Title: VIBE
Creator: Bob Solari
Publisher: Murphy's Magic Supplies
MSRP: $ 20   
Skill Level: Beginner
DVD Run time: 36 minutes

Type of effect:

Four effects from Bob Solari using a modern approach to an ancient card system.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

The Jersey Devil Bob Solari is at it again. With his latest project VIBE, Solari gives YOU a chance to offer a set of real miracles to your audience. Utilizing a very under used technique, you will be able to perform a huge array of modern miracles, without using ANY sleight of hand! 

How accurate is the ad copy? Totally accurate!

What's in the box? 36 minute DVD

Key points:

Completely self working, easy to perform, no skill required and it is easily adaptable into routines you're already doing.

How are the production values: Great - wonderful Murphy's Magic product

Is it well taught:

Bob does a great job teaching both with his method and with the creative tricks that he includes. Multiple angle DVD, more than one spectator, shot in high definition and more than enough content to inspire you on to effects of your own.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that Bob was able to take a very ancient approach to card magic and modify it for a modern audience. His teaching style is easy to follow and he makes the magic fun to perform.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  Only uses a single deck of playing cards.

Does it "play big?"

I think these effects do play big, especially when you opt to do them blindfolded (which you can).

How practical is this in the real world?

While this is a system to gimmick-ize your deck. Your deck is still fully functional and usable as a standard deck for any of your favorite card tricks.

How original is this idea?

Let me stress, the "type" of deck that Bob has gimmicked is not new, in fact it's been around for generations, but it's the way in which Bob has packaged these effects with his own rendition of this gimmick that gives it the "vibe" flair.

Overall score: 8/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iDSQUjv2qI

Title: Wishbone
Creator: Paul Harris & Bro Gilbert
Publisher: Paul Harris Presents
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: beginner / intermediate
DVD Run time: 21 mins

Type of effect: Two coffee stir sticks meld together into a solid piece right in front of the spectator's eyes.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

An impossible souvenir with two wood coffee stirrers. They can even be signed! Snap off two ends, put them in her hand. The two initialed pieces impossibly melt into a single seamless "wishbone"...which she can keep forever and ever.  Be a Star at Starbucks...or wherever you hang out for coffee. 

How accurate is the ad copy?

It says "perform surrounded" and the "happy easy handling" is virtually angle proof, but the "advanced handling" is not angle proof.  I prefer the advanced handling because it seems a little more natural.  

What's in the box?

40 gimmicks and a URL and code to download the needed video

Key points:

Very easy to do, Completely self-contained with no palming or switches

How are the production values:

Great! Shot in HD, multiple performances, lots of great ideas and handlings and terrific camera angles.

Is it well made:

It could not be "made" any better.

Is it well taught:

Absolutely, you can't go wrong.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

It packs as "flat" as two coffee stir sticks

Does it "play big?"

Like most of Paul Harris' effects, what the audience witnesses is an impossible scenario, so with the right set up, this could play super big and best of all, the spectator's get to keep the souvenir.

How practical is this in the real world?


Probably works best in the right environment (restaurant / coffee shop) and even then, there is some "under the table" set up.

How original is this idea?

Of course there are tricks where objects meld together or through each other, but the fact that your spectators get to sign the items, and then keep them... makes this a pretty one of a kind effect.

Overall score: 10/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4m2SibULdQ

Title: Unboxing
Creator: Nicholas Lawrence
Publisher: Sans Minds Magic
MSRP: $20
Skill Level: beginner/intermediate
DVD Run time: 53 minutes

Type of effect: Card trick, Disappearing Tuck Case

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Still looking for the perfect opener? Look no further. THIS IS IT! From the mind of Nicholas Lawrence, Unboxing is the ultimate visual box vanishing effect that leads right into your card effects.  Start your magic with a bang. Wow you audience even BEFORE your routine starts. Words can't describe how magical this looks. You don't want to miss this.

How accurate is the ad copy?

Very accurate, it's hard to describe how clean and how magical this looks. However, in the video they make it look like the box can be seen from all sides, and for the most part, that is untrue.

What's in the box?

DVD with almost an hour of teaching AND the necessary "pieces" to construct your own gimmick. You'll still need cutting instruments and about 30 minutes to build it.

How are the production values:

Shot in HD, lots of vantage points and tons of extras, everything you'd expect from a SansMinds project.

Is it well taught:

Extremely, for how fast and quick the effect is, it's overly covered how to present this effect, not to mention that almost 20 minutes of the DVD is devoted entirely to step-by-step gimmick instructions.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

This is one of those effects, like I said above, that looks like real magic when performed well. This is a certified jaw dropper.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

Very flat, in fact.. the gimmick is as flat as they come.

