​Title: Tour De Force
Creator: Michael O'Brien      
Publisher: David Bonfadini
MSRP: $ 20
Skill Level: all
 
Type of effect: triumph card trick

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
As seen on Theory11's Exposé "Rarest of the Rare," Tour de Force is an in-the-hands Triumph that has been streamlined and simplified so that not only is it easy to perform, but the moves are also extremely natural and virtually undetectable. Michael goes into details on how to perform the Tour de Force Triumph, as well as five variations of the effect, including: a multiple card variation, a sandwiching variation, a table-top handling, a collectors plot, and a new deck order ending, all taught in detail! So sit back, relax, grab a deck and lets get started!

Effects included:

• Tour de Force
• Tour de FOUR-ACE
• Croque Monsieur
• Neighborhood Watch
• Tribute to Vernon
• Heckler

How accurate is the ad copy? nothing misleading

What's in the box? DVD

Key points: Lots of great variations are included
 
How are the production values: it's not filmed as professionally as other videos I have seen, and the menu was a little difficult to navigate but that does not detract from the magic or the teaching

Is it well taught: Michael walks you through exactly what you need to know
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I really did like the simplicity and clean handling of this routine
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  All you need is a deck of cards
 
Does it "play big?" the triumph is a wonderful classic of magic and with Michael's routine it could almost be done with any deck
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely, this is a "worker" style effect
 
How original is this idea? The first trick where cards mixed face-up and face-down are magically righted was Theodore DeLand's marketed item called "Inverto" (August 1914)

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=8Ll8Rl7ZP90

Title: Jermay's Mind 
Creator: Luke Jermay
Publisher: Vanishing Inc.
MSRP: $ 75
Skill Level: Intermediate / Advanced
DVD Run time: 8.5 Hours

Type of effect: Stage Mentalism routines

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Luke Jermay is the most influential mentalist of his era. He is a virtuoso, and he conveys the illusion of real mindreading better than anyone. When he is onstage, he is simply hypnotic. He has devised some of the most groundbreaking mind reading material of the decade, yet he has never collected it all in one comprehensive, all-encompassing DVD experience...until now. 
 
How accurate is the ad copy? No deception

What's in the box? 4 DVDS

Key points:
 
- Watch Jermay astound an audience with a thirty-minute no-prop mentalism show.
- Watch Luke and Michael Weber discuss the theory of mentalism in a candid, thoughtful interview.
- Learn from a one-hour discussion surrounding the Q&A plot.
- Watch Luke deliver two full lectures. 
 
How are the production values: Mostly live stage performance shots

Is it well taught: This is where you want to be, sitting in a room with Luke as your teacher, it doesn't get any better than this.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I loved the comprehensive scope of the work, there is so much here. I've already watched it once, and I'm sure I will glean just as much with a second time through.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Most of these effects are strictly meant for stage, and like most mentalism, is the most powerful on strangers.

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=nWNcKtFHwe8

Imagine removing deck of cards and explaining that you have made a prediction before you left your home. You ask the spectator to name any card. You carefully remove the deck and show one face down card with a different colored back. It is slowly turned over to reveal it is the card named by the spectator! No forcing - it's an absolutely free choice.

Buy yours: http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/5575
​

Title: The Controls Project
Creator: Liam Montier
Publisher: Big Blind Media  
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: Beginner

Type of effect: Card Sleights

Manufacturer's Write Up:

On 'The Controls Project' you'll learn 26 devastating and deceptive techniques, ranging from the simple to the sophisticated. These skills will leave you armed to covertly move playing cards to literally ANY position in the pack you desire. The included material will provide insight and fundamental lessons for everyone from beginners to working professionals alike. 

As with the other titles in our Sleights series, 'The Controls Project' features the acclaimed and concise teaching of Liam Montier, who covers not only the technical aspects of these deceptive moves, but also important theory on how to make your sleights truly invisible, how to practice, what to do in emergencies and much more. 

Grab a deck and let's learn how to CONTROL THOSE CARDS!

How accurate is the ad copy? No deception

What's in the box?  DVD

Key points: Being able to secretly control a spectator's chosen card to any position of the pack is an essential skill for EVERY card magician. 
 
How are the production values: Big Blind Media is wonderful, great shots, well edited and laid out with navigatable menus.

Is it well taught: This is my third BBM with Liam as the teacher, I would highly recommend these DVDs for anyone who wants to further their skill in card magic
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked that this isn't "JUST" sleights, but you will learn some magic tricks on here as well. I also liked that this is comprehensive enough that even skilled magicians can come back to this again and again for a refresher.

