Warp II
by Dean Tellefson
DVD with gaffs included
$25.00 postpaid
Available directly on www.deantellefson.com

Disclosure: Although I am receiving no monetary compensation from this product, I will be publishing Warp II in its basic form in an upcoming book called “The Cardwarp Tour.”

Warp II was originally released by Dean in the eighties as a package trick, without the advantage of video to help teach the routine. He is re-releasing it to a new audience but is still including the handmade gaffs.

EFFECT:
A two phase Cardwarp routine kicked up a notch.

WHAT YOU RECEIVE:
A gaffed set of Warp II cards. A DVD that includes a performance of Warp II, a full explanation and tips of the routine, and a full explanation on the construction of the cards.

THIS IS WHAT YOU SEE:
Phase One, Two cards are shown, one is folded lengthways, the other in half short ways. The long card is inserted into the short card back out, and without reversing the two cards; the long card is pushed through to emerge face up from the other side. So far pretty standard as Cardwarp goes, but here’s the kicker. You now push the face up card back through to its original position and it emerges face up from the other side. The long card has completely turned face up. You proceed to pull the face up card completely out of the short card!

Phase two, begins similar too the first phase with one exception. You open the short card and lay the face out long card into it. You then close the short card over the face out long card. There can be no doubt that the card is face out. You even prove it by pushing the card through and it emerges, still face out. Without a pause you push the face out card back through and it emerges back out. You continue to pull the long out card out of the short card until it completely clears the short card.

PROS & CONS:
On the Pros side, you definitely can’t overlook the extremely clean displays of the long card. Dean has thought the routine through; there are no wasted moves, just two phases that build upon each other.

On the Con side, the gaff cards are delivered to you on Hoyle backed cards, not the standard Bicycle backs. I personally don’t feel that this is really a Con but some might. I’m glad that Dean took the time to include a set of the gaffs instead of just teaching me how to make them. I can make my own set on Bicycle cards when I’m ready to perform the routine.

Warp II is in no way as impromptu and the original Cardwarp routine by Roy Walton. I see Warp II in the same light as a packet trick like Color Monte. It’s a great routine that uses gaff cards. Find a place to insert it into your set and you’ll have a strong, extremely visual piece of magic that your spectators will thoroughly enjoy!

Card Magic | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Friend Vol. 2 - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

Each volume of the ‘Friend’ series is professionally packaged. Likewise, all the included items are made of top quality materials – and for $160 a volume, they had better be!

You’ll find plenty of original close up, thread-based miracles that’ll make you giddy.

In addition to another handful of Bruno’s wonderful effects, buyers also receive a glove (for one of the effects), a much larger sample of Bruno’s thread, and a pair of glasses (to help you see the thread when stripping it). The biggest standout feature of this set is something called ‘Triangular Table Talk’ – essentially a discussion on the history and usage of thread between Bruno Copin, Daniel Rhod, and David Stone. Triangular Table Talk is conducted in French and unlike everything else on these DVDs, is not presented in English (although you do receive a specially printed translation). It’s a little annoying trying to read from a book and follow along with the discussion at the same time, but what are you gonna do (learn French?)

Two standout features of Bruno’s thread work are his use of musical choreography (not addressed on the DVDs) and his beautiful scripting.

This is something for experienced and serious thread workers looking for some great new effects. My guess is this was priced to keep curious eyes away. It should be noted however, that the box says ‘Ideal for Beginners’ and that the material is not necessarily technically demanding, I just think it’s too expensive for someone merely curious.

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.

Thread, Visual | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Friend Vol.1 - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

Each volume of the ‘Friend’ series is professionally packaged. Likewise, all the included items are made of top quality materials – and for $160 a volume, they had better be!

You’ll find plenty of original close up, thread-based miracles that’ll make you giddy.

