Title: Dream Act
Creator: Shin Lim
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $ 200
Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
DVD Run time: 2 hours and 43 minutes

Type of effect: Award winning magic routine

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
In the 2015 FISM World Championships of Magic in Rimini Italy, Shin Lim was crowned the FISM World Champion of Close Up Card Magic. 2 weeks after Shin was featured on Pen & Tellers Fool Us, he immediately became a worldwide phenomenon, his YouTube video being viewed millions of times in just under a week. This was all because of his Dream Act.

The Dream Act is much more than a mere "trick". The Dream Act transcends the act of trying to fool a spectator, into becoming an artistic expression.

In this 3.5 hour long tutorial, Shin Lim reveals every aspect of the Dream Act. Not only does he teach every effect, method and action but goes much deeper by delving into the concepts of atmosphere, timing, theory, music, and movements in creating a silent synchronized (non-speaking) routine.

To date this is Shin Lim's most prized performance piece, a creation that took over six years to develop, and it can now be yours to learn.

Learn the Magic Behind the Magic...
This product is limited and will never be reprinted due to keeping this routine exclusive to only a few magicians.

How accurate is the ad copy?
 
It can be performed live. The version sold is basically the Fool Us version with a couple upgrades, which aren't very useful in a live performance, but he does give alternates. There are more gimmicks to be bought or made than I had anticipated. And I, for one, can imagine that some parts that could be learned and performed without doing the whole act. 
 
If you have a reliable classic force, you can perform the routine much more easily than Shin teaches it, but you can never miss or you'll have a disaster on your hands. 

It's definitely not a routine that you watch a couple times and then you can do it. There is a lot of content, and much of it is specific to the routine. Knowing its secrets, I actually like the routine better, now. There is even some misdirection in it that is specifically designed to mess with the heads of magicians.

What's in the box? All gimmicks are included (including: custom smoke gimmicks for card + smoke to mouth) Assembly is required. DVD has over 3.5 hours of in-depth teaching. Also included are the USB charger + 90mah automated battery + 1 atomizer strength (0mg) PLUS A BONUS: Download Video of "SSS" the 2015 Edition
 
How are the production values: I've owned a few Shin Lim products and this is hands down my favorite video and I wish more creators would make videos like this, there is so much I liked about this - from having a fellow creator give his comments has Shin Lin taught the routine, to ending with Shin Lim give director's commentary about his own "Fool Us" routine.
 
Is it well made: You get some quality products with this, however, I sort of wished you got just a little bit "more" for your money. I would have included an entire deck with box in this that consisted of half double facers and half blank cards (but that's just me)

Is it well taught: Very well taught, Shin goes over this over and over until you get it. He covers more bases than an aggressive short stop.  In fact, I loved this video so much because it really teaches how to craft a routine, not to mention how to incorporate effects together into a working cohesive story.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):  Now, I feel that this whole act is worthy of study of anyone who really wants to learn on how to build an act and put it together, learn some new moves and routining to add to your work, and in some cases, even people that want to take on the task of learning the act in its entirety, I feel that the asking price is right, since you are getting a lot of value for lots of advice. 
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" Uh no, in fact to do this routine in it's entirety you need to be loaded for bear. You need to be strapped in. You need pretty much everything you saw Shin do in his act. The Dream Act is like a Darcy Oake dove act - hit after hit after hit.
 
Does it "play big?" This act plays so big Shin Lim won the close up category at FISM!
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: I'd say intermediate to advanced, but I wouldn't want to scare off any beginning magicians who love Shin Lim - I say, if you want to learn this - buy it.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? There is more arts and crafts here than a week's worth of vacation bible school. (especially if you decide to build the SSS gimmick)
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) With tons of practice, the skill and panache of Shin Lim, a table, a close up mat, a few other things and the express written consent from the creator - then Yes... it can be done.

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
 
This was a roller coast of emotion for me, before it came, I couldn't wait to see it. When I opened it, I was disappointed. When I watched the video all the way through I was in love. Thank you Shin Lim!
 
+ 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=aMPLIVXTIpg
​

Title: Lucky Card
Creator: Costa Funtastico 
Publisher: Magic Tao
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 14 minutes

Type of effect: card to impossible location

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Have you ever wanted to control your own luck? Now you can. 

A folded card is held with a paperclip, on top of a random card. You explain that this is your lucky card. You have a card selected, signed and then lost in the deck. You then point to the folded card. You tip the lucky card into the spectator's hand for them to open. To their amazement, it is their signed card!

Custom made gimmick supplied.

