Title: Moving Home
Publisher: Sans Minds
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level:
DVD Run time: 48:37

Type of effect: Moving hole effect with a smart phone

Manufacturer's Write Up: Almost everyone carries a mobile phone these days. Most people probably know more about their phone than their family. What if you can manipulate the beloved phone for a brief moment? 

SansMinds Creative Lab is proud to present you the first of its kind. A phone manipulation effect that has never been done before. Moving Home allows you to move the location of a working home button. Each phase the routine crushes your spectator's reality more and more. You have to check out the live demo to experience the full three phase routine! 
 
How accurate is the ad copy? No deception
 
What's in the box?  DVD and very limited materials to build the effect

How are the production values: Sans Minds always makes great looking DVDs. Jason is out in the street performing for very excitable spectators and Herman is back in the “Lab” on the white couch teaching you everything you need to know.
 
Is it well made: This DVD is heavy on prop construction, of which you will need to do a lot of. Yes, this effect will work for any model cell phone because you get to do all of it yourself. You will need access to a high quality, photo perfect scanner as well as photo software that will allow you to manipulate images.
 
Then you will need materials that you can construct that will replicate various portions of your smart phone. (you need to obtain on your own)
 
All Sans Minds is giving you are two small pieces of ferromagnetic metal; and a small portion of very thin monofilament.

Is it well taught: Yes, Herman leaves no stone unturned, keep in mind that 50% of the DVD is gimmick construction and set up.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  Herman suggests carrying your rig in a t.t. in your pockt.
 
Does it "play big?" The classic moving hole routine is a brain scrambler and to do it with a cell phone is pretty cool.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  This is not self-working, you will need to control your angles, lighting, ring the rig in and ditch it at the end,
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Tons, way more than I would like
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) I would question its practicality. Working with i.t. is always a struggle when it’s on a rig that you have to unpack and then setup in a performance. Plus when working with i.t. you always need to be aware of your lighting.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
______Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
__X___ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
Not a fan of this at all – would have preferred that Sans Minds made this for a particular iphone model and called it a day
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47KcYME7OLk
​

Title: Meet the Jack              
Creator: Jorge Garcia
Publisher: Alakazam
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: performance is an hour / reveals are an hour and 46 minutes

Type of effect:  Entire Mentalism Parlor Performance

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Jorge Garcia, better known to many as "The Jack," has performed and lectured in over 20 countries. He's a regular face on television in his native Argentina and has also performed at the world famous Magic Castle no less than 6 times! 

On his first DVD, The Jack shares 8 of his favorite and most powerful Mentalism creations and performance pieces, including To Lovecraft, Jorge's brilliant and acclaimed version of the classic Pegasus Page effect. 

Each effect is performed in front of a live audience and later joined by Peter Nardi. They dissect and explain every effect in great detail back at the Alakazam studio. 

Routines Include: 

To Lovecraft  - This is The Jack's awesome take on the classic Book test (variation of Art Emerson Pegasus Page effect) lots of stages to it – regular paper back that you can give away wih the torn page at the end.

L-Mental  - a Rock, Paper, Scissors prediction with 3 spectators.

Project Fear  - you predict the phobia of a random person in the audience

A Think and Stop Card Trick –a  borrowed deck ACAN effect.

One Head – it’s a 3 choice one ahead routine

Blindfold Act  - An awesome 5-minute routine using nothing more than a real blindfold and a deck of cards. Jack's Blindfold act has multiple phases that get increasingly more impossible. 

Mind Track – a card revelation using spirit writing.

Haunted Key Jack’ take on the classic key effect

As a bonus, on the DVD you will also receive PDF downloads of many of the routines, so you can print them off and learn them anywhere!
 
How accurate is the ad copy? This is exactly what you get
 
What's in the box?  DVD only that also includes pdf lecture notes
 
How are the production values: both the performance and the explanation are a joy to watch – everything is so well done. Peter Nardi and the team at Alakazam have hit it out of the park with this one.

Is it well taught: Between Peter Nardi and Jorge Garcia the viewer get DOUBLE the ideas – Thanks to “the Jack” for sharing these gems with the public.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  All of this is minimal prop mentalism – the entire act could fit in a small carrying case. Nothing to build and the routines are not difficult. I don’t even think there is any sleights to learn.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Most of this is done as a parlor routine, but these would work great for a small gathering or party at your house.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
   X     Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
I had never heard of “The Jack” before, but so thankful for this introduction.
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiJG-APnH54
​

Title: Loyalty
Creator: Paul Brook
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: all
PDF: 48 pages and 22 minute video

Type of effect:  Mentalist tool

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Ask a participant to think of an image, a number and even a word and you are able to correctly determine exactly what they are thinking of. 

