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 Hottrix iPhone/ iPod Touch Videos - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Capitalizing on the wild popularity of Apple Inc’s iPhone and iPod Touch, Hottrix.com has created several video magic effects to perform on this multi-use, take-with-you-everywhere device; meaning you always have some magic in your pocket.

Downloading the files is simple enough and the folder includes both the video to load onto your iDevice in addition to an instructional PDF that’ll help you do so (if you don’t know how to) and how to perform the actual effect.

Most of the effects I received weren’t exactly magic effects but rather clever visual gags to surprise your friends (like drinking a beer that magically appears in the screen and pouring it into your mouth.) The most magical of the effects (and the sequence requiring the most practice) allows the performer to magically make popcorn within the screen, pluck one out of the screen, and then pour the rest into your hand or mouth. It’s a cute effect and surprisingly disarming for people who don’t realize your motions are in synch with a video.

Hottrix has recently added more video effects for the iDevices, many of which are more than just visual gags and more of a magical effect you could perform.

While intended for off the cuff performances, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to incorporate some of these gags or magic effects into your regular performances.

My only qualm with these effects is a small one but worth noting. Hottrix made the effort to create a set of videos specific for either the iPod Touch or the iPhone based upon the respective devices’ icons and layouts. Due to software updates, it has become possible for users to change and or rearrange the icons. If you reorder the buttons on your iDevice, just be weary that your audience may notice a discrepancy between the device’s home screen and the one that appears when it’s actually the video pretending to be the background. It’s not much of a big deal, but something worth mentioning.

Bottom Line: If you see an effect or visual gag you’d be interested in performing, go for it. The effects are simple, cute, and to the point - and they’re ready to go when you are.

If you are interested in picking up this product, you can check out www.Hottrix.com.

Effect, Close Up, Comedy | No Comments »

Uncategorized | No Comments »

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 Past Midnight - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Fans of iTricks/Reviews know I’m not the biggest fan of Card Magic products (DVDs especially). For those not in the know, I’ll always have a special place in my heart for card magic, but there are so many products out there that most new releases feel very unnecessary. However, with that in mind, I’m glad I had the opportunity to watch this set of DVDs.

While advanced, the experienced cardicians will most definitely dig into several of the clever effects on here. The material available on this set comes in such a wide range that it’s difficult to quantify the use of the knowledge and qualify the magicians that’ll get the most out of this.

A ‘card-magic-only’ magician friend of mine performed the effect Ramjollock for me a while before I saw the DVD and wouldn’t give me any tips on methodology or even where I could go to learn it - he wanted to keep it for himself. When I happened upon the effect on this DVD set I did two things:
1). Sit with an evil grin on my face.*
2). Called up my friend to burst his bubble.

Bottom Line:
I wouldn’t say it’s the best DVD card set or a must have, but I can say that I enjoyed the wide range of content present and have already begun integrating a little of the material into my repertoire.

If you are a magic dealer and are interested in carrying this product, you can contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies at 916 853 9292 or visit them on the web at www.murphysmagicsupplies.com.

*It’s always the simple ones that are deceiving.

Mentalism, DVD, Close Up, Card Magic | No Comments »

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 STS - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Ups:
- Very Easy
- Fun to perform
- Simple to follow
- No angle issues
- Gets people asking you to perform - the best icebreaker I’ve seen!

Downs:
- It isn’t real magic
- The reset is simple, fast to do, and can almost be done in front of people, but without practice, the method may be exposed.

Bottom Line:
I think the best thing about this effect is that it gives beginner magicians nervous about approaching people to perform the perfect icebreaker to boost their confidence. The progression from walking past a potential audience to finishing your performance couldn’t be more natural.

If you are a magic dealer and are interested in carrying this product, you can contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies at 916 853 9292 or visit them on the web at www.murphysmagicsupplies.com.

Effect, Close Up, Street Magic, Visual, Beginner | No Comments »

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 Duplicity - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Following in the footsteps of Twisted Sisters, Duplicity is the next great packet trick from John Bannon. The effect has what the worker wants: it’s simple, easy to perform, and easy for your audience to follow along. Unlike Twisted Sisters - of which this effect shares some of the same feel, the cards are completely examinable at the end of this routine. And finally, the thing I love most about this is that the climaxes build one on top of the other for a cascading finale: pow, Pow, POW!

The effect is taught by John Bannon himself on the included DVD which also features a freebie bonus effect. All in all, the instruction is straightforward and to the point.