Does it "play big?"

I think if you set it up, make sure you have everyone's attention and they know something magical is about to happen, you have one amazing little opener. The downside is I think because some people might not be expecting anything to happen until the cards come out, you run the risk of some people "missing it."

How practical is this?

Cards still need a card box to carry them in. I have not tried to carry my cards around like this in the ready position, but I feel I would still need a real card box to protect them.

How original is this idea?

A vanishing or transforming tuck case is certainly not original, but I have had a few others and I have to say THIS is the BEST one I have ever owned.

Overall score: 10/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m3dCv0GNZc

Title: 7 Remastered   
Creator: Lyndon Jugalbot
Publisher: Skymember Presents
MSRP: $30
Skill Level: intermediate/advanced
DVD Run time: 38 minutes

Type of effect:

Seven effects (mostly card tricks) involving animations, transformations and levitations.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

This is a collection of Lyndon's signature effects.  Lyndon will sharing his 7 powerful effects in a single DVD. This DVD comes with the necessary props so you can make the gimmicks without worrying the materials.

How accurate is the ad copy?

The ad copy is strictly a description of the effects, so it's straight forward accurate.

What's in the box?

DVD and a small manila envelope with the necessary gimmicks to build the effects.

Key points:

You do get seven ideas for effects and all the components you need to build them. The effects do play strong if performed well and they all have a very "modern" presentation.

How are the production values:

Poor. The DVD is shot with no audio and it looks like it was made with Windows Movie maker.

Is it well made:

All of the gimmicks/gaffs are presented for you to build. There are a lot of arts and crafts with this DVD that require everything from tin snips to sewing.

Is it well taught:

Not really. All of the instruction is done in sub text on the screen and any sleights needed are only mentioned, but not taught. The viewer is expected to know how to do a double lift, double undercut, control a card to the top and so forth.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I never like "arts-n-crafts" magic. I am not patient with cutting or gluing and I would rather pay for my gimmicks to be made for me. That said, there are just too many gimmicks to include in this presentation and so that's why it's left to you to build your own.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

All of the gimmicks or devices you build are all flat and can easily be palmed or ditched. But they are also built with materials that will need to be replaced over time.

 Does it "play big?"

All of these effects are very "Street Magic" and involve either an animation or a transformation and so that said, I think that each of these effects has great potential.

How practical is this in the real world?

Again, not very. All of these tricks are very gimmicky and involve unseen apparatus.

How original is this idea?

I think these effects are very original in design, but not concept.

Overall score: I would give this an 8 for the effects, but a 6/10 for the DVD and the teaching.

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iohqxdpg9Yc

Title: Out of Sight - Out of Your Mind
Creator: Gary Jones
Publisher: Magic Tao
MSRP: $35
Skill Level: beginner/intermediate
DVD Run time: 21 minutes

Type of effect:

Gary has created a practically self-working variation on Dai Vernon's "Out of Sight, Out of Mind"

Manufacturer's Write Up:

The Magician takes a deck of cards and fans them in front of a spectator. They are asked to merely look at, and think of ANY card whilst the magician turns away. Once they have a card in mind, the magician closes the deck and turns back around. With NO questions asked, the Magician deals down to the thought of card.  No guesswork, Forces, Peeks, No Breaks held, the perfect effect for the working professional! 

How accurate is the ad copy?

Fairly accurate, but I take issue with the question, "And with no questions asked..." because even if you watch the advertisement, you hear Gary ask the spectator "what was your card?" Even in the reveal part of the video where Gary says he'll do the effect with no questions.. he asks a question. So there is always a little fishing involved, but it's very subtle.

What's in the box?

DVD and a trick deck in Bicycle stock

Key points:

Great piece of mental magic that you can perform with one or two spectators.

Is it well made:

Trick deck is a Bicycle stock deck and the DVD is everything you'd expect from Magic Tao.

Is it well taught:

DVD includes a live performance, and several studio performances, plus you are given presentations for 2 spectators or 1.Very well taught, Gary makes it very easy for you to perform with only a minimal amount of things to remember.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that this seems like a mental miracle. Not much dialogue is exchanged between the performer and the spectator and with someone who is fluent in false cuts and card handling, this effect has the potential to be a real stunner.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

Just a deck of cards, nothing else

Does it "play big?"

Mentalism and cards always has the potential to play big and I think with the right amount of set up, this is could be a monster effect.

How practical is this effect?

This deck is a one hit wonder and is not useful for other tricks.

How original is this idea?

