Hey look kids! I'm doing a magic trick... it's like looking at a solar eclipse or a unicorn.

Title: Multitude
Creator: Vincent Hedan
Publisher: System 6
MSRP: $ 40
Skill Level: beginner/intermediate
DVD Run time: 110 mins

Type of effect: 16 card tricks with a very unique gimmicked deck

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Multitude unveils the amazing principle of the Multieffect deck, a forgotten principle over 100 years old. You will learn 16 unbelievable routines that have been part of Vincent Hedan's professional repertoire for years. 

Chosen card's, thought-of card's, sandwiches, coincidences, Out of this World, estimation, card to wallet and many more effects are revealed: these classics of card magic are presented here with simple and direct methods. All these miracles are based on the same idea, the Multieffect deck, an ingenious principle allowing you to fool any audience and perform impossible effects. 

How accurate is the ad copy?

I don't know if the principle is "forgotten" I made one of these decks when I was in my twenties. Second, the add copy says it comes with "gimmicks" but in truth, what you get is a sealed deck of cards that you need to then modify with your own materials.

What's in the box?

DVD and deck of cards

Key points:

You can shuffle the deck and it will still be ready to perform. The deck can be handed out for examination; and there is no Memorization work needed.

How are the production values:

Well shot, lots of angles, teaching and live performances are all shot together in the same studio. Doesn't leave you wanting.

Is it well made: Could not be made any better - and easy to replicate

Is it well taught: Yes, Vincent is a patient teacher, easy to follow and listen to.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I loved that this trick deck is more than a one hit wonder, it's on the same level as a tapered deck, there is literally THAT MUCH you could do with it.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

Single deck of cards

Does it "play big?"


Absolutely, these tricks are bombshells!

How practical is this in the real world?



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=hz1CvTADy58

Title: Dissolve
Creator: Francis Menotti
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: all skill levels
DVD Run time: 110 min (1 hour 12)

Type of effect:  Card trick: Triumph

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Finally, one of the best tricks of all time gets a MASSIVE upgrade. Top Pro, Francis Menotti stunned all of us when he slowly and visually made us rethink everything we know about Triumph. 

If you aren't aware, the Triumph plot has been hailed as one of the most powerful card tricks of all time. Dissolve takes the most striking card trick in history and puts a visual moment on it that you have to see to believe. Dissolve is always ready to go at your fingertips, a loaded weapon ready to fire at any moment. 

Expert training, handling, and routine by Francis Menotti, a full time professional magician since 2000, Francis has over 30 years' experience in magic. Whether entertaining on six-star cruise lines, U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls or your intimate private events, Francis consistently impresses. With Dissolve, Francis is ready to teach you the trick that gets him the big gigs, time and time again.

How accurate is the ad copy?

Very accurate

What's in the box? DVD and a full deck of cards

Key points:

Perfect for strolling performers - "No reset" routine included! Plus a BONUS effect, "To Market" included.

How are the production values:

HD, well taught, and a lot of attention given to this single effect

Is it well made:

Full gimmicked deck Included in Standard Red Bicycle from US Playing Card Company

Is it well taught:

Nice easy pace and Francis' voice is easy to listen to and understand. Gives full credit where credit is due - lots of angles and attention to detail.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I love that this is a gimmicked triumph effect, I know you can do a triumph with a standard deck, but this little addition that Francis makes takes it to a whole new level.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  

Only the size of a single deck of cards

 Does it "play big?"

The triumph is a classic of magic and can certainly wow an audience.

How practical is this in the real world?

While this deck is a "one hit wonder" and there is some reset involved, Francis gives the working magician some ideas to perform this effect with no reset whatsoever.

How original is this idea? 

The triumph effect is 100 years old and the gimmick deck is also very close to a few other trick decks, but the marriage of the two that Francis has devised is what sets this apart from all the rest

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=SdhHYO9-zdk

Title: SansMinds Worker's Series: Pasteboard
Creator: Sans Minds Magic
Publisher: Sans Minds Magic
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: intermediate
DVD Run time: 53 mins

Type of effect: Card tricks for the working professional

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Pasteboard from the SansMinds Worker's Series is a project designed to serve the working magicians. Every piece in this card magic collection is selected with the highest standard considering its commercial value, practicality, angles, and the venue these effects cater to. The effects range from close up, strolling situations, to live feed with a projection system. 

