVD expecting to learn. With the construction of what you need to make being so difficult and time consuming, it hardly was worth the price of the DVD. It seemed that the cost of the materials would be cheap, but upon watching the DVD it looks a lot more expensive than once thought. This DVD was one I purchased, and since there was still a craze to learn the effect, I was able to sell it on eBay. I do not recommend purchasing this explanation DVD. Chances are you will not use the method, and if you do - you probably have the time and money for the construction of the gimmicks. I have yet to purchase the Icarus Effect by Aaron Paterson, but reviews say his method is somewhat similar, although different - but the product includes everything that you need. This might be the reason for the larger price tag. After learning a couple of cheap levitations, I soon lost interest in levitation. There are less expensive and more practical tricks available on the market.
Ninja DVDs from Ellusionist.com
Brad Christian is a wonderful teacher of magic. He has over 25 years of experience with magic, and has great ways of explaining how to perform magic. He covers everything from executing sleights of hand to showmanship. He wants to make sure that anyone who views his instructional videos comes away knowing how to be a true magician. He delivers excellence in every video project he is involved in. Ninja 1 is a great example of this. Ninja and Ninja 2 are both great resources for magicians to learn sleights of hand, pick up new tricks, and also to learn of the showmanship behind the effects. This is one thing I really like about Brad, how he pounds on showmanship and explains ways of making the effect hit hard, even if it is a small trick. I fully recommend both of the Ninja DVDs. I have pulled great insites and information from both of the DVDs, and they have helped me apply better techniques with my magic.
Ninja 1 is a great reference guide to The Pass, and Ninja 2 also shows another way of making The Pass invisible. Again, but DVDs include excellent effects. Highly recommended.
Ninja 1 is a great reference guide to The Pass, and Ninja 2 also shows another way of making The Pass invisible. Again, but DVDs include excellent effects. Highly recommended.
On the Spot with Gregory Wilson
Gregory Wilson is an excellent magician. He might trip over his tongue sometimes, but he does a fantastic job creating magic. This DVD is no exception to how wonderful he is. Not everything on the DVD is going to be used, but the material that you will use is very worth the DVD. If you're looking to learn watch stealing, there is a great routine on this DVD. Personally, I didn't really want to learn this, so I have never used it. Some of the coin magic will take some extra skill and practice. If you're a beginner looking to take the next step and learn some sleight of hand, this is a great video to step you to the next level of experience. The Sponge napkin routine is funny, and helps learn misdirection. Same thing with head trip, which you may have seen on Criss Angel as the napkin routine done with the cops. Definitely fine works of misdirection, but I didn't really use either of them except maybe on kids. There are definitely some great tricks on the video that I have used, including the questionable trick. This effect is like Dime and Penny, but done without any gimmicks. It's a lot of fun to perform. I really enjoy how all the tricks can really be done on the spot, and with borrowed items. Some of the magic requires some extra practice, so if you decide to get the video - don't be intimidated by the sleights of hand you will be learning.
Scotch & Soda/Dime & Penny
Gimmicked coins can be a lot of fun. I certainly had a lot of fun with scotch and soda, as well as dime and penny. The coins look real! The only thing I didn't like is that the Centavo had the word "Copia" printed on it, which means copy. So if you show that to someone who speaks spanish, just keep in mind that the coin itself is pretty much telling them that it is not a real coin. You could go to the bank and get a real one, if you'd like. I never took it that far.
There are so many tricks you can do with either the Scotch and Soda or the Dime and Penny. If you have these, you understand why they are grouped together. You can make a coin vanish and appear anywhere you choose, have a coin apparently go through any object, or have the coin go to a selected card. With these I would suggest to get a book or DVD showing how to perform more tricks than the ones included with the coins. These are a lot of fun, and the great thing is - they are fully examinable after the trick is done, so you end completely "clean."
There are so many tricks you can do with either the Scotch and Soda or the Dime and Penny. If you have these, you understand why they are grouped together. You can make a coin vanish and appear anywhere you choose, have a coin apparently go through any object, or have the coin go to a selected card. With these I would suggest to get a book or DVD showing how to perform more tricks than the ones included with the coins. These are a lot of fun, and the great thing is - they are fully examinable after the trick is done, so you end completely "clean."
