Archive for the 'Mentalism' Category

Craig Fillicetti PROXIMITY

Posted by Jamie on November 23rd, 2009
skitched-20091122-231159.jpg

Jamie D. Grant is now a regular contributor to iTricks Raves with an enhanced version of his reviews from MagicFriday.blogspot.com.

What The Audience Sees:

skitched-20090928-001123.jpg”Okay, so Jamie has, like, Superman Sight or something. Get this- the guy can see through your skin, dude! For shizzy! I was holding a coin in one hand and a thing of chap stick in the other. I put them both behind my back and then brought out only one hand. And he could tell me what was in it! Every time! I think I made him do it seventy times and he was never wrong! Never! He can probably see the inside of my lungs and read my fortune for &^$%’s sake! He’s outta control! ”

How It Went:

As long as you haven’t moved into a cave recently, you already know who Craig Fillicetti is and have probably heard about his amazing products. I reviewed his incredible Multi Dimensional a while back and am pleased to say that his Proximity is just as good. The thing I love about Craig’s work is the effect is so clear and the method is so undetectable.
Proximity is a “which hand” effect and it is a real fooler. So much so, in fact, that the method never even enters the equation. I never gave it a moment’s thought and the specs were utterly baffled the entire day. Not once did anyone come within a light year of knowing how I knew what they were holding. What I did have to focus on, however, was presentation. And this is one of those rare cases where it changed with every group I did it to. How can I explain this- well, with The Cups and Balls, for example, everyone watches and is surprised when I finally reveal the live untamed raccoon at the end.
With Proximity, however, I found that interest levels, duration, focus, etc. were different with everyone every time. Some people would be shocked with me doing it once, some people wanted it done ten times, some people would try and mess with me, some people would be rapt, etc. So it ended up being a great way to gauge people. So much so, that I think I may start doing this as my opener for my Walk Around Sets, “Hi, I’m Jamie, Can you hold onto these for a quick second while I introduce myself?…”
It’s just a fantastic effect to discover a bit from your audience. That, combined with the fact that it’s foolproof (a must, in my case) makes it an absolute winner.

MUCH MORE AFTER THE JUMP!
(more…)

Devin Knight & Al Mann
GLASS BOX REVISITED

Posted by Corey Martin on September 3rd, 2009

GLASSBOXREVISIT-Prod.jpg

Corey Martin is a regular contributor to iTricks Raves.

n138319390244_6216917_8261043

We have all seen it. The Magician shows a box that has been hanging in full view the entire performance, is sealed, anything in the box can be seen. Random selections are made, be it a card from a deck or a set of numbers or even a word from a page of newsprint. The box is carefully opened, one part at a time to insure that it has not been tampered with in any way. The prediction inside the box matches that of the selection made on stage. The crowd is stunned. The Magician smiles and takes his bow. The stage goes dark….

(more…)

‘Election’ Reviewed by V

Posted by Editor on June 8th, 2009

Intro: Eric Ross has created a gem of a card trick.

Trick: Election

Created By: Eric Ross

Effect: Listen up… Two spectators are each given a deck of cards and instructed to pick a card behind their backs.

When revealed the spectators have chosen the same card with a special twist at the end that will leave your audience speechless.

Notes: A new, crushing enhancement to the ‘You do as I do’ routine
or a shocking stand-alone effect with any deck
Spectators freely choose thier own cards while holding the deck behind their back
Completely examinable

Cost: $9.95

Genre: Card/Mentalism Magic

Demo: http://papercranemagic.com/election.htm

Format: Instant Download

Video and Quality:

Video- The video is also very well edited, put together, and produced.

Quality- The quality of this video is pretty good. There were definitely no problems hearing or seeing what was being said or done. The audio is good; everything is clear and easy to watch.

Teaching: Eric’s teaching was good. The teaching was neither too complicated or any overkill, since it is a simple effect. It’s very easy to follow along and very easy to learn from. No confusion, problems or questions when the video was over.

Method: The method is so simple and ingenious. Simply without a doubt this is a fooler, you’ll fool yourself when performing and setting it up.

Needed Material: You probably have the needed materials already at home, if not they are very common and easy to come by. The material can last you a pretty long time.

Gimmick and Impromptu:

Gimmick- This effect doesn’t require a gimmick, but it’s more of a set-up.

Impromptu- Once set-up, the effect is pretty much” impromptu”.

Set-Up: Takes no more than a minute, and that’s if you’re slow.

Dirtiness and Clean-Up:

Dirtiness- You do not really end that dirty.

Clean-Up- You also really don’t have to clean-up since the effect doesn’t cause any suspicion at all.

Reset: Reset can be accomplished only taking a few seconds.

Difficulty: On a scale of 1-10 (Ten being the hardest), I say it’s about a
2. This effect is ingeniously simple and practical. And the spectator is the one doing all the work and it’s basically self-working.

