Archive for August, 2008

WPT Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 29th, 2008

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icon for podpress  WPT Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

WPT

WPT is a packet trick done right. I’ll openly admit I do not care for packet tricks, but WPT comes with the full package and is ready to dive into the demanding world of ‘workhouse effects’. Despite the fact that a brief reset is required, everything else about WPT is spot on.

Boris Wild’s presentation and execution is straightforward and sharp. Everything you’d want to know about performing WPT is taught in great detail. You’re even shown how to repair/ make new gimmicks, create a new packet for performing the trick with cards having a different back design than the included ones (red Bicycles), how to dive into the effect if you wanted to perform it ‘apparently’ using random cards from a deck, and even how to care for and transport the packet of gimmicked cards. Yes, the cards are gimmicked, but you end with a very clean look and Boris does teach you an easy way to switch the cards, should you wish to pass them around for examination.

Bottom Line:
As far as packet tricks go, I really want to commend Boris Wild and the crew at Fun Inc for putting out a packet trick that goes above and beyond what this humble magic reviewer has come to expect.

If you are interested in picking up this product, you may do so right here.

Twister Continuum Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 28th, 2008

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icon for podpress  Twister Continuum - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [3:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

TWISTERCONTINUUM

Never before has the card twisting plot seemed so versatile and customizable. Stephen Tucker’s Twister Continuum gimmick makes the twisting effects on the DVD the easiest I’ve ever seen (no slights and no counts); however, I don’t think the actual twisting phase of the routines are the best I’ve seen. Perhaps it’s the critical magicians eye that doesn’t view the effect the same way as a layman would so let’s cover exactly what the Twister Continuum has going for and against it:

Pros:
It’s easy. Super, super easy. No slights, no counts. Ok there’s one little thing, but it’s so easy I can’t even call it a slight.

The best thing this gimmick has going for it is all the creativity it gives the magician to create entirely new effects. The most basic effect, twisting four cards over, having them transpose to your pocket and revealing a new set of cards in your hands is only the beginning; the same ideas can be used to create almost entirely different effects – it really what makes me really appreciate this gimmick.

Thankfully, you are taught how to make additional gimmicks if the included one you received breaks, gets worn out, or you wish to perform some of the other effects spun off of the principles of the classic TC gimmick. Making the new gimmick is easy and you’ll already have everything you need to construct the gimmick at home.

Cons:
Saying that the twisting sequence doesn’t “look convincing” is too strong of a statement. I think the twisting sequence just looks too easy; almost qualifies under the ‘too perfect’ principle.

If you’re still undecided, I’d check out the video – that way you can judge for yourself if you like the way the effect looks:

Bottom Line
Twister Continuum legitimately opens a whole new world of creative applications to the old ‘Twisting the Aces’ that wouldn’t be possible without the included gimmick and all the thinking Mr. Tucker put into his special gimmick.

P.S. I also gotta throw out a lot of love for the linking card effect on the DVD. It’s the easiest, gimmick-free, multiphase, impromptu linking card routine I’ve ever seen. It really kicks @$$!

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.

Hey Mr. DJ Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 27th, 2008

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icon for podpress  Hey Mr. DJ - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:55m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

HEYMRDJ

Docc Hilford’s Hey Mr. DJ is the trick to perform when you want to get the party going. The routine is sequenced so that at the end, the rising climaxes pour out over the audience and get everyone up on their feet cheering and dancing to the music – which, conveniently enough, is the final revelation in the effect.

After doing the one time setup, you are ready to perform this effect with only a few seconds notice. The effect plays for groups of five to five thousand. It really has the potential to play big.

During the effect, several members of the audience yell out song titles. Two of them are selected in a very fair manner and both are revealed in different ways. As long as the songs aren’t obscure, they can be chosen freely. If you’re worried your DJ may not have the songs your audience is likely to select or you find you don’t have a DJ with you all the time, the booklet discusses a variation in the effect where a pre-made CD with a dozen or so tracks on it is used and members of the audience select from those songs; sacrificing showmanship for practicality.