The Raven
The Raven is really incredible to see. I've seen some videos online and on TV of magicians performing vanishes with the Raven. Although it looks really good, I wouldn't say the Raven is that great for street magic, table hopping, or just showing a friend a trick. It really is best if done for a camera. With how the Raven is setup you have to be wearing a certain kind of shirt, or learn the belt loop method, which either way - you're going to be in an awkward position, holding your body in a weird way. It will look obvious that the way you are holding your body is related with the trick. It looks really good on video, and from a distance, but there is a thread that hangs on one of the fingers, that presses down the skin. This is something that the spectator might not notice, but why take the chance. For coin vanishes and routines, I would suggest Jay Noblezada's "In the Beginning There Were Coins." This will teach you non-gimmicked vanishes, and excellent coin routines.
Emerge Triumphant
Penguin magic certainly is a great resource for instant downloads. The prices are good, and learning can begin instantly. The trick I'd like to review is Emerge Triumphant by Oz Pearlman. This is an instant download. The Trick is pretty good, and instead of explaining the trick, I'm going to post the video.
Courtesy of Penguin Magic.
Ok, what a great trick. Oz did a great job of it in the video. I like how the end of the trick leaves all the cards in perfect order, especially after all the shuffling going on during the effect. This trick, I would say, is not for the beginner. If a beginner is wanting to learn how to do the trick, I would suggest Ellusionist's Ninja 2, which contains a version of Triumph that is a lot easier and just as effective. Penguin Magic did a great job with the routine. The routine takes a lot of practice, so if you get it - don't give up. It's a great add to anyone's repertoire, but if you're just looking to learn a quick trick to impress your friends, this isn't one you'll want to get. Now, if you want to put some time and effort into getting all the steps down and learn the sleights of hand, this is an excellent trick to get.
Courtesy of Penguin Magic.
Ok, what a great trick. Oz did a great job of it in the video. I like how the end of the trick leaves all the cards in perfect order, especially after all the shuffling going on during the effect. This trick, I would say, is not for the beginner. If a beginner is wanting to learn how to do the trick, I would suggest Ellusionist's Ninja 2, which contains a version of Triumph that is a lot easier and just as effective. Penguin Magic did a great job with the routine. The routine takes a lot of practice, so if you get it - don't give up. It's a great add to anyone's repertoire, but if you're just looking to learn a quick trick to impress your friends, this isn't one you'll want to get. Now, if you want to put some time and effort into getting all the steps down and learn the sleights of hand, this is an excellent trick to get.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
5 to 1 Transpo on Penguin Magic
Penguin magic is one of the greatest online references for buying magic. They have great products and also excellent videos. One of my favorite effects that I've purchased from their site is the 5 to 1 Transpo. This trick changes the position of a $5 bill and a $1 bill. This magic is done in the spectator's hand.
Pros:
"Wow" factor for sure
Easy to perform
easy to setup
after setting up once you never have to setup again.
Cons:
Let's just say the trick costs more than the purchase. The setup involves money that you don't want to spend so that you can keep doing the trick.
This trick, no kidding, is one I always have on me in my wallet. I whole heartedly recommend this trick. It is so fun, so amazing for the spectators, that you will enjoy performing this for anyone who finds out that you know how to perform magic. This is one I used professionally, and everyone loves it. Check out the video and see for yourself how awesome it is. It really is as good as it shows in the video.
Pros:
"Wow" factor for sure
Easy to perform
easy to setup
after setting up once you never have to setup again.
Cons:
Let's just say the trick costs more than the purchase. The setup involves money that you don't want to spend so that you can keep doing the trick.
This trick, no kidding, is one I always have on me in my wallet. I whole heartedly recommend this trick. It is so fun, so amazing for the spectators, that you will enjoy performing this for anyone who finds out that you know how to perform magic. This is one I used professionally, and everyone loves it. Check out the video and see for yourself how awesome it is. It really is as good as it shows in the video.