Bottom Line:
I’m not that accepting of most packet tricks, but I would consider performing this one.

If you are interested in picking up this product for yourself, you can head on over to Fun Inc.

Effect, Mentalism, Close Up, Worker Material, Card Magic, Beginner | No Comments »

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 iKnow - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Ups:
- Uses a familiar object
- Easy and workable in the real world.
- Compatible with iPods (Classic, Touch/iPhone, & Nano; basically not the Shuffle) and workable with lots of other Mp3 Players.
- Once it’s setup, you’re ready to go perform a straightforward, astonishing piece of mentalism.
- Preparation is well covered for both Macs and PCs; not too difficult, just takes time.
- I feel it performs best in smaller performance situations - however Jason covers some ideas for scaling up the effect to perform for larger crowds, including the big stage.

Downs:
- Takes a while to set up

Bottom Line:
If you have an iPod (non-shuffle), you have no excuse for not checking this out. This trick was made to be performed.

If you are a magic dealer and are interested in carrying this product, you can contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies at 916 853 9292 or visit them on the web at www.murphysmagicsupplies.com.

Mentalism, DVD, Close Up, Street Magic, Impromptu | No Comments »

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 Falling For You - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Ups:
- New Plot!
- Easy to make
- Pretty darn creative
- No thread or any of that nonsense.
- Lots of room for creativity with this new idea.
- Spectator could do it if you encased them in a glass box

Downs:
- Card only flies out a maximum of 2 feet
- If spectator does it, they handle gimmicked card(s).

Bottom Line:
I was ecstatic when I read about this effect and even more excited at the method: it’s easy, practical, and awesome!

If you are a magic dealer and are interested in carrying this product, you can contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies at 916 853 9292 or visit them on the web at www.murphysmagicsupplies.com.

Booklet, Mentalism, Close Up, Card Magic, Street Magic, Visual | No Comments »

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 F*CK Street Magic Vol. 1 - Reviewed by Bill Toth [3:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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If you are interested in picking up this product, you can check out Black’s Magic Group.

DVD, Coin, Close Up, Card Magic, Street Magic | No Comments »

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 Enchanted Cube - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Ups:
- Magic can’t get much more straight forward than this: what do you solve with a Rubik’s Cube? You solve it. This is exactly what it would look like if you were to solve a Rubik’s Cube by magic.
- You can end the effect in a way that allows you to reset the cube for your next performance AND allow the cube to be examined.
- Construction on this is great.

Things to be Aware of:
- The cube isn’t examinable when solved, but you can hand the cube out for examination when you’ve finished performing the routine.
- If you screw up during practice or performance, or someone decides to mix the cube on their own, it’s a real pain having to take the cube apart and then reordering everything as it should be; so practice slowly at first!
- Just a personal note, please don’t proceed or follow this effect with a real Rubik’s cube solve (i.e. a blindfolded presentation). I think it would kill this particular effect.

Bottom Line:
It’s a quick effect and so simple to follow. Kids will be entertained and adults will be baffled.

If you are a magic dealer and are interested in carrying this product, you can contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies at 916 853 9292 or visit them on the web at www.murphysmagicsupplies.com.

Effect, Close Up, Visual, Beginner | No Comments »

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 Real Ghost - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Ups:
- You can create some pretty deceptive and spooky effects with this device.
- The device is remote controlled and the button is very easy to find and activate from the outside of your pocket.
- 1 yr warranty included
- You can put a great deal of distance between yourself and the ‘touched’ volunteer - and remember, the timing of the touch is under your control.
- Very fair conditions for performing on stage; can be performed in more intimate standup or close up situations without much restriction.

Downs:
- Instructional videos must be retrieved from the internet - I would have greatly preferred a DVD, but you get enough instruction from the online videos to get you going. That said, I would have liked to see more applications for this $300 device explained.
- The remote is made from a cheap feeling plastic but should hold up well if properly cared for.
- Device requires a bit of fixing up every dozen performances or so. Nothing you can’t handle though and most of the supplies are included for your first dozen tune ups.

Bottom Line:
If you are looking to take your PK touches routine up a notch or want to dive head first into this spooky classic of magic, the Real Ghost may be your ticket (if you can afford a $300 ticket).

If you are a magic dealer and are interested in carrying this product, you can contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies at 916 853 9292 or visit them on the web at www.murphysmagicsupplies.com.

Effect, Mentalism, Standup/Stage | No Comments »