Reading through the instructions, I had to pause a moment and reread one particular section which covers the first ‘move’ in the routine. I kept thinking to myself, “this is so $#(% stupid.” The move is just so dumb-as-post easy that it took me a while before I could laugh in delight at its simplicity. What’s more, this method is cancelled out moments later when the second song on the list is selected.

Now the downside: you need a DJ. Well, not really, but to build the effect up to the biggest it can be (aside from perhaps having a famous band in place of the DJ) you’ll likely reserve this effect for larger events where a DJ is present. That said, it is completely possible to perform the effect on the go with a CD and boom-box or even a cellphone that can play music.


Bottom Line:
If I were playing a big event and needed a packs small plays big routine to really kick start a party, “Hey Mr. DJ” is probably the route I’d go.

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.

Tome Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 26th, 2008

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TOME

I think this is the best way to describe Sean Fields’ ‘Tome’: haunted deck effect with a book. The participant selects a page from the book – the book is placed on the ground – and the selected page visually rips itself out of the book.

Naturally you must be wondering what the real world applications of this effect are (right?). Let me take a moment to re-illustrate the visual phase of the effect to give you a better idea:

After the page is selected, the ring of spectators watches as the magician places the book on the ground and waves his hands close to the book but seemingly remains free of any connections between himself and the book. And then the page rips itself out.

The important thing to note is that the natural performing arena for this effect is within a ring of audience members. While the ring of people isn’t essential, it creates a natural cover to mask the workings of the effect – even in some of the harshest conditions. This isn’t to say you couldn’t perform the effect in a close up theater environment if you have more control over your performing environment or even on stage if you had the assistance of a camera and projector.

So now that you know you don’t have to perform this effect in a ring of people, remember that if people see you creating crowds at a walk around gig and then see everyone explode outwards as they watch the page tearing out, you’re only going to make your crowd bigger.

Now for the big one: setup. While there really isn’t much of a skill to preparing the books for the effect, once you know what you’re doing, you can set one up in 6-10 seconds and leave it on a shelf until you’re ready to perform – even if it’s 10 years later (theoretically, of course). Tome can be performed with nearly any paperback book. Unfortunately the effect ruins the book (remember, the page that tears out…) On the plus side, if you wrote the book, it’ll make a great give away.

Bottom Line:
Bar none, ‘Tome’ is my new favorite effect using a book; the idea of adding a visual element to the jaded book test effect breathes new life into this classic of magic.

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.

Magic From the Grave Reviewed by Aaron Stone

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 25th, 2008
MagicFromTheGrave

It’s not often you get a magic DVD that is both entertaining as well as informative. “Magic From The Grave” is just that. The DVD’s premise is the documentary of how Todd Diamond’s last DVD, “F*ck Street Magic” killed him. Yes, the video itself, killed him. And, like any good soap opera… his corpse is back to give you his final thoughts! I really did enjoy getting into the storyline. There is a whole mystery that unfolds as you watch the video. Well, in two parts. The “backstory” is on a separate menu of the DVD, but it’s not hard to find. In fact, the entire DVD is very easy to navigate. Anywho, back to the point: the premise, setup, and execution of the storyline are spot on entertaining. There are four effects taught, as well. Three by dead hands, one by Bizzaro. The first of Todd’s, “Coins from the Grave,” actually totally surprised me. What seemed like a modified click-pass became something so… SO much cooler. This alone is worth the cost of the DVD. Next, the “Spellbound For the Dead.” Also, a great fooler. It’s not what you think, especially when you see it. It has a surprise ending, and it’s actually very easy to do. Just another brilliant idea that died with Todd Diamond, but somehow still explained by his silent corpse….
Next is the “Tombstone Change.” I had to watch it again to really understand what happened… so, make sure you pay attention here. There is no dialogue here, so you have to be creative and then watch the explanation to find out what’s going on. Still, a very cool and creative set of moves with a deck of cards, but one you really have to think about at first. Eh, no sweat, the rest of the DVD makes up for it.
Last in effects is Bizzaro’s “BAMF!” trick. I’m not sure where he came up with this, but it’s certainly cool. The DVD says it’s just a “card teleportation effect,” but that is SO underplayed. No funny counts or awkward moves, you really cause one card to cleanly jump from one packet to another. Best of all, like the rest of the stuff on the DVD, it’s easy and well explained. …and shot on a casket…
Included on the DVD is the one thing that most people will probably get this for: An interview with The Amazing Jonathan. To be honest, it’s worth every penny. Todd Diamond picks his brain about his theory and practice of subjects not often discussed in magic. Very enlightening, and entertaining. One note… not an interview for kids. But, that’s alright. The footage is priceless and ageless.
All in all, I really like it. I felt like I got my money’s worth. A couple of great coin tricks, an “alright” card trick and a great card trick (they balance out), and a worthwhile interview. It’s well produced, looking very “documentary-esque.” So, for $25, I’d totally recommend this to anyone with an interest in coin or card magic, or anyone who would like an example of what a real DVD should consist of.