Between the two, I would definitely pick up volume 1 before considering the second, mainly because it is packaged with one of Bruno’s ‘Instant Thread Security’ devices and a nicely made 4.5 x 8 inch close up mat which brings an incredible thread hook up right out into the table. Volume 1 also comes with a small sample of Bruno’s thread, some wax, and a nice, thick cloth bag (but I have no idea why…)

This is something for experienced and serious thread workers looking for some great new effects. My guess is this was priced to keep curious eyes away. It should be noted however, that the box says ‘Ideal for Beginners’ and that the material is not necessarily technically demanding, I just think it’s too expensive for someone merely curious.

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.

Thread, Utility Device, Visual | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Five Forty Seven - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

Five Forty Seven, the companion volume to the highly acclaimed Session ‘novel’ covers the remainder of the material that just didn’t flow with the original Session. The magic is still top quality (as is the photography), but the book does not read like Session.

In addition to the 9 extra slights and effects taught here, Joshua gives the reader all the background information on this ambitious writing project – including how ‘real’ the session actually was (or wasn’t…)

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.

Book, Card Magic, Close Up, Coin | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Session- Reviewed By Derek Merdinyan [1:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

I was excited for Session II before I even got my hands on the original Session – so forgive me if anything comes off as biased. As soon as I heard about the magic book that was written like a novel, I was immediately intrigued. Joshua Jay did a fantastic job of explaining the various effects while keeping up the spirit of the book.

This book is going to bring Joel Givens new fans a plenty (myself included!) We often take in new magic material where some big name magician has put their little twist on a classic routine in magic – and it often comes off as a ‘meh, ok’ kind of effect – not Joel! Perfect example, check out his Cannibal Cards routine.

Because of the way it is written, Session is not entirely a beginner’s book. Session reads as a dialogue between two experienced magicians having a session together; and thus, it assumes the reader already knows the rudimentary moves and slights used for card and coin magic.

Also worthy of mention is the photography throughout the book, definitely some of the best and most artistic I’ve ever seen in a magic book.

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.

Book, Card Magic, Close Up, Coin, Restaurant, Worker Material | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Theatrical Magic - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:16m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

There is a distinct line between your average magic show and one of high quality theatrical production – and that is analytical thinking. John Pyka’s Theatrical Magic is here to help if you are itching to seriously take your performing to an entirely new level.

Focusing mainly on presentation and building character, this 175+ page book will help you refine your magic, really get to know who your character is, and bring it all together in a show that is theatrically logical.

John takes you step by step through the process of analyzing who you are and then how to develop or contort your current material to fit your show. It really is amazing to think of all the magicians who don’t do this. Seriously, pick up this book, do the included exercises, fix up your show, and become a hit; stop wasting time!

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.

Book, Close Up, Standup/Stage | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Stone Cold Magic - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

Jeff Stone has a thing for “little people” and cutesy card effects. The magic on these DVDs isn’t exactly flashy, but it has been tested in the real world for real audiences. Jeff says there is material for both the beginner and the pro. As a beginner’s DVD, Jeff gives off some great effects – but for professionals, the magic may not carry the same level of awesomeness (since we see so much magic that resides at this level).

In the end, it comes down to your abilities as a magician and if you are looking for worker material vs. mindblowingly original material.

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.

Card Magic, DVD, Worker Material | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Imagine - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:22m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

‘Imagine’ cautions potential purchasers that “if [they] are the type of person that often reads something that is a bit different, and immediately believes that it will never work, then this manuscript will not be worthwhile for [them].”

It is true that skeptics may not get past the first couple of pages, but being a person of faith myself, I pressed on and was presently surprised and grew ever more excited as I continued to read through the pages.

Rick Maue is quite thorough in his teaching and progresses through a variety of possible effects using this infrequently used principle. By the end of the book, you’ll have learned several of the fairest, most organic feeling, impromptu mentalism routines. It’s probably as close to real mind reading as you’ll get.

Nevertheless, I have yet to pull this off. Then again, I’ve only tried this a few times and I still have faith that this will eventually work.

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, Impromptu, Mentalism, Standup/Stage | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 World's Greatest Magic: Chop Cup DVD - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

What’s more practical for a table hopper and more deceptive than the classic cups and balls? Ok, it was an easy one, you don’t win anything, but the answer was ‘a chop cup’.