Admittedly this is a borrowed effect from Dai Vernon's "Out of Sight, out of Mind" and it's married together with a "classic" trick deck that is not used so much in Magic anymore. I think a lot of Magicians have "forgotten" about this deck because audiences have gotten smarter and its secret is not very well "hidden," but Gary has a great new idea to work around it and bring this classic deck back to life.

Overall score: 8/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cyWxdMCkhw

Title: Fair Play
Creator: Steve Haynes
Publisher: Paul Harris Presents
MSRP: $ 40
Skill Level: beginner/intermediate
DVD Run time: 35:42

Type of effect:

New take on Eddy Corbuzier's "FREE WILL" plot. The performer allows the spectator to make three free choices only to find out that the Magician predicted in advance what all three outcomes would be.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Hanging from your keychain is a clear photo holder. Locked inside is a scrap of paper with a secret message. Your spectator holds the keychain message in her hands.  You then borrow ANY business card, ANY coin and ANY dollar bill.  Your Spectator FAIRLY places ANY one of the three objects in HER Pocket. It's a completely free choice.  She then FAIRLY gives you ANY one of the other two objects to hold in YOUR hand.  She keeps the third FAIRLY CHOSEN object in her hand...NO Forces. Her choices are FREE. She can change her mind as many times as she wants! 

THE KEY CHAIN PREDICTION SHE'S BEEN HOLDING THE ENTIRE TIME IS THEN READ: IT'S 100% ACCURATE! 

How accurate is the ad copy?

Extremely accurate, this is a seemingly fair effect with not a single shady element.

What's in the box?

DVD, the "fair play" gimmick and a single sheet of insructions.

Key points:

The Fair Play Gimmick is Completely Self-Contained and Self-Working. 

How are the production values:

On par with all of Paul Harris' other projects. Easily looks like it could have been a par of the True Astonishment series, I think Bro Gilbert is even in the same location wearing the same clothes!

Is it well made:

Steve Haynes & Uday Jaduga have made a brand new gimmick I have never seen before in all my 20 years as a magician.  The utility is convincing, sturdy and very examinable.

Is it well taught:

Like all of Paul Harris' products, this is a well put together item. Clear performance and explanations, multiple outs taught including additional thoughts and ideas - PLUS Andrew Gerard offers a really awesome presentation at the end of this.
_
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that this is an easy miracle. I love things that seemingly look and feel impossible, but are incredibly easy to do. The utility literally does all of the work for you. If you can remember a few simple directions, you'll be performing this SAME DAY!

The "reset" on this is a little knacky and could take getting used to, but that's just me, maybe I need to play with it a bit more. But the creator's obviously know about it to, since they included extra instructions on how to work around it.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

Attach this to your key ring and take it everywhere you go!

Does it "play big?"

This is an amazing piece of impossible mentalism, if you know how to wind up this punch, it'll deliver knock-outs for you.

How practical is this effect in the real world?

Very organic, couldn't be an easier device to carry with you and the items involved are also very easily acquired.

How original is this idea?

As stated above, it's a new coat of paint on an older plot, but the gimmick itself - is very original.

Overall score: 10/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njN_pVg7wQE

Title: Oracle
Creator: Titanas
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $10
Skill Level: beginner/intermediate
DVD Run time: 20 minutes

Type of effect:

Magician finds the "mate" of a spectator's freely selected card using elimination.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

A shrouded, classic card magic concept was reborn as Titanas transformed this concept, short-cutted all of the most tedious elements and ended up with a simplified, easy, yet incredibly powerful card effect that can be used anytime, any deck anywhere. 

How accurate is the ad copy?

Very straight forward, that is exactly what happens.

What's in the box?

Just a DVD

Key points:

Predict any thought of card and use any borrowed deck.

How are the production values:

Great! Full unedited performance! Multiple angles used in the reveal, shot in HD, great location with lots of ideas offered.

Is it well taught: 

Very well taught, Titanas is an amazing magician who understands exactly how to get his ideas across.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked the fact that this is a straight forward card trick, just a deck is used and nothing else, plus it has the potential to look like "real magic" as opposed to the performer just appearing very good at card manipulation. I disliked the fact that this is a "math" effect, granted it's not hard... but I am not a good math person.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

All you use for this effect is a deck of cards.

How practical is this in the real world? Does it "play big?"

This effect plays very big, especially if you do the FULL effect and offer to show it to two people.  If you learn to do this effect quickly (which will take practice) this has the potential to be a "magician fooler."

How original is this idea?

This is a simple plot, of the magician finding your card, when I first saw it, I actually thought it was a modified version of the 21 effect. But it's not.

