Criss Angel’s Believe: I went to opening night of the preview shows. If you are expecting a live version of Mind Freak you will be disappointed. If you are expecting another version of a typically fantastic Cirque Du Soleil show you will be disappointed. Although the show has most of the basics- something levitates, something disappears, someone gets cut in half, and something passes through something else it also includes a straightjacket escape over the audience and several acts of imagery we are led to believe are taking place in Criss’s mind such as a tornado on stage.

I don’t want to be the one to give away the story line or any secrets although I am sure they will get out there sooner or later so let’s just say he does replicate the tesla strike from season one of Mind Freak and yes, it did mind freak me for a couple of minutes. You’ll understand when you see the show.

This show, even though it is approved for ages five and up is very dark and there are several parts that are somewhat disturbing and more appropriate for a more mature audience.

The theater is beautiful with some fascinating artwork in the entrance hallway. The dancers are a lot of fun to watch and we even get to see Criss break dance.

I recommend sitting half way back as any closer may be too close to take in all the action and you’ll miss the best part of the show, the doves routine that Johnny Thompson should be really proud of.

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 Night and Day - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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You know that feeling when you’re on an roller coaster and you reach the top. You look over the edge, you hold your breath and clench your chest. That’s the feeling I got when I saw Alan Rorrison’s ‘Dark as Night’ effect on the ‘Night and Day’ DVD. Rorrison created a beautiful, surreal magical moment. Very cleanly, I saw Rorrison balance a coin on his finger tip and slowly rub it against the bottom of a clear drink glass. A moment later, he moved his hand away and tilted the glass back and forth – the coin slid around as if it were swimming through the solid base of the glass. That was the moment of anticipation, when he moved his finger out from under the coin and I could see it apparently rising up through the glass; the release, the moment of going over the crest of the roller coaster came when he shook the glass and the coin was bouncing around inside, trapped within by his other hand covering the mouth of the glass.

‘Clear as Day’ is almost equally as stunning. If you’ve seen Mariano Goni’s Melting Point, you have a good idea of what this coin through glass table top looks like. I prefer Goni’s effect, but ‘Clear as Day’ uses less gimmicks.

Both effects have very workable angle constrictions. ‘Dark as Night’ is a little more prone to bad angles, but you are taught several ways to minimize them. Overall, the two effects (and accompanying bonus effects) are taught in great detail and will have you well on your way to some productive practice secessions.

Whether you’re looking for a practical and visually stunning ‘through glass’ effect for your performing repertoire or when you’re out on a social engagement, I’m going to recommend you check out Night and Day.

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

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Matt Wayne’s ‘Got a Light’ is the easiest and most customizable three-shell-type routine I’ve ever seen. No moves, no slights, no bull.

Included with the DVD are four LED lights and a magic wand, er… battery. Only three LEDs are required for the routines, you have the option to incorporate the fourth LED or save it as a spare in case you loose one.

Matt kicks off the DVD with several performance segments and then dives into the explanation of his routine. Following the basic explanation, you are shown several extra tips, ideas, and concepts for the included LEDs and batteries.

Matt uses three shot glasses in his routine to represent the ‘shells’ in the theme of his routine. On one hand, they give the effect a different feel, but carrying around three shot glasses in your jacket pocket may not be practical for everyone – using them is just an option.

Trust me, this effect is drop dead easy to perform (so nail your presentation!), totally angle proof, and allows for remarkable levels of flexibility to create a truly unique routine; just be careful transporting the little LEDs!

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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 Heartbreaker - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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I’m a Paul Gertner fan. I like his thinking and I enjoy watching his magic and his ‘Heartbreaker’ effect didn’t disappoint.

Included in the packaging, you receive both text and video instructions along with a nice quantity of specially printed ‘Heartbreaker’ cards to get you practicing the effect right away. You will, however, need to pick up some refills from Paul every few dozen performances (he includes a special number you can call for refills which you can get a discount on).

Heart Breaker creates an emotional connection between the performer and the participant. Paul’s honed the presentation to the point where you can see the moment when you ‘magically heal a broken heart from long ago.’ The effect comes together in a sequence of beautiful and emotionally charged magical moments. Visually, you pluck a set of initials off of a card and they appear on the card held by the spectator (which they can keep!)

The effect is relatively simple to perform and has many years of real-world performances behind it. It’s got the potential to become your next ‘workhorse’ effect.

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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