Overall: A very spectatular and simple effect that you can add into your routine. It is something that I will use and perform. For the price and effect you get in this effect is a great deal, I suggest you pick it up and try it out. I like the aspect of it being a prediction/mentalism trick and the kicker ending.

Score: 8/10

Bonus Effects: Twisted- A great routine by itself but a better closer. Instead of a standard effect where a finger ring disappears, you make your finger disappear. It gets better… in a flash your vanished finger visually penetrates a solid finger ring.

This works great as a closer to any effect involving a ring. This effect is also very visual, there is a gimmicked involved as well, but the end result is just very nice and super visual.

Sucker- Visual, visual, visual. Bitten and restored sucker. You’ll love the method to this one. It will be your favorite part of the effect.

This is such a visual piece. This is my favorite of the bonus effects included. There is a sleight gimmick involved, but it should take no longer than 5 minutes and should last a few good performances.

Distorted- Eric’s take on the card through bill illusion. This one is visual and impromptu.

What can I say, another visual piece by Eric. A signed card goes through a borrowed bill. This one will take practice, but it’s highly visual and it’s impromptu. The spectator sees the card in the bill, yet the magician saws through the bill with the signed selection. Very simple.

I highly suggest picking this up or at least checking it out.

Universal Impression Reviewed by V

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on April 16th, 2009

Trick: Universal Impression

Created By: Robert Smith

Effect: For centuries magicians have sought after tools and effects that promise to make them appear telepathic. Robert Smith, creator of Wounded, has designed the most useful tool to that end.

Flawless in its design, Universal Impression utilizes the best in modern, low tech, impression material and is remarkably easy to use. Unlike similar products on the market, Universal Impression never needs to worry about messy liquids, smudges or smears, fallible electronics or accidental erasing of impression. Your audience will be completely astounded by your ability to read their minds and convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt of your authenticity. Limitless in its versatility, Universal Impression can be used with a card box, a wallet, books, a pack of cigarettes, or any number of other common items present during impromptu performances. There are many gimmicks on the market but this is the first designed for various close-up magic situations. Universal Impression allows you to perform the strongest and cleanest mind reading effects imaginable. Simply put, if you were given the opportunity to perform just one effect this is it.

Notes:

Extremely easy

Can be performed in low-light venues

Perfect for strolling, close-up, street & stage

Comes with DVD full of performance ideas and tips from creator Robert Smith

Cost: $49.95

Genre: Mentalism

Demo: http://papercranemagic.com/ui.html

Format: Approx. 57 minutes |DVD Video

Video and Quality:

Video- The video is split into chapters (explained later). The video is also very well edited, put together, and produced.It covers everything really in-depth.

Quality- The quality of this video is pretty good. There were definitely no problems hearing or seeing what was being said or done. The audio is good; everything is clear and easy to watch. Now, it is not in HD or anything but you can see everything clearly.

Basic Layout:

Performances- What you see in the Demo and performances of each impression application. Also, the performances really help you get the hang of how the method works.

Introduction- B. Smith talks about how different and better this impression device is compared to others, because of its versatile, cleanness and accuracy.

Marker Construction- Here B. Smith talks about how to prepare the gimmick, what items work best, and how to use it to the best of its ability. He also gives you extra tips of how to make the gimmick.

Preparing the Gimmick- B. Smith talks about how to prepare and put the best use to the gimmick (breaking in, preparing, and how and why it works).

Impression Wallet- Here B. Smith tells you how to adapt into a wallet, which makes a great way to give your business card out.

Card Impression- B. Smith teaches you how to gimmick your card box with a few household items. He also gives you a few tips and options to better your gimmick. Also, taught is a simple card move to get out of trouble, just in case the spectator messes up.

Resetting- Here B. Smith teaches a few ways to reset your gimmick in the easiest, cleanest, fairest manner.

Impression Pad- B. Smith teaches you how to adapt the gimmick into a notebook or notepad, also using a few household items.

Book Test- Here B. Smith teaches you a way to put the gimmick in use in any selected book chosen by the spectator.

Teaching: The teaching is phenomenal and superb. It’s very easy to follow along and very easy to learn from. I had no questions or things I was confused about when the video was over. When B. Smith teaches, he goes over everything you need to know to be able to perform this. He does not leave any details out at all. Everything is broken into steps and categories for the easiest possible learning experience. Direct and Clear. Also taught, are many applications to the gimmick and many peeks.

Method: WOW… This method for this effect is simply genius. It is really well thought out and devious. When you get it you wonder how in the world did b. Smith came up with that.

Items Needed: This section is pretty straightforward, and the title is self explanatory. You will get everything in the package to perform right then and there, with practice though. You get a total of five (5) items in the package; one (1) ready for you to perform and the other four (4) to construct your own.

