Title: Darskide
Creator: Chris Ramsay        
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $ 20
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 27 minutes

Type of effect: card reversal

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Chris Ramsay's latest heart-stopper has been flooring spectators with an incredibly open and fair card reversal. His newest creation, Darkslide, gives you the ability to visually reverse the spectator's selection, in an open display of a fully fanned deck, right in front of their eyes, with nothing more than the flick of your finger. Most card reversals involve some sort of knuckle busting move, however Darkslide takes away all the hard work and allows you to perform such a feat with a simple gesture.

The plot is simple and powerful. They select their card, it's placed into a fanned deck, with a quick drag of your finger, they see their card visually reverse itself.

- Included gimmick resets in seconds
- Super easy to learn & perform
- Simple online video instructions included
 
How accurate is the ad copy? No deception here

What's in the box? Gimmick and download code

Key points: Chris tries to give credit where credit is due by acknowledging Ed Marlo for the idea
 
How are the production values: Chris is seated between two wall dividers talking to a light and camera. Chris' video is artistic, creative and fun to watch, he gives you straight on shots as well as over the shoulder teaching.
 
Is it well made: The gimmick is a powerhouse. Chris has rebuilt this classic from the ground up with a Hemi engine and blaupunkt speakers.

Is it well taught: Chris is a terrific entertainer and an approachable teacher. The live performances you see in the commercial are not included
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I love that Chris has an added a cool factor to this classic of card magic.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" The gimmick fits seamlessly into your deck if you remove your jokers
 
Does it "play big?" The card reversal is a classic of card magic, Chris makes it perfectly assessable for anyone
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: You will need know how to force a card. Yes, Chris executes a perfect fan in the trailer, but that is not required.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? zero
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) this is a real world worker.

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
 
Chris does mention that your gimmick is solid for around 100 performances and then may need some attention. This is an easy fix (or) just buy another one! $20 for 100 performances is a bargain !
 
+ 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=o16Gzrttjio

​Deck Giveaway #49 - Memento Mori - Playing Cards

OFFICIAL RULES: (Please read) The "July 2016" Memento Mori give away starts right now (Monday July 18, 2016) and will run until July 24 at 12 am (midnight) MST Here is how to win.

1. Subscribe to this channel, only youtube subscribers are eligible.

2. LIKE IT - You must LIKE this contest video

3. LIKE IT - You must locate and LIKE the videos below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tWfkCjCcwA

4. You must COMMENT on this video to let us know you have done everything required and that you are in it to win it.

PRIZE: 1 unopened / sealed deck of Memento Mori cards from Murphy's Magic - shipped to your house - anywhere in the world - for free! 

Winner will be announced and notified in the comment section below

Only one comment per user will be accepted - all other comments will be deleted. 

Ok, they are NOT sold out - you can still get them here

http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/7050

Title: Sleeving
Creator:  Lukas and Seol Park
Publisher: Lukas Crafts
MSRP: $ 80
Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
DVD Run time: Over 4 hours
Type of effect: Tricks and tutorials for close up and stage

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Introducing "Sleeving," the new collaboration project from Lukas Crafts.

The definitive project on sleeving for close-up or stage! From classic techniques to modern evolution! It's all contained within this two DVD set. Everything you need to know about sleeving. Watching the video is essential!

Lukas Crafts has produced an incredible project that is the definitive authority on sleeving. Sleeving can be considered the closest thing to real magic that can be performed! Why - because it's instantaneous, visual and happens right in front of your eyes. When you watch professionals like these - even when you know how it's done - you brain will short circuit! It's that good.

What makes this product even more amazing? It features two contemporary award winning magicians Lukas and Seol Park. Lukas (2015 FISM Stage Winner) & Seol Park (2015 FISM Close-up Winner). Together they not only share their techniques, ideas and theory, but there are routines and acts that you could actually perform on stage.

Included in the DVD are many sleights and basic sleeving techniques, a theory session from each magician about their thoughts on sleeving, and many professional routines that you can ultimately practice and perform.

Lukas:
1) Lukas of Wonder
2) Déjà vu
3) Ball Sequence for FISM ASIA
4) Four Ball Routine - Color

Seol Park:
1) sPENbound
2) Cups & Balls With Straw
3) ON & NO
4) Bill in Pen
5) FISM Semi Version Cup, Ball, & Pen

What would you pay for the opportunity to learn from just one of these talented performers? To learn the techniques that has brought those international accolades and the respect from their peers.

Starting with basic routines and moving up to professional routines.