Courtesy of Penguin Magic.
Abyss - Ultimate Coin in Bottle from The Enchantment
Most serious magicians learn a few coin in bottle routines. This is one of the best. Check out the video clip. Courtesy The Enchantment.
As you can see, this is a great effect. It really appears to be impromptu. If performed like it is, the spectators won't know.
Pros:
Not that hard to master.
Definitely has the "wow" factor
uses regular items
Although the instructions are not in video form, the instructions are very clear and easy to understand
Cons:
It does require preparation
This is one of my favorite coin into bottle effects. My favorite bottle trick though is called Prohibition. Prohibition takes the cake, but if you're looking for a coin to bottle trick that will allow you to give the bottle with the coin in it as a souvenir then this one will be what you'd want to get. The cost is low, and the value is high. Excellent effect for sure!
Synergy
Yes, another instant download from Penguin magic. To begin the trick, the spectator can shuffle the deck as much as they want. After it is shuffled, the deck is cut into two parts. The spectator then selects one of the halves, and then from that half cards are taken from the top. One-by-one a card is seen, and all the viewer needs to remember is the card and position. They select whichever card they want. Then from the other half a different card is selected, but could be similar. This card is placed in the magicians pocket. The position of the card is given, and the magician deals down that many cards. The card is then given, and the card is no longer that card. But, now the card is found in the magician's pocket.
Great effect, let's step through it.
Pros:
Completely impromptu.
Easy
Great spectator interaction
has jaw dropping reactions
Cons:
minimal sleight of hand that requires one to be careful of angles
With this trick, the pros definitely out weigh the cons. Just practice the trick, learn the angles, and you'll have fun with this one for sure. The price is low, and definitely worth it. I would suggest practicing this one in front of a mirror. Before you know it, you'll see the angles that you need to be careful of, and have full confidence pulling this one off. For some, this is a home run effect and people freak out.
Great effect, let's step through it.
Pros:
Completely impromptu.
Easy
Great spectator interaction
has jaw dropping reactions
Cons:
minimal sleight of hand that requires one to be careful of angles
With this trick, the pros definitely out weigh the cons. Just practice the trick, learn the angles, and you'll have fun with this one for sure. The price is low, and definitely worth it. I would suggest practicing this one in front of a mirror. Before you know it, you'll see the angles that you need to be careful of, and have full confidence pulling this one off. For some, this is a home run effect and people freak out.
The Ultimate Ace Assembly
Another favorite from Penguin Magic. This is an instant download that is sure to knock the socks off of your spectators. Four aces are shown and dealt face up. Then three cards are dealt face up on top of three of the aces, and three cards are placed under the leader ace. Each face one-by-one vanishes and joins the leader ace. Very visual. I recommend the demo video on Penguin Magic for this effect. I really enjoy this trick, and there are great things covered in the routine. Even if the trick is never performed, learning the sleights of hand involved with the trick is more than worth the price of the trick itself. I love how the spectator is involved, and the final ace joins the others when the spectator has their hand on top of the stack.
Pros:
definitely has "wow" factor
excellent teaching style from Oz Pearlman
sleights of hand are covered in detail, and shown in a simple manner
Cons:
there is some setup for the effect
Don't let the setup scare you away. Like many great tricks there is some setup. Some magicians really like to make sure to have impromptu routines, which is understandable for table hopping. If you're just wanting to show an excellent card trick - this is definitely one I would recommend. Jaws drop, people get freaked out, and some people get so wigged out they might ask you to stop showing them magic tricks. Like I've said before with this routine... Even if the trick is never performed, you can take the elements learned and apply them to other tricks or make up your own effects.
Pros:
definitely has "wow" factor
excellent teaching style from Oz Pearlman
sleights of hand are covered in detail, and shown in a simple manner
Cons:
there is some setup for the effect
Don't let the setup scare you away. Like many great tricks there is some setup. Some magicians really like to make sure to have impromptu routines, which is understandable for table hopping. If you're just wanting to show an excellent card trick - this is definitely one I would recommend. Jaws drop, people get freaked out, and some people get so wigged out they might ask you to stop showing them magic tricks. Like I've said before with this routine... Even if the trick is never performed, you can take the elements learned and apply them to other tricks or make up your own effects.