Gimmick and Impromtuness:

Gimmick-The gimmick is easy to construct and is convincing, durable, and versatile; Universal Impression can be used with a card box, a wallet, books, a pack of cigarettes, or any number of other common items present during impromptu performances. It really is as awesome as the demo makes it sound. Easy to conceal, and is very small and very light. The downside about the gimmick is that you only get one (1), but it’s also delicate

Impromtuness- Obviously, this effect isn’t completely impromptu, simply because you need a gimmick. But because of the nature of this trick, it may seem impromptu during the performance or to the spectator.

Set-Up: It depends on which item you are using it on. But Set-Up can take no longer than 5-10 minutes.

Dirtiness and Clean-Up:

Dirtiness- In the end of this effect you end slightly dirty: In this case, this simply means that the effect utilized a gimmick and the gimmick needs to be disposed of. Then everything can be handed out.

Clean-Up- In this effect, Clean-Up is convincing, easy, clean and fair.

Reset: The reset for this trick also takes about 10 seconds or even less. You can do it in front of your spectators, and not worry about being caught.

Angles: The angels are very good and you can easily manage them, angles aren’t really a problem in here.

Difficulty: This effect is ingeniously simple The only thing difficult about this should be showmanship. If you are a good presenter, no one will suspect any kind of gimmick. That’s the only thing you need to worry about. The gimmick is very practical and is very easy to use. (It’s easy to construct as well). The moves involved are not difficult at all. This trick is so simple, it’s almost self-working. It requires almost no sleight of hand and the payoff is well worth it. On a scale of 1-10 (Ten being the hardest), I say it’s about a 5.

Overall: After watching the whole thing, I tried it out and it went great. It’s not something that you can master in one day, but it’s really simple and demonic method. I like this effect a lot B. Smith goes into a lot of detail of why this effect works the way it does, it’s absolutely perfect for all types of magic, and takes up very little pocket space. I will definitely use this and this effect is amazing its super easy and clean. I was pleased by the practicality of the effect and I recommend you pick this up. This was a great effect and video, and would definitely be worth the money! B. Smith is a very creative guy and I look forward to other releases from him

So overall it’s a great choice. Paper Crane outdid themselves with this. I recommend this to everyone. This is an absolute must for all mentalists.

Score: 9.5/10

Mirror Reviewed by Evan Bishop

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on March 13th, 2009

If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

Intro: I was lucky enough to receive a pre-release copy of this effect so thank you to all the people at Mental Playground Productions.

Trick: Mirror

Creator: Matthew Mello

History: Matt credits Derren Brown as the starting point for this trick and also credits Banachek for another part of the trick.

Price: $15.00

Where Can I Get It?: http://www.thementalplayground.com/mirror.html

Effect: Give your mind reading ability to any spectator. They will read your mind with 100% accuracy, and you can prove it!
Offer to teach your mind reading skills to the spectator, for a price. Ask to borrow a bill, as it will be important later. You tell the spectator you are thinking of a two digit number. The spectator then makes a guess and is correct! To prove it you show the first two numbers of the serial number on the borrowed bill. You say this is how you thought of the number. They match!
• No Stooges
• No Pre-show
• No Electronics
• Nothing is ever written down
• No Force?(And No, you aren’t walking around with 99 different bills on you.)

Format: This 16 page PDF comes with 2 alternate handlings, which create seemingly different effects. This along with 12 photos gives you the tools to bring your mind reading routines to another level.

Quality: It’s a fairly normal PDF. Nothing fancy here but it teaches you everything you need to know. The pictures do help out quite a bit as well.

Method: There is a small “gimmick” that is used and might I add, very, very clever. It’s easy to make and can be used for many other things besides this specific trick. Fairly simple and nothing super involved or complicated here.

Preparation: There is a one-time preparation for this effect that should not take you more than probably 15-20 minutes. After that, you can perform this effect as much as you like. Although, eventually you will probably want to remake your gimmick since it might wear out a bit.

Gimmick: Obviously since this is an instant download, you will have to make the gimmick. As said above, it won’t take you long to make and most likely will not have to buy anything to make it. This is a very versatile gimmick and can be used for lots of other mentalism type tricks.

Alternative One: This isn’t as strong as the original serial number variation and I’d rather just use a swami gimmick to achieve this effect.

Alternative Two: This is more of a novel drawing duplication type effect that can be very strong and also a perfect lead in to “Improv Nightshades”. As stated by Matt, this is the version that a lot of people might use and like even more than the original routine. I think I would agree with that. Definitely a good alternative to the original.

Additional Ideas: Here Matt gives some ideas to make your presentation a bit better. He also gives another idea that uses the serial number but in a different way than the original. Both are worth a read.

Angles: There aren’t any angle problems to worry about here. Yay!