P.s. Yes, there are outtakes.

Aaron Stone is a little-known full-time performer in the Dallas / Ft. Worth area, who spends hours performing for real people every day. He’s a former newspaper editor and voice actor, as well. www.aaronthemagician.com

If you’re interested in picking up this product, you can head on over to MagicFromTheGrave.com

Cell Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 15th, 2008

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CELL

Forgive me if I come off as a little bitter in this review: I love this effect – but I just can’t perform it with my phone. *insert aggression* David Stone’s “Cell” is the Kennedy Box of the techno age.

The included gimmick is fun to play with and works great for performing this routine. Upon initial inspection, you may be disappointed with how the gimmick looks close up, but when used in performance, it flies right by. Unfortunately the gimmick won’t work with my iPhone because there isn’t an openable battery compartment – the only ‘technical’ requirement to see if you can use your cell phone with this effect is the ability to open the battery compartment with a finger or two. If you need two hands to open it, you may still be able to perform this effect, but the effect looks much cleaner when you can perform it with the one-handed open. I tested the gimmick with an old RAZR phone to great success.

Installing the gimmick in your phone takes less than a minute and requires no extra tools or supplies.

Aside from the Mercury Card Fold, the workings of this effect are very simple and even fun to perform.

Bottom Line:
If I could perform this effect with my phone, I would; I’d have this worker set up all the time, ready to astonish => just like you will.

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.

Lottery Card Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 14th, 2008

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icon for podpress  Lottery Card - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [3:11m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

LOTTERYCARD

Peter Eggink’s Lottery Card is a pretty quick trick; it’s nearly a self contained and one level above an entertaining throw-away effect. That is to say, the effect is just so quick and has very little deck involvement that the effect shares some of the characteristics of a throw-away effect: a very brief moment of magic. This is not a bad thing by any means, but the effect could only benefit with a little independent creative thinking.

Included with the instructions are two of the specially printed ‘Lottery Cards’, each having a different card revelation on it. The cards are specially available in either Red or Blue Bicycle backs upon request, depending on your dealer.

The instructions are brief and to the point. The basic effect is learned and leaves room for you to play around with these specially printed cards. That said, the routine that is taught in the instructions which ends in a visual restoration of the card does not leave you completely reset, nor does it cover how to clean up after the change. Doing so is very easy, but for magicians not familiar with basic moves to deal with this little situation will have to put the deck away and perform something else unless they can clean up the deck with slight of hand. An alternate ending is included which is even easier than the visual change finale and does leave the deck back in the order it started, ready to perform again if desired.

Bottom Line:
Despite a minor detail lacking from the instructions, Lottery Card is a fun little revelation to play with and has real-world potential.

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.