Additionally, you may want to pass on your mind reading abilities by giving another person the chance to guess the first participant's number and more often than not the second person will be able to.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? Very straight forward – no deception
 
What's in the box? 

Three custom made loyalty key card fobs, link to 22 minute video and a 45-page instructional eBook complete with full presentations and handlings and 29 full color photos. 

Key points:
 

• 100% accurate
• Easy to do
• Always with you
• Nothing to replace
• No reset required
• Fits on your keys
• 100% examinable

 
How are the production values:  In the PDF instructions Paul also shares some additional ideas that enable the mentalist or magician to use a random participant's actual ungimmicked keys as part of the routine.
 
Is it well made: Very – these look and feel exactly like real loyalty key cards

Is it well taught: Paul gives you a lot of material and ideas with this – the pdf is clear and has terrific graphics.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" pop these onto your key ring and you’ll always have them with you.
 
Does it "play big?" to be fair, I didn’t get a chance to perform with it as I don’t think this particular device fits my character as well as the networker deck.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  Very easy to learn, the only “hard part” is learning the routines.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? None – however you may want to rough these up and give them some ‘battle damage’ so they looked worn in.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely so long as you have the right setup.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____Very Satisfied
__X__ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
I always like Paul Brook’s work and I appreciate him as a teacher and mentalist, I just don’t think I am his target audience as I rarely perform for strangers, nor do I travel abroad.
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNm2W9lNFNw

​Title: Leap Of Faith                          
Publisher: Sans Minds
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 49 minutes

Type of effect:  Variation of Strange Travelers by Paul Harris

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Leap of faith creates a powerful connection between you and your spectator. SansMinds Creative Lab has modernized a classic plot and made it even more streamline and visual.

Imagine a thought of card, that only the spectator knows, visually vanishes in the performer's hand and reappears in the spectator's hand. No more complicated moves and you can quickly reset the effect.

When the effect is finished you will leave your spectator an impossible experience and a question in mind. How did you do it? This is Leap of Faith. Check out the trailer now to experience the impossible moment!
 
How accurate is the ad copy? This is basically the solution to ‘what would happen if the princess card trick and strange travelers had a baby?’
 
What's in the box?  DVD and a few needed supplies to build your gimmick.
 
How are the production values: Sans Minds always makes great DVDs, Jason is on the street doing the live performances – and Herman is back in the studio teaching you everything you need to know.
 
Is it well made: You make the gimmick, the reason it was not made for you is that it is very labor intensive. A good portion of this DVD is in gimmick constriction, be prepared to do a lot of arts and crafts.

Is it well taught: The entire first half of the DVD is gimmick construction and setup – the remainder is teaching you the routine.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  10 cards total including your “thick” gimmick.
 
Does it "play big?" If you’ve seen David Blaine perform strange travelers (un-gimmicked, I might add) then you’ve seen the reaction you can get from this effect.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: You will need to build a convincing gimmick that involves, cut, paste, tape, and card splitting.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) As always with thick gimmicked cards, your angles are the “lines” that get created by light and shadow – be wary of them.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
__X__ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
To be honest, I am terrible at gimmick building, glue gets everywhere and I can’t card split to save my life. At the end of the day $30 is too much for me for the amount of time and work that I still need to put into this bad boy.
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3ZMZ70cbDQ
 
 

Title: Mediations
Creator: James Went
Publisher: Big Blind Media
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 3 hours

Type of effect: Collection of sandwich and triumph routines

Manufacturer's Write Up: An incredible collection of close-up card routines, smooth sleight of hand techniques and interviews direct from the mind of the UK's James Went. 

James Went is best known as one of the stars of the Bafta award winning BBC TV magic show "Help, My Supply Teacher is Magic". Over three seasons, and thirty-nine episodes of the smash hit show, James demonstrated his relaxed, personable and engaging performance style. He is also a sought after consultant, having worked on the Discovery Channel show "Breaking Magic" with Wayne Houchin, BBC's "Killer Magic", and numerous major national theater productions. 

Meditations, his first major release, extends to over THREE hours of material, and features ten of James' absolute favorite card routines, in depth tutorials on twelve indispensable sleight of hand techniques and fascinating interviews. 

Learn just why so many professional magicians rate James so highly. Add his beautiful card work to your own repertoire and get a true insight into what it's like to work in TV magic in the modern era! 
 
How accurate is the ad copy? No deception
 
What's in the box?  Two DVDs
 
DISC 1  TRICKS -
Inevitable
Roy's Sandwich
For Krenzel
Conditional Triumph
SandIwich Thing
 
TECHNIQUES -
4 of A Kind Production I
4 of A Kind Production II
T.I.T Peek
T.I.T.T.I.E.S Peek
Top Card Production
Jack's Ginger Snap
Plus interviews

DISC 2 TRICKS -
Poker Con
Selected Daley
Broken Triumph
Collectors
Searchers
 
TECHNIQUES -
Spread Peek
Relaxed Pass
Thoughts on Controls I
Thoughts on Controls II
Spread Pass
Spread Half Pass
Plus More Interviews
 
How are the production values: BBM always makes great videos that are beautifully shot and contain very attractive spectators. This DVD uses the same sets we’ve seen in earlier Liam Montier releases.

