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

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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.

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 Tome - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [3:22m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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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.

Beginner, Close Up, DVD, Mentalism, Visual | View Comments

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

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

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

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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.

Close Up, Coin, DVD, Money, Restaurant | View Comments

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

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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.

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 Liam Montier's UV (UltraViolet) - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [3:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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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.

Bizarre, Card Magic, Close Up, DVD, Utility Device | View Comments

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

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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.

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 Extreme Burn - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [3:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Is it possible to create a perfect magic trick? I’m going to say no; despite my deepest love for this effect. Overlooking the fact that I consider myself a visual-magic junkie, I can say this effect got me seeing things I didn’t know were possible. I’ve been using Richard Sander’s Slow Burn for several years now but after seeing this DVD I quickly upgraded to Extreme Burn.

What does this effect have going for it you ask? For the most part, $5 => $500 bill change effects have fairly decent handling; some are better and more natural, and others are lacking; the logic behind Extreme Burn’s handling from the audience’s perspective isn’t too shabby. But that’s not what made me fall in love with this effect; it was the visual nature of the change that did me in. It’s easy, fun, astonishingly visual, and may one day give someone a heart attack.

Richard Sanders’ instructions are nicely laid out and easy to follow. The only challenge I see with this effect (aside from performing it for yourself for hours on end) is choosing which of the half dozen or so changes to actually use. The most basic change will get the job done for most folks and is by far my favorite; but the others aren’t without their charm and can work better in some environments over some of the other changes. There’s even a change that looks like no moves are used; it’s the most challenging one on the DVD, but it’s a stunner when performed.

This DVD is so comprehensive, Richard Sanders also teaches his original Slow Burn effect for good measure.

Bottom Line:
This effect is fantastic, it’s a real world worker, a visual stunner, and an effect that’ll make the eyes of your audience stick. Easily going to make the top ten this year!

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, Money, Restaurant, Street Magic, Visual | View Comments

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 Healed and Sealed 2.0 - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:39m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Anders Moden’s original Healed and Sealed manuscript brought about a new wave of astonishing street magic-esque effects using soda cans; this follow up DVD with additional thoughts, moves, and presentations seriously takes this effect to new levels.

The DVD kicks off with an in-depth look at the original Healed and Sealed and quickly opens up into new ways to execute the various magical phases of this all in one effect. Moden’s comprehensive look at the effect goes beyond just techniques and methods and offers both real world performing tips (for close up AND stage) along with several presentation ideas.

As far as single-effect DVDs go, this one is almost as good as it gets. This learning resource has what you need to get this effect into your repertoire and get you performing in the real world.

The DVD is available from Anders Moden at his website: http://www.andersmoden.com

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, Standup/Stage, Visual | View Comments

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 Prophet - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Tom Isaacson’s Prophet is another iteration of the 5 $1 bills to 5 $100 bill changing effects. This particular change prides itself in being the most fluid and most visual change of its kind. Around the same time this product came to market, Richard Sanders released a similar effect of the same high-visual quality; my only comment on the Sanders effect known as Extreme Burn in comparison to Prophet is that most of the changes on the Extreme Burn DVD are easier to perform than the change taught in Prophet. The change used in Prophet is going to require more practice than other effects of the same classic plot but should be well within the reach of the average magician.

From the audience’s perspective, the change appears to require zero cover has a very clean and open look.

The teaching on the DVD falls in line with previous Theory11 releases. Those unfamiliar with the classic change gimmick get an in depth look at the construction, followed by a straight forward rundown of how to perform the effect.

One thing to be aware of, however, is that Prophet does have some angle issues but only slightly more so than other $5 – $500 change routines. Thankfully, the angles are openly discussed and viewers are taught how to deal with them.

Bottom Line:
Despite an elevated difficultly level and a marginally increased level of angle issues, Prophet is a beautiful, streamlined, no cover bill change that won’t fail to astonish.

If you are interested in picking up this product you can check out www.theory11.com.

Close Up, DVD, Money, Street Magic, Visual | View 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 Benjamin Earl’s Past Midnight.

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.

Card Magic, Close Up, DVD, Mentalism | View 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. Jason Palter’s iKnow 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.

Close Up, DVD, Impromptu, Mentalism, Street Magic | View 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.

Card Magic, Close Up, Coin, DVD, Street Magic | View Comments