Difficulty: On a scale of 1-10 (Ten being the hardest) I’d give this about a 2 or 3. If you run through this a couple of times and get yourself familiar with it, you’ll be fine. There really aren’t any “moves” either.

Overall: The power of this effect can be extremely strong. Don’t underestimate it. This is a “winner” and even if you don’t like that original routine idea, Matt has provided enough additional ideas to make everybody happy. Plus, you learn how to make a really cool gimmick that you can use in other mentalism! So even though I received this for free, I truly think that if I had paid the money I would’ve been pleased with my purchase. It’s only $15.00 and you can’t go wrong with such a powerful effect.

Score 9/10

Omnilope Reviewed by Mark Tirone

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on November 23rd, 2008

If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

THE EFFECTS 5/5 Some of the effects on the DVD are basically all the same. Picking pieces of paper and divining it is the basic effect for a lot of these tricks which basically gets boring after a while. Most of them are pretty good though. There are things with newspaper clippings, pieces of paper, foods, money, stamps, receipts, postcards, photographs etc. My FAVORITE effect from this entire DVD, Is one he teaches towards the end with a prediction envelope on the table and they remove a phone number from the envelope. when they call the number the prediction envelope on the table rings. I am going to close my show with this once I get a cell phone.

THE DVD 5/5 I loved how Jay didn’t teach each individual effect in this DVD. he had a name for each trick, But he didn’t really teach them. He went through the construction of the gimmick and how to perform the basic effect with magazine clippings, But that is about it. Then he went into shots with different uses of the omnilope and their advantages and disadvantages. These are mainly just ideas and tips to use with the omnilope. I don’t think these were mainly made to use, Just to spark your creativity and get you thinking. Jay also tought everything that was needed to be tought in EXCRUTIATING detail! Nothing was left out. I already have about 3 ideas with this to try out.

THE ENVELOPES 4/5 The envelopes Jay provided along with this DVD are EXTREMELY thin. Think on the lines of loose-leaf paper. That is how thin they are about. Maybe a little thicker. But he does explain why they are so thin in the DVD. Plus, These are duplicates of the envelopes stamp collectors use so if you have a stamp collector in the audience, If they call out “Those are the envelopes I use”, It adds credibility to the effect. Plus, Jay tells you where to buy replacements for the envelopes.

OVERALL 5/5 Overall, I really enjoyed this DVD. Jay gave lots of bonus ideas and tricks and stuff in the DVD. He really made it worth having and buying. If you have a show or do a show, This is the perfect transition from a magic trick and a mentalism trick if you plan on going from magic to mentalism. I would suggest this to anybody doing stand up or set shows. If you keep these in a case they will stay fine so it doesent really matter if they are thin or not. Plus with other stuff in them it will be pretty thick. So yea, Thats my review. Thanks!

Thoughtless Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on November 3rd, 2008

If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

 

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

Director’s Cut – Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on October 24th, 2008

If you have a product you want to talk about, tell us about it. Here’s how.

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

Mind Scanner Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on October 5th, 2008

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.

icon for podpress  Mind Scanner Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

MINDSCANNER

Highlights from the Podcast Review:
- Comes with forcing deck and clever Mindscanner device
- Mindscanner device can display up to three different revelations (which is great if you want/need to repeat w/out programming the device).
- Programming the Mindscanner sucks, but once you’ve got your messages in, you’re good to go.
- This effect is great for magicians that like customizing effects to suit them. You can reveal what you want and have all the flexibility you could want for choreographing the routine.
- Packs small and can play big!

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

Smart Ass Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on October 2nd, 2008

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.

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

SMARTASS

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.

Hey Mr. DJ Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on August 27th, 2008

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Past Midnight Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on July 3rd, 2008

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.

icon for podpress  Past Midnight - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

PASTMIDNIGHT

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.

Duplicity Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on July 1st, 2008

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.

icon for podpress  Duplicity - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [1:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Duplicity

Following in the footsteps of Twisted Sisters, Duplicity is the next great packet trick from John Bannon. The effect has what the worker wants: it’s simple, easy to perform, and easy for your audience to follow along. Unlike Twisted Sisters – of which this effect shares some of the same feel, the cards are completely examinable at the end of this routine. And finally, the thing I love most about this is that the climaxes build one on top of the other for a cascading finale: pow, Pow, POW!

The effect is taught by John Bannon himself on the included DVD which also features a freebie bonus effect. All in all, the instruction is straightforward and to the point.

Bottom Line:
I’m not that accepting of most packet tricks, but I would consider performing this one.

If you are interested in picking up this product for yourself, you can head on over to Fun Inc.

iKnow – Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan

Posted by DerekMerdinyan on June 28th, 2008

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.

icon for podpress  iKnow - Reviewed by Derek Merdinyan [2:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

iKNOW

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.