Is it well taught: James is teaching the experienced card handler. He is not very patient if you’re new to the art. Plus with some of the more experienced sleights needed, I’d say this is for people who at an intermediate level.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____Very Satisfied
__X _ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
Most of the effects were variations on a theme – I think it’s nice to have 1 sandwich routine or 1 triumph routine in your arsenal, but I don’t need 4 or 5.
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOgeBIt-x4c
​

​Title: Finger Flasher
Creator: Jeremy Bracco
Publisher:
MSRP: $ 30
DVD Run time: 4:21
Type of effect:  Magic utility – fire producer

Manufacturer's Write Up:

BRACCO presents a gimmick that will become indispensable in your performances on stage or close-up. You can whenever you like produce a fireball in a dazzling flash! This accessory is invisible to the public and can very discreetly disappear once the production of your choice is made.

It is also possible to charge this Finger Flasher with air bursts for even more impressive productions. Made with quality materials, this accessory is beautifully crafted and can be used with cotton flash dry (not supplied). This Finger Flasher will accentuate all your productions and will highlight any effect!

NOTE: Video instructions ONLY available in French.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? Hard to say as I don’t speak French? I watched the instructions but was unsure what “charge with air bursts” means?
 
What's in the box?  Utility wrapped in tissue paper and a strand of elastic to make the pull.

Key points: is available in flesh tone or Black
 
How are the production values: chiefly it’s Jeremy Bracco walking through an abandoned building. No microphone was used and the camera angles were too wide most of the time.
 
Is it well made:  the device is well made – very sturdy – very thick plastic

Is it well taught: four minutes is extremely short, even for someone who has used the utility in the past. The camera shots were too far back for such a small device and the few times Jeremy gave you a close up shot, it was on screen for seconds and you can barely make out what he is trying to show you.
 
 My thoughts: The utility is good – but I wish more time was spent on the instructions (especially putting in a link to the video download would have been helpful and perhaps offering English subtitles.)
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  The utility fits in a resting palm and can be vanished using the “pull” technique.
 
Does it "play big?" Obviously, this is a utility and not a trick in itself. Chiefly flashers like this are used as part of a production and needs to be practiced for timing and effectiveness.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: this is not difficult to use.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? All you need to do is attach the elastic to the utility and your coat.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) while flashers are typically used more in a stage environment, there is no reason why this could not be used in a walk around or restaurant setting.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____Very Satisfied
___X__ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
Obviously, this utility works best with flash cotton / string, so best to add this to cart when you purchase.
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review:  

​Title: Decisions
Creator: Mozique      
Publisher: Alakazam
MSRP: $ 40
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 13 minutes

Type of effect:  “Yes” or “No” prediction cards

Manufacturer's Write Up:

From the creative mind of Mozique comes Decisions. An incredibly organic looking test of precognition. A simple yet unbelievable demonstration of predicting your spectators actions! Using two cards one with the word NO and the other with the word YES hand written on the face, you set your spectator some simple challenges. No matter which way your spectator decides to go you are always able to correctly predict the outcome.

Includes routines by Mozique, Peter Nardi, Looch, Ran Pink and Richard Bush.

Decisions is a self working mental miracle taking you back to what Mentalism should be, simple, direct & pure!  Each precision gimmick is beautifully hand made by the undisputed king of gaffed cards Rob Bromley. No Sleight of hand required as the special gimmick does all the hard work for you, leaving you to concentrate on the presentation!

Decisions is a utility item designed for the discerning mentalist and is limited only by your imagination! Decisions comes complete with gimmicks, training DVD and a PDF containing some serious killer routines.

• Custom hand made gimmick
• No sleight of hand
• No funny moves (only one card on the table)
• Totally examinable at the beginning and end of the effect
• No nail writing or dry wipe
• Instant reset
• No sticky cards, no magnets or R & S, no elastic or flaps
• Gimmick invisible even at close range
• Instantly reset for a repeat performance!

 
How accurate is the ad copy? The words “no sleight of hand” is always subjective. Obviously you have to do “something” in front of the spectator. Yes, there is a secret move you need to do and yes, you need to disguise it – and yes, it takes a little practice.
 
What's in the box?  DVD and three cards in an envelope

Key points: this effect was previously released 7 years ago in a very limited run and has not been available to the public for the last five.
 
How are the production values: There are live performances, but they are poorly shot and with no microphone so the audio is a little lacking. Mozique goes over all that you need to know, but it is very brief.
 