Overall score: 8/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imwjoaZJLUY

Title: Tab Test
Creator: Wayne Fox
Publisher: World Magic Shop
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate 
DVD Run time: 18 mins

Type of effect:

"Book Test" style effect, but using the tab on the tuck case as your list of force words.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Wayne Fox, creator of Secret Soldier, Safe Keeping & Flick Drift presents: TAB TEST - a mind reading effect that you are guaranteed to carry, always.  Perfectly organic and expertly taught, TAB Test is an easy way to transition from your card magic into amazing mentalism without missing a beat!  The unique gimmicks included means there is no fishing involved and the effect is very easy to perform!

How accurate is the ad copy?

Fairly true to life. Yes, there is no fishing in the reveal stage, but there is some "guidance" as to how the spectator chooses the reveal word. The front of the DVD says "your spectator thinks of ANY word on the tab..." which isn't entirely true.

What's in the box?

DVD and 4 gimmicks (2 red/ 2 blue)

Key points:

A very simple mentalist routine, easily learned in minutes and performable with minimal preparation.

How are the production values:

Music in the background is kind of busy, tends to be annoying while trying to listen to a Magician with a thick accent. DVD is shot with a few vantage points, mostly in a living room performing on a coffee table.

Is it well made:

DVD and gimmicks are well made.

Is it well taught:

You learn everything you need to know. Wayne spends 17 minutes giving you the handling, patter and a few bonus ideas.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that this can be a mini-mentalism routine that you can slip in between card tricks, it's a "card trick" that uses a different aspect of the playing cards that people don't normally think about, which I think will make it very memorable.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

Very flat, the gimmick can easily be palmed in your hand and is smaller than a playing card.

How practical is this in the real world? Does it "play big?"

The gimmick can fit right inside your card case, so you can always be prepared to do it alongside any card trick. I think the effect has the potential to "play bigger" than it feels provided the right tone is set.

How original is this idea?

This effect was previously released as Thought Process by Merchant of Magic and Wayne Fox which you can still buy for $17

Overall score: 8/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl3MWRtgVeU

Title: Counterfeit
Creator: Daniel Meadows
Publisher: Magic World
MSRP: $ 24.94
Skill Level: easy to moderate
DVD Run time: 17 min

Type of effect:

"This or That" style effect, where the spectator selects 2 cards from a list of fake movie titles (which are also fake book titles) and it's later revealed that you knew what the spectator would select.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Six cards. Two free spectator choices. One mental miracle! The name may be COUNTERFEIT but the reactions are REAL!  Counterfeit is a handling of a packet trick from the devious mind of Stephen Tucker, with an adapted presentation by Daniel Meadows. 

How accurate is the ad copy?

It's fairly accurate, there were a few things that I didn't agree with, first it says "can be done without a table" and while I am sure that this is true, Daniel didn't give you an example of that. I am sure you could fan six cards for a spectator and then place the discards in a pocket, but I think this trick lends itself better to table magic. Second, it says "no memory work" that's a tall claim, when I think any trick you do requires you to "remember" how the effect goes, but even beyond that once the spectator makes their selections it is up to you to "remember" what to do next. So there is some sleight memory work involved, but nothing to daunting.

What's in the box?

DVD and 6 custom printed cards for your packet trick.

Key points:

Despite the spectator making both choices, you can show that they were successful in selecting the 2 cards that are different! Easy to do! Resets instantly! Works every time!

How are the production values:

The DVD only two vantage points, an explanation view and a performance view. Daniel is standing at a table in front of a green screen.

Is it well made:

If you watch the advertisement Daniel is standing in front of a big sign that says "custom printed Bicycle cards" in addition when he performs the effect on camera - he is using Bicycle cards, but you will not receive Bicycle cards for your effect. These cards are not USPCC branded. They are ok as far as packet trick cards go, but they are a lesser grade stock and finish.

Is it well taught:

Daniel does a good job teaching the routine and the one sleight you need to know for the effect. (elmsley count)

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked the fact that Daniel tries to make the effect current by using movie titles that sound similar to movies that would be on the shelves now. That said, it kind of "dates" the effect, which is fine, but it bears noting

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

Yes, only the six cards are used and those can easily be carried in a close up wallet.

How practical is this in the real world? Does it "play big?"

I think a trick like this has the potential to play big if you can pitch it more of a "mental miracle" and less like a "I knew what you'd pick" kind of effect. There is an element of equivocate and it would be a good idea to somehow disguise that part and enter some deception in so that the spectator forgets that part.

How original is this idea?

As stated in the add copy this is a "Stephen Tucker" marriage of two of his effects. Daniel is only marketing his "adapted presentation" so it's very possible you already own or know a "this n that" style effect already.

Overall score: 8/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58PcgJrED9s