Magic Reviews by Cameron Ramsay

Above the Fold

Rich Aviles

Vanishing Inc Plublishing

Manufacturer’s  Description

Published by Vanishing Inc. Magic, Above the Fold is the debut collection from one of magic’s most exciting new talents: Rich Aviles. In this intelligent, praiseworthy collection of card and close-up material, Aviles details thirteen effects and seven moves, each one explained with equal parts clarity and wit.

Cameron’s Description?

Yes,Yes,Yes, people are still writing books. Andy Gladwin and Joshua Jay are bringing sexy (books) back and I am certainly loving it. This debut collection from Rich Aviles has a lot of great material in it. Highlights for me were Pocket Protector-a clever prediction using an Alex Elmsly move. Asher Twich- Rich’s take on the now classic ace routine by Lee Asher. Now I’m not a guy that thinks any one should be boring their audience with 37 different color changes but I really like 2 Legit as a double color change.

Cameron’s Favorite Part

Again this is a book, what’s even better is that it is a book I can take on the subway (I don’t’ go on subways ever since Spiderman) and easily travel with anywhere with it. It’s not big and that’s what the guys at Vanishing Inc Magic are trying for. They are calling it their “Small But Potent”, just the best material from that one creator.

Now I didn’t want to write about this but there is a secret gem in the book that I am sure a lot of card guys won’t use. It’s the only non card trick/gag in the book. I have been able to put this gem in my comedy club set. To sum it up this is a great card book from a really funny guy that everyone will enjoy.

I really look forward to more books and products coming out of the Vanishing Inc Publishing company.

Cameron 

MrCameronRamsay@Gmail.com

@Cameron401 on twitter

Book, Booklet, Card Magic, Comedy, 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.

 Smart Ass - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:31m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Highlights from the Podcast Reviews:
- Great effect for workers
- Packs flat and plays big: cards are eliminted by throwing them in the air. Bill Abbott covers ways to minimize the mess for the people that would be an issue for.
- Includes required jumbo card and specially made forcing deck
- Clear instructions
- Can’t wait to perform it myself

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, Comedy, Effect, Mentalism, Stage, Standup/Stage, 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.

 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.

Close Up, Comedy, 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.

 Tickling The Mind Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:31m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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What a funny set of DVDs. Mel Mellers has taken some classic effects in magic and applied new premises to them, new angles, new perspectives, and in doing so, gives the effect new life.

The perfect example is the ‘Mass Hypnosis’ routine wherein Mel apparently hypnotizes the entire audience. And even though the entire audience may not buy into this premise, they still experience the magic and get a great laugh along the way. All this is accomplished with a classic magic prop and Mel’s humorous presentation.

Most of the magic on these DVDs is mentalism and everything is accompanied with Mel’s wonderful (albeit, slightly cruel) humor.

I think there was only one thing I didn’t like about these DVDs. Before every performance, there is a clown. He laughs you, giggles, waves. And every time, a shiver went up and down my spine.

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.

Comedy, Mentalism, Standup/Stage, 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.

 Open Traveller - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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David Acer is one funny guy (well duh, Derek. He’s a comedian…) David had me laughing throughout the DVD, whether David is driving down the road, teaching an effect, getting awkward looks from people around him, or stomping on ants, I was having a great time.

For the sake of buyer protection, if you are considering purchasing this DVD to learn the Mitosis effect, know that the routine was designed for the audience to come across your phone number; it is easy to perform the routine with someone else’s phone number, but don’t expect some long awaited, spectacular method worth 5 times the price of the DVD.

Open Traveller didn’t feel focused on one particular brand of magic. This DVD contains a little card magic, a little bit of coin magic, some stage stuff, mentalism, and a handful of other effects using every day objects. Oh so funny…

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, Comedy, DVD | View Comments