InKa Reviewed by Mark “Bud” Tirone

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 13th, 2008
InKa

When I first heard about InKa, Robert Haas, And even Magic Enhancer, I didn’t believe it. I saw the add and said ‘Wow. This is really cool. I wonder if it looks as good.” So I went on to www.magicenhancer.com and looked at the video. I instantly knew… I didn’t want it. So a few months later, I was at the “Magic Fun Day” convention in New Jersey. And guess who was there. Yup. Robert Haas. Him and his booth. I walked up and asked to see this trick performed live. I was completelly wrong about it. It is one thing that you cannot take from the video. when you see it live, It’s an entirelly different thing. you get to see it performed 10 inches away from your face and it looks so darn visual.
There have been lots of insanely visual effects, but none just as visual as this. I saw it and was ready to pull my wallet out. There is not one effect I use just as much as InKa. A few things you can do with it, are make signiatures vanish, Appear, business cards switch places in crazy fair conditions, go David Copperfield style and even… tear the signature right off the back of the card, Which is taught in great detail inside the book provided. If you thought WOW was visual, you have no Idea what visual is. InKa redifines visual.
InKa is a new idea never before been done. It is a crazy unique tool that can be applied to anything. You can apply this to almost any trick you want. You can be in a restaurant setting, do a few things with a signed card, then make it visually vanish off the card.
When you order InKa, you receive the tool required to make any miracle happen 5 inches from their face, A very detailed, Professionally made 32 page book with over 15 unique tricks and tips for you to use and incorporate into any trick using this tool including a mini lecture on creativity in your magic. All tightly squeezed into a baggy. In fact, the book supplied is so big that when it is laying down on the table, It is almost entirely opened because how big it is. Just something to throw out there.
On Robert’s website, This is up for sale for the measly price of $25 dollars. If you have 25 dollars this year to spend on one thing, This is it. It is without a doubt the best item I have ever bought from anywhere, And I would happily buy it again just to support him for creating such a unique and original prop for the magic world. I’m sure there will be other items to use in conjunction to this trick. Just because how good it is.

Celebrity Autographs Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 12th, 2008

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CELEBRITYAUTOGRAPHS

Card to wallet effects come in many shapes and sizes; many are very similar to the one next to it on the shelf (or in your drawer), but some of them stand out: Celebrity Autographs is one such example.

Terry LaGerould’s Celebrity Autographs stands out in my mind because the routine is framed differently than anything I have ever seen in a CTW effect. Earlier in a performance, the magician asks for an autograph from a member of the audience, explaining that s/he enjoys collecting celebrity autographs, and then immediately proceeds with a completely unrelated effect, be it a card trick, coin trick, rope routine, or that cutting edge hippopotamus-backpalm routine you’ve been working on. Later in the evening you remove your autograph wallet and explain that you collect celebrity autographs: Morgan Freeman, Paris Hilton, Justin Robert Young, and somehow, the signed card you asked for earlier has appeared inside one of the pouches of the autograph wallet.

The routine is very easy to perform, doesn’t require any palming or slit loads. You’re angle proof for 99.98% of the routine (100% if there are no elvish critters standing under your hands). And yes, the effect is completely reset at the end, ready to go again for the next table. If I were going to perform a card to wallet-type effect, this is probably the one I would go with. The wallet isn’t a ‘real’ wallet that you would use to store your credit cards and cash in (something I normally require before even thinking about performing with a new wallet) but because you are up front and say that the wallet is for collecting and carrying around your celebrity autographs, I think it levels things out.

Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a card to wallet-type effect that makes sense, is affordable, and designed with the worker in mind, Celebrity Autographs will work for you.

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.

Magic At The Edge Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 11th, 2008

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icon for podpress  Magic At The Edge - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

MAGICATTHEEDGE

Easily my favorite 3-disk DVD set I’ve seen this year, Jeff McBride’s “Magic At The Edge” is packed with killer effects using minimal props interwoven with priceless magical lessons.