How to do Street Magic
Ellusionist.com has come out with a "How to do Street Magic" video. I first ordered it a few years ago, and I have to say - EXCELLENT! There are several effects you can learn with just the first video. This is a great resource for beginners. There are also some tricks on there that you really could use to add to a more experienced repertoire, but probably by the time you have become fairly experienced the tricks shown here have already been learned. Let's go through the DVD and review the tricks one at a time.
Burned
Effect: Card is selected and returned to the deck. Selection is written on a piece of paper, crumpled up and burned. The magician uses the ashes to mystically reveal the chosen card on his arms. He rubs the ashes on his arm to show that the card is now readable on his arm. This apparently has been done through some kind of communication with spirits.
With this trick, it helps one learn a method of a card force. It's a basic method, so don't get your hopes up too high.
Pros:
Very cool effect when done right.
Definitely has "wow" factor.
Teaching technique and tips given on the video are really good
Cons:
There is fire involved, so you really can't perform it everywhere.
The method of the card force is a bit too basic.
Preparation involved.
Now, remember - this video was intended for beginners. It really is a great trick for beginners to learn, and helps represent some basic sleights of hand in a good way. I like the effect, but I have never performed it myself. I've enjoyed this type of effect and would recommend Wayne Houchin's Stigmata instead of this specific trick.
Glass Stinger
This trick is about placing an object on a table, and through magic, having the object pass through the table. In this case it is a shot glass, or glass cup.
Pros:
great trick for beginners
can be done in most places, like homes, lunch table, while out to eat, etc
no setup is required
Cons:
This trick is a common beginner trick. A lot of people may already know the secret before purchasing the video.
Can't really perform everywhere because a table is required, as well as a napkin or paper towel.
My sister had a boyfriend when I was young and he knew this trick before the video was released. He showed me the trick and taught me how it was done. To me I feel this trick is filler material but helps someone learning magic with some of the psychology behind magic. For instance, part of the video explains to have the spectator's concentrate on coin. The trick is supposed to be to make a coin go through the table. When this doesn't work, the glass shot goes through the table. It is a good beginning to misdirection.
Sick Aces
I really love Sick Aces. I start out with this because I have shown this trick several times and no one understands how it is possible. I have never been caught, and it's an excellent trick. I like the video and how it explains false shuffles, and how to incorporate them with this trick. Shuffling at the beginning, handing the cards to the spectator, and having them do all the work. After having them split the deck into 4 even piles, and shuffling cards around from there, having in the end all 4 aces at the top of each stack.
pros:
Definitely has "wow" factor
simple and easy to do
spectator does all the work - they are the ones handling the cards
cons:
some setup is required
Even though some setup is required, it is really easy to setup without being noticed. The false shuffle covered in the DVD is a good one. It might seem rather basic, but honestly you will not be caught with it unless it is done wrong. I've performed this trick several times and would really recommend it for others.
Trace Unseen
Ok, so this one is pretty good too. The magician riffles through the cards and has someone tell him when to stop. Then a card is seen by everyone, and not even taken out of the deck. The deck is turned over and each card is dealt one at a time. The chosen card is no where to be found. The card is found in one of the spectator's pockets.
Pros:
Easy trick to perform, and the method is excellent
Location of the card in the end can be anywhere you'd like
it can be done surrounded
it can be done anywhere
Cons:
some setup is involved
spectator can't inspect the deck of cards
This effect is really good. Honestly, I really would recommend it. I have performed this trick before, and it has dropped the jaws of people who saw it. This has been the favorite trick of some of my friends. The setup is really easy, and the work placed into the effect is definitely worth the reactions received when it is done.
Merger
This trick is done with a business card or any other kind of card. A rope is fed through a hole torn in the middle. The card is covered with a hankerchief and then the card is no longer on the rope and is not torn. It is still in good condition, except for the hole torn in the center. The rope apparently passed through the card's edge without causing any damage.