Focus on "sequences" and basic sleights.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? no deception

What's in the box? 2 DVDs

Key points: Contains detailed lectures, interviews, instructions for both sleights and gimmicks.


How are the production values: "Good" DVDs are taught in Korean (or through pantomime) with on screen English subtitles, occasionally I felt the music was distracting and the backdrops were "too dark" to see what was going on.

Is it well taught: both are teaching highlights from their FISM acts as well as theory and principles behind their craft.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: I think "difficulty" will be determined by what you bring to the table. If you have experience in this area, a lot of this might come easy for you. I think a beginner who has never done this before might feel some frustration.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? There are arts and crafts as well as many additional props that need purhasing.

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
 
I think this product could have been so much better if it has been better produced
 
+ 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=hJkHrZyG-ns

Title: The Informer
Creator: Lloyd Mobley
Publisher: Murphy's Magic Supplies
MSRP: $ 40
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 34 min

Type of effect: Impression device

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• "THE INFORMER" DEVICE
• Marker pen with gimmick
• Extra gimmick for pen
• Online access to instructional video
• Access to additional pens, gimmicks and devices

 
If you're looking for the best "impression device" with high definition and sensitivity which produce super clear quality images with unbelievable versatility, "the informer" is the one that will elevate your magic/mentalism to higher levels. There is no impression device on the market that can match the quality and sensitivity of "the informer". Lloyd Mobley personally contacted a few working professional magicians/mentalists and informed them what his device was capable of doing and every one of them responded, "that's impossible". that was when he decided to release "the informer".

KEY FEATURES:

• High quality impression device
• High resolution/high definition images
• Cutting edge technology
• Extremely versatile
• Use in any memo pad or deck of cards or any other items
• Quality of images do not diminish over a period of time
• Very durable
• 12 times more sensitive than any others on the market
• Place "Informer" 7-10 cards down in a deck and produce very clear images
• Place "Informer" 20-25 pages down in a memo pad and produce very clear images
• NO DEVICE CAN MATCH THESE CAPABILITIES
• YOU ARE NOW CAPABLE OF PERFORMING THE IMPOSSIBLE

 
How accurate is the ad copy? "No device can match these capabilities?" Is a stretch and it seems to me that Mr. Mobley has not seen the Parapad.  I don't know how he came up with the "statistic" of being "12x more sensitive that any other on the market" either, don't get me wrong, it's a good product, but I don't know how he could have come up with these statistics.

What's in the box? Gimmicked pen and gimmicked impression device plus a code to download the video

Key points:
 
How are the production values: The video was filmed with a low-res camera (or a phone in a room with indoor lighting) and then edited with windows movie maker (or the equivalent) There are a few cutting/editing problems - and much of the video is Lloyd repeating the effect a few times trying to convince you of how good the effect is. But in the 24 minutes he does cover what you need.
 
Is it well made: It is very well made and should last you a long time. The gimmick is similar in construction to other impression devices like Para Pad by Paralabs and the Nomad Pad 2.0 by Mathieu Bich

Is it well taught: The video covers a few loading ideas as well as how to gimmick your own pen should it run out of ink.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" Only the size of a single playing card and can be inserted into any small reading pad or deck of cards
 
Does it "play big?" this has the potential to play "super big" provided it is placed into the right routine.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: Very easy to learn and perform with
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? None at first, until you start getting into rebuilding the pen
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) I tried this and immediately had great results. If you have any experience with spectator's writing down "secrets" you'll be using this like a pro in no 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
 
Yes the DVD is a little lackluster and the effect borrows from other classics on the market, but the materials are top notch and the magic is strong.
 
+ 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=uytdtU5nIIU
​

Title: Over The Top
Creator: Cameron Frances
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: Approximately 25 minutes

Type of effect: 4 stage spectator finds the aces routine

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Cameron Francis' OVER THE TOP is the mother of all card tricks. It is a multi-phased, virtually self-working, juggernaut of magic.

A selection is made and lost in the deck. Then the deck is handed to a willing spectator who proceeds to quiz those watching about the value of the lost card. Based on the crowd's answers your new found friend deals piles of cards onto the table.

The new top card of whatever remains of the deck (still out of your hands remember) is flipped over. Incredibly the spectator has found the selection. But you ain't seen nothing yet... we are only just getting started.
The cards are shuffled and cut. (Remember that - it's important).
Remember those random piles the spectator dealt down earlier? The top cards from each are turned over and IT'S THE THREE MATES OF THE SELECTION!

Before your audience can react, you also reveal that the spectator found THE FOUR ACES!

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL... THEY ALSO FOUND THE FOUR ROYAL FLUSH SETS. IN ORDER. All from a shuffled deck, and all in the hands of your spectator.