Disk one kicks off with McBride’s Magician 24/7 lecture which I had the pleasure of attending many years back. The lecture was fantastic and the DVD manages to improve upon that by adding even more effects you could/should be ready to perform 24/7. One of the new additions, “Tribal Piercing” quickly became my new favorite body trick; and with experience, may even become one of my favorite impromptu effects.

Anyone who has had the privilege of learning from McBride knows what a phenomenal teacher he is, both when it comes to teaching individual tricks and more wide-reaching lessons on the art. I was impressed with how engaging these DVDs were; if McBride were any more of a Techno-Shaman, I have no doubt he would have pulled me right through the screen.

As the user-friendly McBride-mystic effects continue to play throughout the series, the viewer also gets an interesting look at the Burning Man Festival which is used as a backdrop when performing many of the effects for the unique people who visit the annual event. Seeing magic performed in the middle of the desert during a communal living experience gives the viewer more perspective on the magic and the thinking behind them: living with little and performing with what you can find.

Bottom Line:
From the ground up, this DVD set is jam-packed with the advantageous and infinite knowledge of a true Sage.

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.

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icon for podpress  World's Greatest Magic: Close Up Magic (No Card Tricks!) - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [3:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

CLOSEUPNOCARDS

Someone at L&L Publishing must have read my mind. Seriously. This particular 3-disk set in the WGM series is all about non-card close up magic. Why would I be so excited about something like this? I love variety and don’t like books and DVDs that call themselves close up magic resources when in fact they should really be called card magic products: 19 card tricks and a coin trick isn’t the same as a book that teaches you 2-3 card tricks, a few coin tricks, effects with dollar bills, sugar cubes, dead mice, mayonnaise, etc… The latter is what this set presents the viewer: variety (minus the dead mice and mayonnaise).

I found it quite enjoyable watching this mashup of professional magicians, both modern and from the days of old performing some of their best close up effects; the tricks that were different. Of course, each is fairly adept at teaching their respective effects from their own professional repertoires.

Here’s the reason I love the variety: you’re bound to learn something or about something you never knew before (Example: I had never seen what a ball and tube gimmick looked like before I saw this DVD and also learned there is so much more you could do with those two objects than just put the ball through the tube).

Bottom Line:
If value, professional magic from magicians with ‘worker’ reputations, and (my favorite) variety, are things you look for in a learning resource, then this set may be for you.

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.

Grab That Pinhead Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 7th, 2008

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icon for podpress  Grab That Pinhead - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

GRABTHATPINHEAD

I was literally smiling when I finished watching this DVD. The two routines on this DVD are simple for audiences to follow, easy to perform, well taught, and are the epitome of workhorse routines.

Taught in a candid conversational style between famed magicians Bob Sheets and Dan Garrett, the linking pins are explained on a level that even the most novice of magicians could pick up; heck it’s even borderline entertaining. Things kick off with a look at how to set up your pins which, I should mention, there are two large pins included with the DVD for you to start practicing with immediately and even use when performing for your paid audiences. From there, viewers get all the real world secrets that only true workers would know.

I feel I should say more to make this review longer, but it’s really all straightforward from what I’ve already said. (Update: I thought of something else: the DVD is only $25 which is a very fair price in my opinion).

Bottom Line:
Whether you’re looking to learn this routine or beef up your professional repertoire, this is most certainly a resource you’re going to want to check out.

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.

Liam Montier’s UV (UltraViolet) Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 6th, 2008

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ULTRAVIOLET

Liam Montier’s UV DVD primarily features card effects with a little something extra added: ultra violet ink. In my book, this is a good thing because we get to see some interesting new uses for cards by adding in this new element. (Note: there are a few non-card effects on here as well).

As per usual, the DVD quality of this Big Blind Media product is slick and professional. Video, audio, and the flashy animated title sequences are a nice change from the production values of most indy magic producers.