Pros:
Easy, good for beginners
Cons:
some setup involved
The video's commercial makes it sound like if you were somewhere and someone asked you to show some magic, that you would have a lot of magic to show on the spot. This trick is not an on the spot kind of trick. It's good magic, but at the same time the explanation is kind of obvious. It's a good trick to show after presenting some other mind blowing material. Having the history of other mind blowing tricks followed by this kind of effect is a good idea. People will still be in awe from the previous effects, their mind will be boggled enough not to come up with how this one is done. All-in-all, a good trick - but not a show starter.
Trick Switch
Whoa, talk about great magic. Definitely a good sleight of hand introduced by learning this effect. There are some great steps, and when carried through it looks like magic!
Card is selected - shuffled back into the deck. Spectator cuts the deck into 3rds and is told that they will cut to their card. After showing the bottom card of each stack, the bottom card is dealt to be shown face down side-by-side the other cards from the bottom. One of the cards is the selected card, but the magician says that he doesn't think that was the card. Then, asks the spectator to give a number 1-10. That number of cards is counted off the bottom of the stack, and at the number the spectator chooses is revealed to be the selected card. The spectator surprised looks at the 3 cards to find that their card is no longer there.
Pros:
excellent trick for beginners and experienced magicians alike
has "wow" factor
video does a great job explaining each step and how to pull of sleights of hand
Cons:
with this trick, I really didn't see any.
I really enjoy this trick. Once I learned it, this trick became one of my favorites right away. Place the practice into the trick, and people will go nuts. Each time I present this trick, the spectators want to inspect the cards. LET THEM! This one is pretty good. Really.
Voodoo Zone
Another great effect. I'm not even going to go into the pros and cons, because there are only pros. The effect has a card folded in half and pass through a voodoo zone caused by another card folded in half. It makes the card apparently change from being face up to face down, or vice versa. Then at the end, the card is brought halfway through and torn in half. Fully inspectable. I have had so much fun with this. The only warning I have is that you will go through a lot of decks of cards with this, so set aside a deck specifically for ripping up. It's a lot of fun, and people definitely are surprised. There is the "wow" factor with this trick for sure!
Go Inside Sugar
Ok, this trick is fun. It apparently makes a coin go into a sealed sugar packet and comes back out when it is torn open. This is a good trick and fun to perform. Watch your angles, and practice in front of a mirror. When done right it really makes people go nuts. The first couple of times I performed it I didn't have much practice, and people saw what I was doing. Put in the time and practice and this trick will make people say that you're like Criss Angel and David Blaine!
Print
Make an ordinary blank piece of paper turn into a printed business card. Nice trick, and introduces a good sleight of hand. Anyone having a hard time learning any paddle trick would benefit from this effect. The effect creates some good magic. I like it a lot.
Chance Zero, Georges Old Trick, and Melted are all tricks I didn't especially like in the video. I'm not one for tricks that sort out black and red cards. The coin trick with George's Old Trick was ok, but I didn't see any application in real life situations to show it off. Having a ring apparently melt through a string is one I practiced a bit, but never performed. The main reason there was because I needed to have string and a ring with me. I might revisit the melt trick one day, but right now it isn't much of an interest to me.
Overall, great product. Watching the performances on the DVD was very entertaining. Knowing how the trick was done was pretty cool too. The bonuses that come with the DVD are worth it, and right now they are including a free deck of cards. I would recommend this product and this website to anyone.
Burned
Effect: Card is selected and returned to the deck. Selection is written on a piece of paper, crumpled up and burned. The magician uses the ashes to mystically reveal the chosen card on his arms. He rubs the ashes on his arm to show that the card is now readable on his arm. This apparently has been done through some kind of communication with spirits.
With this trick, it helps one learn a method of a card force. It's a basic method, so don't get your hopes up too high.
Pros:
Very cool effect when done right.
Definitely has "wow" factor.