"Lucky card is a great little gimmick that is so easy to use and really packs a punch! It's not often that I use other people's material, but I REALLY dig this!" - Danny Weiser
 
How accurate is the ad copy? No deception                      

What's in the box? single gimmick and code to download a 14 minute video

Key points: for the price, the customer does not seem to be getting much
 
How are the production values: Magic Tao always makes good quality videos, however this one was very short
 
Is it well made: Mine did not appear to be, it's not something I would trust to be 100% sure fire, nor does it "look" like what it's supposed to look like.

Is it well taught: Everything is included and I did feel well informed
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" Gimmick is only the size of a playing card and would easily rest in your shirt pocket until you were ready
 
Does it "play big?" the card to impossible location always plays big, so long as in this routine you focus more on your presentation and less on your "convincing" that the gimmick is fair.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: This will take working knowledge of a few sleights and card controls as well as being able to effectively navigate a deceptive switch and ditch.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? zero
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) It can and I will say this is a worker, although if you're already doing a "paper clip" style switch, there is no need to pick this one up.

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
 
Again, at the end of the day, this would have scored higher if it were cheaper or if I physically got more for my money. A physical DVD - a longer DVD - two gimmicks etc
 
+ 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=_BwaiJ5mWRY
​

Title: Float
Creator: Sans Minds
Publisher: Sans Minds
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 19 minutes 22 seconds

Type of effect: object levitation

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Many levitation illusions on the market require a lot of attention on the working of the prop instead of the presentation.  SansMinds Creative Lab presents to you a levitation illusion that is designed to be completely self working. Finally, the performer can focus fully on the audience interaction.

Float is a pocket size levitation effect in your everyday wallet that is always ready to amaze.

*Compatible with most bi folding wallet
*Gimmick included

*TV rights not included with purchase. Please contact SansMinds for TV rights.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? They need to replace the words "most bi folding wallets" to include the word "black" you HAVE to have a black wallet for this to work.

What's in the box? DVD and gimmick
 
How are the production values: Sans Minds always makes well produced videos
 
Is it well made: It "works" but it feels cheap and light weight

Is it well taught: Jansen is the host and he takes you through all of the ins and outs -  Jason does the live performances in the street
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked the shock value of seeing the card rise out your wallet, I didn't so much like that the gimmick is semi-sorta permanent in your wallet. Once it's in.... it's in.
 
The effect (to me) sort of feels like a modification on Dan Harlan's floating card; or Ben Harris' Floating Card 'Alida.'
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" Good news: it's always in your wallet. Bad news: it's ALWAYS in your wallet.
 
Does it "play big?" it sure seems to play big in the video, so I think timing is everything - this needs to be "inserted" into the right moment to get the best reaction, otherwise it might play as flat as the "floating table knife" trick your uncle does at the dinner table.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: super easy
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? very minimal
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) it "can" although it plays best in the right setting - you have to be aware of angle and 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
 
The biggest disappointment was how flimsy the gimmick was, how it looks more like a pop up book than a magic trick and how permanent it becomes once you put it in place. I need to use my wallet as a "wallet" the rest of the week.
 
+ 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://youtu.be/6dv7VGyvW-s
​

Title: Clign
Creator: Anthony Stan
Publisher: Magic Smile
MSRP: $ 19.95 / if you choose to build the gimmick it's $10
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 50 minutes

Type of effect: Color Change

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Learn how to do incredible card changes without touch! A card is inserted in the middle of the deck. Now, it's impossible to manipulate the cards.

You just put your hand in front of the card and it changes to the chosen card (as an example). You can give the card and the deck out for examination.

Clign is simple, visual and practical. Anthony teaches everything you need to know: including 7 effects, extra variations and ideas.

Clign allows you to achieve a lot of powerful effects:

Appearing card, vanishing card, color change, transposition, cigarette penetration, prediction change, trick with a borrowed smartphone, etc.

• Easy to do
• Visual, Simple, and Practical
• Over 40 minutes of detailed instructions (English / Français)
• 7 powerful effects ( Print, Card to pocket, Under the cello, Photo, Cigarette through card, A-cross, Moving ink)
• Variations and bonus ideas included
• Endless possibilities

 
How accurate is the ad copy? Well, I don't know if the possibilities are truly endless, Anthony does seem to exhaust quite a few of what could be done with this. I also would not say this is "practical" - the trick involves a gaff which you need to set up and ditch, so it's actually very gnacky.

What's in the box? "gimmick" and download code to instructional video
 
How are the production values: The video had medium production values with multiple angles
 
Is it well made: You make it, but only through a small amount of arts n crafts.

Is it well taught: No, and the video takes a hit here for me, the teaching is all done with subtitles with absolutely no thought to patter or story - several of the effects were too difficult for me to figure out through pantomime. I had to go back and watch them again to figure out what was happening.  
 