But OVER THE TOP doesn't end there. You still have one more incredible, unbelievable climax... It's insanely cool that your spectator found all those cards from out of a shuffled deck, especially when they flip the remaining cards over and discover that the rest of the pack is BLANK!!!

That's not just mind blowing magic... it's OVER THE TOP!

Just as perfect for a small intimate group as a full blown stage show, Over The Top is the kind of trick that makes reputations. Cameron Francis has used it as his set closer for years, and even picked it to be the center piece in his Magic Castle act in 2013.

As Cameron says "If I had to pick just ONE trick to perform and I was going all-guns-blazing to impress... I'd definitely pick Over The Top!'
 
How accurate is the ad copy? The add copy says, The cards are shuffled and cut. (Remember that - it's important). However, only 50% of the cards are "truly shuffled and cut" so you need to be able to know a false shuffle and false cut.
 
See the actual performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7HczGZWM-0

What's in the box? 25 minute DVD and a gimmicked deck

Key points:
 
* Comes with special USPCC Bicycle Deck
* Super easy - requires almost no skill
 
How are the production values: Cameron uses the same BBM backdrop library seen in other BBM videos. DVD is well shot with 2 cameras, and good sound. Live performances are upstairs in a loft with real spectators. Teaching moments are done with Liam Montier.
 
Is it well made: Nice Bicycle brand gaffs

Is it well taught: Cameron fully teaches this effect along with all needed sleights and he even teaches a deck switch.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" This all fits into a standard deck of cards
 
Does it "play big?" Cameron likes it so much, he uses it as his closer
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: Very easy, all you need to know is how to hold a break, how to false shuffle a deck and how to force a single card. (Cameron does teach one method)
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Zero - Cameron has built you a working prop that you'll be able to use time and time again.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) This is best done in a group setting like parlor, close up or party magic.

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
 
Everything is great and you get a wonderful product from BBM. The actual effect plays out exactly as described in the write out above.
 
+ 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=rD6jHiT5_2c
​

Title: Magma
Creator: Kyle Marlett
Publisher: Murphy's Magic Supplies
MSRP: $ 60
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 1 hour 4 min

Type of effect: Hidden utility

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
The gimmick is practically invisible in performance and can provide over 100 uses before it will require a USB recharge. Highly durable and expertly manufactured, your Magma gimmick will handle years of repeated use.

Turn your fist into a furnace Magma is extremely easy to use and is everything you could wish for to inject a mutant-ability moment into your magic.

FEATURES:

- Makes your fist light up to look molten hot
- Add extra punch to coin bends, metal bending, PK magic and many more
- Add smoke to Magma and really heat things up
- Durable, self-working gimmick does everything for you
- One size fits all
- Easy to learn, easy to do
- USB rechargeable
- No reset, Magma is ready to go every time
- No Thumb Tips
- Perform Sleeveless
 
How accurate is the ad copy? no deception

What's in the box? Gimmick, USB cable and download code

Key points:
 
How are the production values: Murphy's Magic makes great videos - this is well cut, well shot, well mic'd and with no distracting music or environments.
 
Is it well made: this is very well made on par with other well known light up

Is it well taught: Kyle gives you over an hour of teaching for a gimmick that is easy to learn. You will also get some great magic: a coin bend, a straw melt, a nail bend and a trick with a lighter.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked it's functionality, but I didn't love the "open hands" / "proof" hand pose.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" packs the same as a t.t.
 
Does it "play big?" combine this with your favorite coin bend or smoke device and you'll have everything you need to start your own religion
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: super easy - after watching a few minutes I was able to do it right away
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? you "might" have to size it to fit your hands, but I didn't have to
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) this is a utility that should be used in connection with another effect. But it's just easy to use in the real world as a reel, a t.t. or something equivalent.

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
 
 
+ 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=Dmvq7lBAtaI

Title: Larry's Bag
Creator: Mago Larry
Publisher: self published
MSRP: $ 45
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 23.02

Type of effect: forcing bag

Manufacturer's Write Up:  Mago Larry present's Larry's Bag!

You show an empty bag to your spectator and they confirm that it is indeed empty. Now you ask your spectator to fill the bag with pieces of torn up cards that are laid out on a table next to an envelope. You shake up the bag and let the spectator shake up the bag. Next you ask the spectator to open the bag and take out one of the torn up card pieces from the bag. Now you open the envelope that has been sitting on the table the whole time and pull out a card that has a corner torn off of it. Amazingly it matches with the exact piece that the spectator pulled out of the bag!