Teaching technique and tips given on the video are really good
Cons:
There is fire involved, so you really can't perform it everywhere.
The method of the card force is a bit too basic.
Preparation involved.
Now, remember - this video was intended for beginners. It really is a great trick for beginners to learn, and helps represent some basic sleights of hand in a good way. I like the effect, but I have never performed it myself. I've enjoyed this type of effect and would recommend Wayne Houchin's Stigmata instead of this specific trick.
Glass Stinger
This trick is about placing an object on a table, and through magic, having the object pass through the table. In this case it is a shot glass, or glass cup.
Pros:
great trick for beginners
can be done in most places, like homes, lunch table, while out to eat, etc
no setup is required
Cons:
This trick is a common beginner trick. A lot of people may already know the secret before purchasing the video.
Can't really perform everywhere because a table is required, as well as a napkin or paper towel.
My sister had a boyfriend when I was young and he knew this trick before the video was released. He showed me the trick and taught me how it was done. To me I feel this trick is filler material but helps someone learning magic with some of the psychology behind magic. For instance, part of the video explains to have the spectator's concentrate on coin. The trick is supposed to be to make a coin go through the table. When this doesn't work, the glass shot goes through the table. It is a good beginning to misdirection.
Sick Aces
I really love Sick Aces. I start out with this because I have shown this trick several times and no one understands how it is possible. I have never been caught, and it's an excellent trick. I like the video and how it explains false shuffles, and how to incorporate them with this trick. Shuffling at the beginning, handing the cards to the spectator, and having them do all the work. After having them split the deck into 4 even piles, and shuffling cards around from there, having in the end all 4 aces at the top of each stack.
pros:
Definitely has "wow" factor
simple and easy to do
spectator does all the work - they are the ones handling the cards
cons:
some setup is required
Even though some setup is required, it is really easy to setup without being noticed. The false shuffle covered in the DVD is a good one. It might seem rather basic, but honestly you will not be caught with it unless it is done wrong. I've performed this trick several times and would really recommend it for others.
Trace Unseen
Ok, so this one is pretty good too. The magician riffles through the cards and has someone tell him when to stop. Then a card is seen by everyone, and not even taken out of the deck. The deck is turned over and each card is dealt one at a time. The chosen card is no where to be found. The card is found in one of the spectator's pockets.
Pros:
Easy trick to perform, and the method is excellent
Location of the card in the end can be anywhere you'd like
it can be done surrounded
it can be done anywhere
Cons:
some setup is involved
spectator can't inspect the deck of cards
This effect is really good. Honestly, I really would recommend it. I have performed this trick before, and it has dropped the jaws of people who saw it. This has been the favorite trick of some of my friends. The setup is really easy, and the work placed into the effect is definitely worth the reactions received when it is done.
Merger
This trick is done with a business card or any other kind of card. A rope is fed through a hole torn in the middle. The card is covered with a hankerchief and then the card is no longer on the rope and is not torn. It is still in good condition, except for the hole torn in the center. The rope apparently passed through the card's edge without causing any damage.
Pros:
Easy, good for beginners
Cons:
some setup involved
The video's commercial makes it sound like if you were somewhere and someone asked you to show some magic, that you would have a lot of magic to show on the spot. This trick is not an on the spot kind of trick. It's good magic, but at the same time the explanation is kind of obvious. It's a good trick to show after presenting some other mind blowing material. Having the history of other mind blowing tricks followed by this kind of effect is a good idea. People will still be in awe from the previous effects, their mind will be boggled enough not to come up with how this one is done. All-in-all, a good trick - but not a show starter.
Trick Switch
Whoa, talk about great magic. Definitely a good sleight of hand introduced by learning this effect. There are some great steps, and when carried through it looks like magic!
Card is selected - shuffled back into the deck. Spectator cuts the deck into 3rds and is told that they will cut to their card. After showing the bottom card of each stack, the bottom card is dealt to be shown face down side-by-side the other cards from the bottom. One of the cards is the selected card, but the magician says that he doesn't think that was the card. Then, asks the spectator to give a number 1-10. That number of cards is counted off the bottom of the stack, and at the number the spectator chooses is revealed to be the selected card. The spectator surprised looks at the 3 cards to find that their card is no longer there.