Is it well made: The prop is extremely well made. I am very impressed with it and am certainly going to make this an “always carry.”

Is it well taught: The stronger teaching is in the 44 page pdf. 


My thoughts While I do wish the video had been longer and had included some of these routines, an experienced magician could come with their own strong routines or add this prop to an existing trick very easily.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  This is a very “flat” packet trick – easily carried in a card wallet.
 
Does it "play big?" if this trick is good enough for Derren Brown, it’s good enough for me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs2_qU6pZfQ
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: this is a very easy to maneuver prop.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? none
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) This can be done as street magic or parlor with a table. It’s best to have a shirt pocket or upper jacket pocket for performance.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
   X     Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
Alakazam always puts out strong material, I am generally never disappointed with any of my purchases from them.
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn39yBydoCo
​

​Title: Any Shuffled Deck
Creator: Liam Montier
Publisher: Big Blind Media
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 10 tricks and each one is taught between 6 and 8 minutes

Manufacture's write up:

This is the ULTIMATE collection of totally impromptu, any shuffled deck in use, self-working card tricks ever! 

Every single routine featured can be done from a borrowed shuffled deck, with no sleight of hand or prior setup needed. Someone hands you a deck, and you'll be ready to fry their minds with TEN incredible self-working miracles. And these are NOT transparent, underwhelming tricks. Seriously impressive, reputation making magic. Self-working these routines may be, but they will still make you look like a card magic ninja! 

EVERY routine starts from a borrowed, shuffled deck in use. 
Zero sleight of hand required. 
Use ANY deck of cards. 
Be ready to perform anywhere, any time with any deck. 

What tricks are taught on the DVD?

Interstellar OOTW 
Mates 
Gemini Location 
Silly Questions 
Wheel of Fortune 
Jack's Poker 
Salto Triumph - a self working triumph effect? Worth the price of the DVD
Last to Turn Up 
Invisible Dice 
One Over the Eight

My two cents:

"You can’t go wrong with the combination of Big Blind Media and Liam Montier. Every magician needs a strong repertoire of self working effects and this DVD delivers."

Review video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2U7jSWED1

Title: Absolute Zero
Creator: Will and Adam Tsai (inspired by Adam Grace)
Publisher: SansMinds
MSRP: $ 85
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 45 minutes

Type of effect: Freeze items in your spectator’s hands

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
In 2009, magician Adam Grace introduced his very own choreography that made it possible to adapt a real science experiment into a magic performance. Inspired by Adam's prior work, is the newest addition to the SansMinds Pro Series: Absolute Zero; a devious DEVICE that took three years of development. It's designed to allow you to perform the scientific phenomenon with less restriction and more flexibility. It's like having a superhero power in your pocket that you can perform ANYTIME and ANYWHERE. 

Just imagine having the power to freeze objects in your spectator's hand with just a simple blow. 

Absolute Zero is a pocket size liquid nitrogen pressure container made with precise inner pressure point calculation. When triggered the contained liquid will go through a reversed valve that is designed to release the liquid nitrogen in liquid form. 

Bonus Special Feature: 
It is the perfect device to reset "Blossom by Will Tsai" on the go (or any memory metal). 
 
With this intricate device that's easily concealed in the palm of your hands, there is no complicated set-up, preparation, or choreography. It just sits in your pocket waiting for the right moment to shine. 

The best part is that the device doesn't do the magic for you. YOU do. 

You have complete control on when you want to cover the object in frost. 

Admit it, you've dreamed of having superpowers. Finally, a practical secret weapon that gives you a super hero power at your disposal. 

How accurate is the ad copy? It is not taught or recommended for the event to happen in your spectator’s hands. The process is too cold and your spectator will feel it.

What's in the box?
 
1. One Absolute Zero device 
2. Two connectors 
3. Online instructions on device usage, routines, tips, and much more 

How are the production values: SansMinds does make great DVDs with well produced visuals
 
Is it well made:  lots of months and several prototypes were built to make sure that you got the best device possible.

Is it well taught: Jason does a live performance and Will Tsai teaches this to you personally. Herman comes in the end for a “hack” modifier that might make your experience easier (I suggest you do the hack). It is well taught and they do give you some tips on it’s “flaws.”
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" in my opinion this a big clunky device, if you have issues ringing in – audience management - ditching and palming – this might not be for you.
 
Does it "play big?" Hard to say. I think SansMinds certainly has the “best audience reaction” in their videos. I think it has potential, but would need a great set up for the climax you want.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: the effect is not difficult, but the practice will be in your presentation and aim.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Only a little
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) It’s not real world ready – you are going to have to be in the right setting for this to work the way you want.

Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
__X__Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
The device was big,.. loud and …. More miss than hit for me, It’s a pass
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb5mIyctO1o