I really enjoyed the fact that there were a few truly unique Chop Cup routines on this DVD – David Regal’s in particular…

Most of the routines share the same moves and same ‘premises’. However, they all seem to have a little something extra that will add to your understanding and knowledge of the classic chop cup and help you down the road – should you decide to choreograph your own original routine.

In total, you will learn seven professional chop cup routines – great value for only $20.

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.

Close Up, DVD, Worker Material | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Tractare - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

There are two ways to look at Tractare:

1). Look at Tractare as just any ordinary magic book

2). Look at Tractare based upon what it’s subtitle promises (Not quite a move, Less than a slight, All of Amazing)

I shall give you a bit of both.

Differentiating itself from the classic layout of a magic book, Tractare sets up an effect, explains it, and then explores what makes the effect magical and how to improve upon it. The material is fairly easy to perform, well written, and includes a wide variety of different kinds of magic.

As for the subtitle (Not quite a move, Less than a slight, All of Amazing) – to me, it insinuates self-working magic or magic that is very close to self-working. Unfortunately, this is note the case, but don’t let that stop you from picking up Tractare.

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.

Book, Close Up | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Talk About Tricks - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

It’s been said that the items in Joshua Jay’s column ‘Talk About Tricks’ in MAGIC Magazine “look so much better than they read”; and it’s totally true. I recall reading some of the effects in Joshua’s column that I later saw on these DVDs and I just, wow. I’ve really been missing out.

Talk About Tricks has opened my eyes to over 90 different slights, moves, effects, and routines that have seen face time in MAGIC Magazine. According to Joshua’s preference, the majority of the goods present relate to card magic – but as I said, this is the good stuff, cream of the crop.

As a special treat, 8 of the top contributors to the column were flown in for the shoot to teach their own contributions and offer tips like only a creator can.

Overall, top quality job & great value (remember, over 90 items taught here!) = a must for fans of the column.

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.

Card Magic, Close Up, DVD | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Maurice Fogel In Search of the Sensational - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:22m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

Let’s talk about the late master of showmanship, Maurice Fogel. This beautifully presented, 421-page compilation brings together the life of Maurice Fogel from his notes and the trail of unforgettable events that made Fogel the legend he became.

In his early days, Fogel used to perform like a regular magician and went on to become the (self-proclaimed) first person to perform Mentalism in England.

Like Houdini, Maurice Fogel was a master of using the press for free publicity, bringing attention to his life-threatening stunts; some of which you’ll learn here.

Interwoven throughout this professionally laid out book are several dozen of Maurice Fogel’s best effects. Also, unique to this book, even though the master of showmanship has passed on, readers of this book still get a taste of his voice as he explores the effects that made him the man in the headlines.

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.

Book, Mentalism | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Promise Kept - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

This is one of those rare effects that I am thoroughly satisfied with. Promise Kept is a true gem, it comes with a beautifully made wooden box and a fantastic presentation which tells a chilling yet emotional love story.

Promise Kept was packaged without fluff, fancy print or advertising; because of course, a product this perfect should sell itself.

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.

Close Up, Coin, Effect, Worker Material | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 itricks-reviews-talking-deck.mp3 [1:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

This simple device

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.

Card Magic, Close Up, Effect | View Comments

Reading? Overrated! Download the review for later or listen to it below! If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 Card To Wallet DVD - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:37m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

—

The Card to Wallet is one of the most universal ‘outs’ in all card magic; and with that in mind, learning one of these routines could someday save the show!

Because most Card to Wallet routines use some sort of gimmicked wallets, those not ‘in-the-know’ on these various wallets are sometimes at a bit of a loss as far as the explanations go. For those of you with Z-Fold Wallets, Himber Wallet, etc – this is a good place to look if you’re interested in putting this classic magic prop to work.

As always, the DVDs in this series boast a handful of real world, professional routines at a reasonably low price. The end result, great value!

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.

Card Magic, Close Up, DVD, Restaurant | View Comments