My favorite effects were the two card transposition and the jumping ink effect.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" gimmick is a standard playing card thickness - it's very small and would easily store away in your tuck box with your cards.
 
Does it "play big?" It is a very unusual and original looking color change that I think will grab people's attention.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: it's fairly simple after practicing it a few times.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? very little
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) I still think it's too dirty to perform in a real world setting, the movement can even have an audible sound not to mention that your body gives away other "tells" as to what is happening. Great for video or television though.

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
 
In the end, you should watch the trailer a few times and listen to other reviews, decide for yourself if you think this is a worthwhile color change for your routining,
 
+ 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=ry42GijM2h0
​

Title: Colossal Magic Coloring Book
Creator: Danny Orleans 
Publisher: Amaze Kids
MSRP: $ 44.95
Skill Level: all
Video Run time: 30 minutes

Type of effect: Kids party magic

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
This is big! It's really big! - and when you're doing kids shows, bigger is better. That's why Danny Orleans has performed his Colossal Coloring Book routine in every kids show he's done for the past 30 years. Now he's made it available to the magic community. This is a professional prop for professional family entertainers. Over three times as big as the industry standard, this giant book combines a classic principle with a sure-fire laugh-getter - all on a ginormous scale.

After you first show the line drawings (so big, even the back row can see), the book's pages magically transform, becoming filled with scribble-scrabble! This is an original idea direct from Danny's act and just one of the hilarious moments of his routine with two kid helpers. Of course, in the end, the book's pages become beautifully colored. You can easily learn, master and perform this trick - and the staff at AmazeKids, who made the book, thinks it might just become the centerpiece of your kids or family show very soon.

Watch the video to see snippets of Danny's performance from his live show that is part of his DVD set, "The Art of Presenting Magic to Children." It'll give you an insider's view of this very special, jumbo-sized, cleverly gimmicked coloring book.

Here are the features:

• 15" wide by 20" tall
• 32 pages, saddle-stitched
• Three transformations: line drawings, scribble-scrabble, perfectly-colored
• Bright, 4-color cover with glossy UV coating
• Matte finish, sturdy paper pages with "specially-trimmed" edges
• Crayon-textured art on colored pages
• Along with the book, you get a sheet of basic instructions and a link to an instructional video including Danny Orleans' entire 10-minute routine. Plus you get two bonus downloads teaching you all about the Jumbo Vanishing Crayons and the Jumbo Nesting Wands.

 
The routine has enormous flexibility so you can add crayons and an assortment of breakaway props to "fix" the scribble-scrabble.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? No deception, this is an amazing product

What's in the box? 15x20 Coloring book, instruction sheet and download code for the 30 minute video

Key points: Danny gives you his entire routine, including patter and additional "supporting magic." This is a great value
 
How are the production values: The video is shot well with good settings, camera positions and sound
 
Is it well made: This prop is so professionally made, it looks like the real thing

Is it well taught: Danny is a very clear and easy to follow teacher. So, not only is he fun to learn from, but the video is engaging to watch.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I loved the attention to detail that Danny and his artist took with this prop.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" This packs flat and plays big - because it is big! It'll play as beautifully in a large theater as it will a home birthday party.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: All skill levels - easy to do
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? zero
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Danny will give you real world handling and tips so that you are knocking it out of the park every time.

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
 
The additional two effects, the disappearing crayons and multiplying wands routine were pulled footage from Danny's previous release: the Art of Teaching Magic to Children
 
+ 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://youtu.be/G78KVqeWr70
​

Title: Hugard's Heap

Description: The spectator makes 2 free selections and surprisingly finds that the card they selected was previously written down by the magician.... in a very unusual way

​Required: 1 svengali deck and 1 quarter

Title: Derrida

Description: Through a very fair selection process a spectator is able to cut to their own card

​Required: 1 Svengali deck

Buy a single deck: http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/7191
 
Buy a brick: http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/7192
 
Back in BLACK! It's time to give your moves and routines a boost of extra sweetness with Black Honeybee Playing Cards - the followup to the best-selling Yellow Honeybee deck.

Designed by Randy Butterfield, the Honeybees are a nod to a traditional Bee-style deck. Instead of a diamond pattern, the deck features a borderless honeycomb pattern complete with 2 realistic honeybees walking on the back. You can almost taste the honey as you work with these cards!

The faces are traditional Bee-style faces with a custom Beehive Ace of Spades and Beekeeper Jokers. Penguin used a deep, high-roller red on the Hearts and Diamonds plus a new color scheme and background pattern on all of the court cards.