Pros:
excellent trick for beginners and experienced magicians alike
has "wow" factor
video does a great job explaining each step and how to pull of sleights of hand
Cons:
with this trick, I really didn't see any.
I really enjoy this trick. Once I learned it, this trick became one of my favorites right away. Place the practice into the trick, and people will go nuts. Each time I present this trick, the spectators want to inspect the cards. LET THEM! This one is pretty good. Really.
Voodoo Zone
Another great effect. I'm not even going to go into the pros and cons, because there are only pros. The effect has a card folded in half and pass through a voodoo zone caused by another card folded in half. It makes the card apparently change from being face up to face down, or vice versa. Then at the end, the card is brought halfway through and torn in half. Fully inspectable. I have had so much fun with this. The only warning I have is that you will go through a lot of decks of cards with this, so set aside a deck specifically for ripping up. It's a lot of fun, and people definitely are surprised. There is the "wow" factor with this trick for sure!
Go Inside Sugar
Ok, this trick is fun. It apparently makes a coin go into a sealed sugar packet and comes back out when it is torn open. This is a good trick and fun to perform. Watch your angles, and practice in front of a mirror. When done right it really makes people go nuts. The first couple of times I performed it I didn't have much practice, and people saw what I was doing. Put in the time and practice and this trick will make people say that you're like Criss Angel and David Blaine!
Make an ordinary blank piece of paper turn into a printed business card. Nice trick, and introduces a good sleight of hand. Anyone having a hard time learning any paddle trick would benefit from this effect. The effect creates some good magic. I like it a lot.
Chance Zero, Georges Old Trick, and Melted are all tricks I didn't especially like in the video. I'm not one for tricks that sort out black and red cards. The coin trick with George's Old Trick was ok, but I didn't see any application in real life situations to show it off. Having a ring apparently melt through a string is one I practiced a bit, but never performed. The main reason there was because I needed to have string and a ring with me. I might revisit the melt trick one day, but right now it isn't much of an interest to me.
Overall, great product. Watching the performances on the DVD was very entertaining. Knowing how the trick was done was pretty cool too. The bonuses that come with the DVD are worth it, and right now they are including a free deck of cards. I would recommend this product and this website to anyone.
Bottled up!
Ok, so if you haven't seen the trick, go to Penguin Magic and view the clip. The effect is to have a selected card end up in a sealed bottle. It's a really nice effect. The cool thing I like about this trick is that there is a torn corner that matches with the card inside the snapple bottle. What I really like about this trick, is that you can apply the method to creating other tricks. The card can end up anywhere, not just inside of a sealed bottle.
Pros:
very difficult for a magician or non-magician to figure out how it works. A more experienced magician may be able to follow what you've done only because they have probably learned the method.
The method is simple and easy to perform. Time can be placed in presentation rather than worry about any sleights of hand.
Great for beginners and experienced magicians alike.
The trick has "wow" factor.
Cons:
There is some setup involved, so this effect cannot be performed impromptu.
You have to have a bottle on you to prepare the effect. You need a separate bottle for each time you perform.
Would I recommend the trick? Absolutely. One tip about this trick is that it is the same method as John Kennedy's Card Thru Window, which is priced a lot higher. Just a helpful hint in helping save money on magic.
Pros:
very difficult for a magician or non-magician to figure out how it works. A more experienced magician may be able to follow what you've done only because they have probably learned the method.
The method is simple and easy to perform. Time can be placed in presentation rather than worry about any sleights of hand.
Great for beginners and experienced magicians alike.
The trick has "wow" factor.
Cons:
There is some setup involved, so this effect cannot be performed impromptu.
You have to have a bottle on you to prepare the effect. You need a separate bottle for each time you perform.
Would I recommend the trick? Absolutely. One tip about this trick is that it is the same method as John Kennedy's Card Thru Window, which is priced a lot higher. Just a helpful hint in helping save money on magic.
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