1. Tap Change- A full card color change in the spectators' open palm! [Close-up / Strolling] 

2. Tear - A two card transposition effect designed for direct interaction with the spectator. [Strolling / Close up] 

3. Take - A pip moving card effect designed for TV or stage with live feed projection. 

4. Mouth - An open prediction with a twist. A joker changes to a signed card all the way up in the magician's mouth. [Close-up / Strolling] 

5. Move - Visually linking two hearts drawn with a sharpie on a SIGNED card right underneath the signature. [TV / Close-up / Strolling] 

How accurate is the ad copy?

Very accurate

What's in the box?

53 minute DVD and a single gimmick

Key points:

5 strong effects, all keepers, no fillers

How are the production values:

Great, all shot in HD, great camera views, well taught, everything you'd expect from SansMinds

Is it well made: Yes

Is it well taught:

This is the first time I have seen Jason teach a SansMinds video, he's very soft spoken and his accent is thick, but I don't think it detracts from the teaching.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that they took their time with five effects rather than cram the disc full of filler and throw always. You get almost an hour of solid instruction and if cards are your thing, there is easily something here for you.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

Just card tricks

Does it "play big?"

These are all TV ready effects.  These are not the card tricks from the 1900s, or from the back of Boys Life magazines, all five of these tricks are stunners and highly commercial.


How practical is this in the real world? 

While some of these effects are easy to get into a few of them do take some advanced setup.

Overall score: 9/10

+ 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=6Vj-tfP_vD4

Title: Tremble
Creator: Magician Anonymous
Publisher: Magician Anonymous
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: beginner / intermediate
DVD Run time: 11 minutes

Type of effect: Appearing or changing ink effect

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Technology today is at its peak in amazing feats and is only getting more impressive, so it's hard to sway the average heckler with a simple snap change. When technology can do so many extraordinary things, how do you make people open their eyes in disbelief at something? 

All that is about to change, as Tremble will cause your audience members to do a double take in amazement. You will be able to make any prediction, drawing, or ink slowly appear and vibrate on a card with no sleight of hand - as if the ink had a mind of its own. There are no flaps, magnets, angles, or thick cards to worry about. It's a single card that you can then hand out later.

How accurate is the ad copy?

It's just accurate enough to be "technically true." There is sleight of hand involved, especially if you want to hand the card out.  Yes, you can hand out a single card... but the gimmick is NOT a single card as the add copy "implies."

What's in the box?

11 minute DVD, 2 gimmicks and materials to make more.

Key points: Very easy to do, highly visual and extremely simple.

How are the production values:

There is one camera angle, several studio presentations, but no live performance. Performer is wearing black gloves and a dinner jacket and the voice over sounds like a tour guide to a Haunted House.

Is it well made: Very well made gimmick. Very sturdy.

Is it well taught:

Lots of ideas are given, but most of the DVD is devoted to constructing the gimmick as each gimmick you make will only have 1 reveal. Lots of ideas and creativity is tossed around, but not a lot of time devoted to patter and presentation.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that it was very imaginative and very out of the box thinking.  

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  Yes, it can be kept in a card wallet.

 Does it "play big?" 

I think the spectator will certainly see something new and outside of the box. It's all in the presentation. 

How practical is this in the real world?

This isn't an easy gimmick to carry around or get into. It's very delicate.

How original is this idea?

The idea of using the utility to make images appear and vibrate is unique, however, the utility itself has been around a while.

Overall score: 6/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: http://www.murphysmagic.com/Product.aspx?id=55304

Title: 50fifty
Creator: Brian Kennedy
Publisher: World Magic Shop
MSRP: $ 38
Skill Level: beginner/intermediate
DVD Run time: 42 minutes

Type of effect: Sawing a card in half

Manufacturer's Write Up:
A freely selected card is signed and then placed into a card case.
Two other cards are used as blades and used to divide the card case in half.

In a moment of pure close up theater the box is parted leaving a visual work of art for your spectators to take in. 

The card is signed and inside the box throughout! 
Everything can be immediately examined.

How accurate is the ad copy?