Larry's Bag can be applied with newspapers or magazines. You are only limited by your imagination!

Includes an instructional video in English and Spanish.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? This is exactly what happens

What's in the box? Only the bag utility and the code to download the video.

Key points: You start the trick with the bag empty, no pre-loading. Second, you hand the bag to the spectator and THEY open it and reach in
 
How are the production values: Filmed in Spanish, if you download the English version it will be dubbed - film is a little dark, not well lit.
 
Is it well made: This is a great utility, perfect for stage, parlor and party magic. You will be proud of this.

Is it well taught: Larry teaches you 2 effects: a torn corner card prediction and a newspaper tear "word" reveal. Both are well taught.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): This utility could have many uses, I wish more time and energy was spent on the video - presentation and quality and content seemed a little lack-luster.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" bag is made of black mesh and rolls up nice and tight, will not take up much room in your traveling case.
 
Does it "play big?" at it's core - this is a utility that needs to be paired with your ideas and presentation
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: Easy, anyone will be able to pick this up quickly
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? None, the utility comes ready to perform with.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely, although I would argue if you want to start with the bag in the "empty" position - this trick should only be done with small items. If you wanted to load full sized poker cards, you'd have to be creative with how you presented that.

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
 
Yes the video is a little lackluster & it's a forcing bag that uses a method we are all familiar with but the effect is strong and extremely well made.
 
+ 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=V5ynXyVXF0w

Title: X-Ray
Creator: Rasmas
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $ 50
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 28 minutes

Type of effect: which hand effect

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
The ultimate Which Hand effect + the ultimate Kurotsuke Effect!
All needed props included!

X-Ray is the first Which Hand effect and Kurotsuke method to date, that gives you the ability, with rolled up sleeves and no electronics, to guess with 100% accuracy, where the hidden object is. For the first time in magic, Rasmus shares his underground method, that is extremely simple and deceptive to lay people and to magicians as well.

X-Ray uses no electronics and can be performed sleeveless. There is no need to touch the spectators. The method is self contained. You could even do both effects Which Hand and Kurotsuke completely naked if you wanted to.

Includes one black and 4 white balls, for the strongest and most fireproof Which Hand and Kurotsuke style effects, where you guess with 100% accuracy, in which hand the black ball is.

Do it one to one with one black ball
Do it with 5 spectators
Do it with one white and one black ball to one spectator
Do it with a coin or with 2 different coins to one spectator
You know at all times, where which of the coins is (coins not included)

- Extremely simple to use
- 100% accurate every single time
- No complicated setups
- No long and complicated stories to tell
- No electronics
- No noise issues
- Completely self contained
- Invisible method
- Everything you need is included
- Works also perfectly with coins (coins are not included)
- Same range as other professional devices
- No need to touch the spectators
- Instant get in and get out
- 100% original and never before published method
- Perfect for TV shows (no sound issues and no electronics in play)
- No interferences or noise issues with microphones
- Which Hand and Kurotsuke included
 
How accurate is the ad copy? The phrase "Works also perfectly with coins (coins are not included)," is slightly deceptive. It would not work with any "standard" US minted coins. Yes, the ad copy also says "No need to touch the spectators" but... it does help.

What's in the box? You get a nice velvet bag with 5 plastic balls (one is black) and the gimmick(s) that allows you to do these miracles Everything you need, no need to add anything to it. The items all come in an Altoids "type" tin, but they don't quite "fit" back inside once you open it.

Key points:
 
How are the production values: multiple cameras, the microphone is echoy probebly because the studio is cramped and the talent is not personally mic'd. , No live performances
 
Is it well made: Everything looks great and is very professional.

Is it well taught: Yes, it's a short video, but Rasmsus moves quickly through everything and is able to cover multiple options and routines.  
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): no electronics, should work 100% of the time.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" It's just small plastic balls, you could carry one, or all of them depending on what you want routines you want to do.
 
Does it "play big?" This is pure streamlined mentalism, like the add says, everything looks on the up and up, such a quick easy trick to do on the fly and hits big time and time again.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: Very minimal, this does not require much practice, in fact you can easily practice by yourself.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? A very small amount (if you want to) I have not altered mine and it works just fine.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely, and it's not hindered by quiet or noisy crowds, dark or sunlight, sleeves, long pants, watch bands...or um... small woodland creatures.

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
 
Yes the video is a little short and the price tag is a little high, so I would offer this is really geared towards someone who is going to use this in their routine - this is mentalism at its finest, a real reputation builder
 
+ 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=P4hi-1LWzWY
​

Go to youtube to read the official rules