Effect wise, you’re definitely going to find something on here you’ll want to incorporate into your repertoire. While it may be tempting to add a few of these effects into your typical set, just remember that people will begin looking for the Ultra Violet twist to each effect => which is where a lot of the power for these effects comes from.

“Invisible” was easily my favorite effect from the DVD. This double-prediction-like effect uses no forces and because of the sneaky way the deck is set up, you can continue to perform card effects with the same deck and not worry about messing up the order of the cards or the special one-time setup.

The DVD also comes with a pocket-sized UV pen, refill, several standard gaffs, and a keychain UV light to get you performing these effects and whatever else your mind may come up with.

Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for something to spice up your jaded repertoire, playing around with effects that have a new element added to them, like Ultra Violet ink and lights, will surely spice things up.

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.

Color Blind Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 5th, 2008

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icon for podpress  Color Blind - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [3:01m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

COLORBLIND

I’ve noticed the number of color changing deck routines on the market is always in constant supply. I think part of the reason for their success is that the premise of the routine is typically easy for audiences to follow, fairly easy to perform, and each has a special *gimmick* to it that makes it intriguing to magicians. Such is the case with Color Blind.

Matthew Johnson’s Color Blind has a few other things going for it as well. At the end of the effect, the deck is completely reset; how does that sound for you workers! The color changing card case is very simple and a fun final moment of magic in the routine. Presentation wise, Matthew has this thing ironed out like a sail; while it may not be for everyone, it’s a great leaping point for people looking to create their own successful presentation.

Of course, nothing’s perfect, and Color Blind isn’t without it’s drawbacks. Angle wise, you could nearly perform this surrounded if it weren’t for the color changing card case. Matthew teaches you ways to minimize your risk and confirms that you should at least be able to perform this in a typical walk around or restaurant performance arena without much fear. Also of note, while the cards themselves aren’t gimmicked, they go back into the case at the end as you wrap up the effect to clean up the table. Performing the effect as is means you’re probably not going to be performing other card effects with the deck, although if you really wanted to, you could.

Bottom Line:
Despite a few mild angle issues, this terrific opener is relatively easy to learn, packed with magic, and has a wide commercial appeal.

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.

Enlightenment Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 4th, 2008

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icon for podpress  Enlightenment - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [4:04m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Enlightenment

Ben Harris’ Enlightenment is most certainly a paradigm shift in the art of levitation, but is it something magicians would use? Let’s take a look:

Included in the fancy packaging is the instructional booklet, several informational inserts, and the Enlightenment Engine: a clever elevator-like device that is caused to expand (and lift objects on top of it) when in close proximity to a magnet.

Do yourself a favor and read the book before you start playing around with the Enlightenment Engine. Harris teaches his ‘quick start’ deck for those of you who want to start levitating cards immediately. If you can make it to the end of the book, Ben also teaches you his professional setup that makes the gimmick hidden in the deck even more deceptive; it takes a little longer to build, but it’s definitely worth it.

A bill levitation is also taught, but for the most part, you’re left to create your own effects with the engine until the next companion book of ideas comes out. You can also check out the Enlightenment Blog (www.wowbound.com/blog.html) for more ideas (including one from your’s truly).

There are some definite advantages and disadvantages of using this levitation over other methods such as ‘IT’.

Advantages:
Fully self contained
Cards can be freely selected
No lighting issues.
No threads to break!
The spectator can hold the deck while the card levitates off of it.
The card levitation effect is very clean and the spectator does most of the work.

Disadvantages:
Your spectator cannot look under the object that is levitating.
Levitations get a max height of just under one inch, depending upon how close you get the drive magnet (not included, and no a PK ring isn’t strong enough).

Bottom Line:
This product package teaches a very clever, straightforward card levitation effect. If that’s what sells you, then all signs point to GO! People expecting a cure all miracle gimmick should keep up the search (despite the fact that this gimmick has some new thinking behind it doesn’t mean it has real magical power within it).

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.