I have seen where it says "gimmick included." And that's not fair. This is more of a prop than a gimmick, second you need to build the prop yourself, and third you have to purchase more materials to build the prop. When you say "gimmick included" it feels like everything comes ready to go.

What's in the box?

42 minute DVD and some of the materials you will need to build the prop

Key points:

After the effect, everything can be examined - prop box, and signed card, no switching and no ditching.

How are the production values:

Moderate - live performances filmed in a bar, studio performances filmed at Brian's flat? Low light levels, some good close up shots. 20 minutes of the DVD is solely devoted to building the prop.

Is it well made:

You build the prop, so it's as "well made" as you make it.

Is it well taught:

Brian does go over all of the handling and you get to see his patter in the live performances.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that Brian took a traditional stage effect and brought it down to the spectator's field of view. This kinda reminded me of a Jay Sankey effect "the folding deck"

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

It's a card box with a few embellishments, that's all there is.

Does it "play big?"


 I think it's a good puzzle to see live and will certainly leave your spectator's scratching their heads.


How practical is this in the real world?



I felt the handling (or maybe it's the construction) was a little "clumsy" even Brian fumbles with it in the live performances.

How original is this idea?

Granted it's a classic stage illusion, and yes there are other "split" or "halved" decks on the market - but Brian has done a good job creating a neat effect with a lot of surprise value built in.

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=ZosQ2_HmaF4

Title: Hacked
Creator: Brian Kennedy
Publisher: World Magic Shop
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 31 minutes

Type of effect:

Jumping ink, spectator's signature jumps back and forth between two cards.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

One of Ireland's leading creators - Brian Kennedy has finally released the work on his signature routine - HACKED The spectator clearly signs a playing card before their signature visually jumps onto a totally different card. Cause a spectator's signature to transfer from one card to another whilst it is held in their own hands! 

The signature vanishes from the first card and appears on a completely different card - before making the return journey for a kicker ending! 

DVD and custom gimmick included.

How accurate is the ad copy? 100%

What's in the box?  DVD and 1 gimmick

Key points:

DVD teaches how to build the effect as well as use it.

How are the production values:

Moderate. The DVD has nice HD close up shots, but seated performance shots have a colored wash to them like they were not shot with enough light.

Is it well made:

The gimmick is well constructed.

Is it well taught:

Brian teaches you everything you need to know, and he even gives you 2 live performances in a real world setting.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that this is highly visual with a great kicker ending, plus it's nice to have an effect that works with 2 spectator's instead of just one.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

The gimmick is a single gimmick that will fit easily into your deck, or fit snug in a card wallet.

Does it "play big?"

I think the visual of a spectator's signature leaping off the card and then back again is a real brain scratcher and has the potential to fry someone if performed correctly.

How practical is this for the working professional?

The gimmick could fit in your card box with your other cards (if you were willing to carry less than a full deck). I'd then perform this trick first, ditch the gimmick and go into some other effects. 

How original is this idea?

Of course thee are plenty of jumping ink and shifting ink effects and I think most of us are used to signatures jumping from the backs of cards, Brian has devised a great little miracle that allows the spectator to witness the signature jumping from the face of the card that adds a nice twist to this classic plot.

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=SaYmOPX_QXM

Title: Bandwidth       
Creator: Greg Wilson
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $ 40
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 35 minutes

Type of effect: Close up - feats of strength - Ring stretching

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Gregory Wilson's BANDWIDTH is his latest seemingly impromptu miracle that allows you to borrow a spectator's finger ring and stretch it out like soft taffy. You then morph and manipulate the metal back to its previous circular form. 

As if that weren't enough, you slowly squeeze the ring at your fingertips until both sides touch. To finish, you restore their flattened wedding band with a Ninja-like stab of your finger -- in mid air! 

The stunned spectator takes the ring off your finger to find everything, except their mind, back in its original condition. 

Since people have such strong and emotional connections to their precious metal, that's why BANDWIDTH is so visually jarring and insanely unforgettable.

How accurate is the ad copy?

Well written, this is what takes place.

What's in the box?

Two gimmicks, a size 11 men's ring, a url and passcode and some other "stuff."

Key points:

The gimmicks included allow you to stretch a borrowed silver or gold ring. This is easy to do even with short sleeves, setup is fast and easily resets.