These cards handle like a DREAM. They are printed on US Playing Card's embossed Bee stock with their Grade-A "Magic" finish for ultimate fanning, spreading, durability, and longevity. They have also been traditionally cut (the blade goes through the face side) which makes table faro shuffles and other gambling moves significantly easier to accomplish.

They have even included 2 special gaff cards that you can use for creative magic routines - also you'll even get a FREE video download teaching you a sweet trick!

The first edition printing of these gorgeous decks is limited to only 2,500 - get yours today!

-Limited Edition Printing of Only 2500 Decks
-Printed by the US Playing Card Company
-Bee Stock and Premium "Magic" Finish
-Traditionally Cut
-Designed by Randy Butterfield
-Custom Back, Tuck Box, Seal, Ace of Spades, and Jokers
-Custom Color Scheme and Background Pattern on the Court Cards
-2 Gaff Cards Included
-Free Magic Trick Instant Video Download Included

​EFFECT: At a Chinese restaurant, a coin is borrowed and signed or marked in some way. This marked coin vanishes. At the end of the dinner, the fortune cookies arrive. One spectator unwraps their cookie, breaks it open, and finds the signed coin inside the fortune cookie.

KEY POINTS:
• No stooges -- including tipped-off restaurant employees 
• You can only handle the cookie while it is still inside the plastic wrapper.

SET UP: a restaurant where you are served fortune cookies at the end of the meal. A borrowed coin – a dime or penny preferred.

PRESENTATION: Have a coin borrowed, marked or signed and vanish it in your favorite way. When asked “Where did it go?” reply – “I never know….”
​
After dinner the fortune cookies come – have your spectator select one and have them open the wrapper. “Hold it up to your ear and shake it, do you hear anything?” When they say no, look confused and take it in your hand and shake it by your ear (at this point, have the coin palmed in your hand.)

​“I can totally hear something.”

​Wrap the cookie and coin together in a napkin and give the entire package to your spectator. 

“Just give the whole thing a whack with your fist and open the napkin.” They hit the cookie, open the napkin and they will see the coin and the broken shell of cookie.

NOTES: Of course, you could forgo the whole “napkin” charade, by just taking the cookie back into your hand with the palmed coin, shaking it in your fist making the rattling sound of cookie against coin  - telling them to hold out their hand and then crumble the cookie into theirs (along with the coin).

But I like the idea of giving it back to them to do.

​Enjoy

Title: Numberic
Creator: Taiwan Ben
Publisher: Taiwan Ben Magic
MSRP: $ 50
Skill Level: all
Download Run time: 32:14

Type of effect: 5x5 cube mentalist routine

Manufacturer's Write Up:

The Numberic Cube is thoroughly mixed and your spectator freely thinks of ANY number on any side of the cube. 100% FREE CHOICE! (No forcing and nothing written down). In the process of solving an advance 5x5 cube, you are able to connect your mind with the spectator's and read her mind while BLIND FOLDED. This is as close to a real mind demonstration as one can get. The moment you finish solving the Rubik's cube you are able to reveal your spectator's thought.

How accurate is the ad copy? Actually it's not UNTIL you solve the cube that you are ale to discern the answer. 

What's in the box? The Numberic Cube with "Secret gimmicks" a code for an online tutorial video plus a pdf
 
Key points:  The speed cube is waterproof and scratch proof, and very high quality. The trick is easy to learn and completely self-working. The routine is also instantly repeatable with different numbers. You can even perform this in a blindfolded situation. The download video teaches you multiple routines taught in close detail.
 
How are the production values: moving camera and mic, multiple angles, and nice background music. Yes, Ben has a thick accent, but it's not an issue
 
Is it well made: This looks exactly like a quality speed cube should - moves and handles very smoothly.

Is it well taught: The routine itself is not complicated (it's actually a modern rendition of a very classic trick) plus Ben gives you lots of "keys" to help you.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked the quality and originality of this effect - it takes a classic of magic to a whole new level. On a side note, my son got this EXACT trick in a Criss Angel magic kit, but it was in a different medium

​However, I didn't like the math involved - even though Ben gives you several helps. I don't know what it is - but doing math live in front of spectators always makes me jittery.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" You do need the cube and perhaps a pen and pad.
 
Does it "play big?" I think the relevance of the prop (yes, these things are popular again) plus the "impossibility" of the effect make this a winner.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: It's just learning the key and being able to add.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Only a small amount and that's only "if" you feel that you need it.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely, I would even add that most any performer could also do this effect blindfolded or with their back to the spectator without much difficulty.

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
 
The prop is kind of big for me - it's not really "walk around friendly" but I think it would be wonderful for a parlor or corporate magician.
 
+ 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=yD5XoQ9FYUU​
​