How are the production values:

Great! All shot in HD, nice clean performance areas, multiple live and studio performances as well as several tips, performance angles and ideas.

Is it well made:

Precision made, laser cut gimmicks.

Is it well taught:

Greg Wilson is wonderful. He is clear and patient and goes over things several times so that you "get it."

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that this can be a multi-phase routine, Greg has really thought this whole thing through and he is giving you lots to work with.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

You wear everything on your person, completely unseen and unhindered.

Does it "play big?"

If you go with the "borrowed ring" routine, I think this has great potential.

How practical is this in the real world?

There are other like magic utilities that are used very similarly in performances, both in parlor and walk-around.

How original is this idea?

I have seen metal bending routines and coin stretching routines, but never a finger ring stretching idea, nor have I seen a utility like this - very creative!

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=f_LyTmhC-Qk

Title: Split Second
Creator: Nicholas Lawrence
Publisher: Sans Minds Magic
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 33 mins

Type of effect: close up - money magic - card magic - Flat object to 3D object

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Imagine being able to pull out a SINGLE bill from your wallet.  Give it a twirl. 
The bill turns into a full deck of cards!

A perfect opener for any card routines. Wow your audience even before the routine starts. This is Split Second.

Gimmick included. 

How accurate is the ad copy?

It's not fair to say that the "gimmick" is included if you have to build it yourself and supply your own currency & card box.

What's in the box?

33 Mind DVD and some of the materials needed to build the gimmick

Key points:

Any type of flat paper currency can be used, trick can even be modified to become "other types" of small boxes.

How are the production values:

Herman from Sans Minds teaches the effect, it's well shot, done in high definition, lots of great views in a clean and uncluttered performance studio.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked the visual aspect to it - certainly is a kicker opener, be sure to have a trick to go into from here as the tuck case will now have a lot of heat on it.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

It's just the tuck case, and your cards can still fit inside of it after the modifications.

Does it "play big?"

It's a wonderful opener, great for people who do card magic, but don't do money magic. "What was I thinking... I do card magic" (BAM!)

How practical is this in the real world? 

This takes some awkward setup, and has to be done right away. You can't hang out with your friends for an hour in "ready position."

How original is this idea?

Great idea, perfect for the card magician looking for something new or a little extra pow before their routine begins. It should be noted that this trick looks similar to CASH BOX from Jessie Feinberg

Overall score: 9/10

 + If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4NxV35vzJk

Title: Badge
Creator: Alexis De La Fuente and Sebastien Calbry
Publisher: World Magic Shop          
MSRP: $ 45
Skill Level: Beginner/intermediate
DVD Run time: 28 minutes

Type of effect: Card trick , Moving ink effect, written prediction changes.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

For the first time ever Sebastien Calbry and Alex De La Fuente have created a card that changes without the need for touch.  Any design drawn onto the back of a playing card changes instantly and yet totally under your control. You can use the BADGE gimmick to change open prediction or enhance incredible productions right at your fingertips before handing the card out for examination. 

How accurate is the ad copy? Very close, this is what happens.

What's in the box?   DVD, 1 gimmick

Key points:

Very original and visual, the effect happens quickly and has instant reset.

How are the production values:

Well shot instruction, titles have repeating bumpers, performer "John" from World Magic Shop is standing in a static "black" teaching environment and the instructions do give you several ideas. But the background music can get a little annoying.

Is it well made:

Gimmick is very well made

Is it well taught:

Most of the 28 minutes is devoted to gimmick construction and repair, so it's a lot of arts-n-crafts. There are some live and studio performances, but there is very little "set up" instruction. Wearing the necklace gimmick is shown against a piece of fabric (to simulate your own shirt) but there was no live demo of placing it on a real person.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that this is highly original and it places a new twist on the "got it wrong the first time" plot.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

All you need is the hanging reveal card and the ball chain that goes around your neck.

Does it "play big?"

It's highly visual and lightning fast, so it can spark a cool reaction from people.

How practical is this in the real world? 

There was no actual teaching of - putting on the gimmick, or of wearing the gimmick in public, my guess is because it's a little awkward.

How original is this idea?

This is a new twist on the "got your prediction wrong" scenario.  To be fair Alexis has a very similar effect called FRAME

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=XsCa56WN2Nk