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=p8qYwmm2WwU

Title: Senti-Mentalism
Creator: Luca Volpe
Publisher: Titanas Magic
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 1 hour 22 min

Type of effect: Close up Mentalism Effects

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Mentalism is the last frontier. Such an intimate, engaging and direct experience. Luca's unique style will show you why it is important to move them emotionally. 

DVD Contents: 

Unlock your dream
A lady is able to find the only key amongst several that will open a lock, through the power of her subconscious mind. She is then able to unlock her dream, which will be revealed by the mentalist. No gimmicks, no pre-show, a standard lock is used. A very emotional and empowering routine. 

Emotional drawing
An impossible drawing duplication under test conditions. Requires only a few business cards and one envelope. 

The mind journey
For the very first time Luca Volpe will explain his take on the one ahead principle. A mixture of different concepts that will create an impossible and stunning effect for your audience. Many professional performers have said that this routine alone is worth the price of the entire dvd. 

Pin number revelation
Guess your spectator's pin number in a logical sequence! Also perfect for stage performances. 

Crystals prediction
Predict the position of three crystals that have been randomly mixed by the spectator. A new take on a classic with an added emotional twist. 

Subliminal message
Influence people's choices using three coloured envelopes and a subliminal message. 

Key of your mind
A very emotional routine that contains multiple moments of amazement. A very bold method that you will love! 

BONUS TRICKS:
 
The energy wave
Dream Revelation
In&Out 2.0

How accurate is the ad copy? this is exactly what you get

What's in the box? A DVD

Key points: In the bonus section Luca Volpe and Paul Roffman discuss and explain some of the routines in the dvd, plus in this section Luca will present another two routines that you can perform in impromptu situations.
 
How are the production values: fair to moderate

Is it well taught: Luca tells you how to build props, he gives you a few different handling idea plus the psychology of each effects behind some of
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I loved the practicality of this DVD not to mention the use of classic methods in new situations.
 
Does it "play big?" this is all very strong material.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely, this is all 100% sure fire material.

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=4jje4qADy8A

Title: The Count
Creator: Alex Pandrea
Publisher: The Blue Crown
MSRP: $ 20
Skill Level: Beginner
DVD Run time: 33 minutes

Type of effect: card trick

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
This hands-off miracle has a myriad of different versions taught. The spectator selects a card in the fairest possible manner. They deal down from a shuffled, borrowed deck and stop where they wish. The selected card is lost by the spectator further into the middle of the pack. Without touching the deck, the magician has complete control of the selected card and knows it's exact location. The spectator names a number and the selected card is found at that numb
 
How accurate is the ad copy? this is what happens

What's in the box? DVD

Key points: very hands off method with some "outs" just in case
 
How are the production values: Good, shot well, good angles, nice set

Is it well taught: Alex gives you all you need to know to pull off this trick
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked the in your hands approach, I didn't like that at times it didn't feel "sure fire."
 
Does it "play big?" Any magic where the spectator does it in their hands I think has the potential to play big.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) It's going to take practice and probably even some "misses" until you get it right.

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=ocmE2O4Ut9Q

Title: Over This World      _               
Creator: Alex Pandrea
Publisher: the Blue Crown
MSRP: $ 20
Skill Level: beginner
DVD Run time: 33 minutes

Type of effect: card trick

Manufacturer's Write Up:

A shuffled deck is handed to the spectator. They remove a card from anywhere in the deck. Without looking at, or touching the cards the magician is able to name the color of the card. This is repeated as many times as you wish. The magician then starts to separate all the black cards from all the red cards without looking at the deck. For the finale, the deck is shuffled again and now the spectator separates the colors in their hands.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? This is pretty much what happens - although this is not a "true" shuffled deck.

What's in the box? A DVD

Key points: Entry level magic
 
How are the production values: Good, shot well, nice angles and nice location.

Is it well taught: Alex takes his time and gives you everything you need to know.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" only a deck of cards is used
 
Does it "play big?" I love the "out of this world" scenario and Alex's opener is a killer
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely this is a true worker (with some practice).
 
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=QKmwckP9q5E​

Title: Thick Card Project
Creator: Liam Montier
Publisher: Big Blind Media
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: over 90 minutes

Type of effect: card control library

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Thick Card - a double thick playing card used as a locator card, a peek device, an automatic double lift facilitator, a break-less control gaff and a sleight free forcing machine! 

The thick card is one of the most overlooked and underused gaffs in magic. Simple and inexpensive to make, yet massively versatile, this innocuous creation is a powerful replacement for sleight of hand. With one dropped into your working deck you will be armed and ready to perform controls, forces, multiple lifts and peeks all without EVER HOLDING A BREAK! 

The Thick Card is like the swizz army knife of gaffs - it can do so much, yet is all but invisible in the deck. You can have your thick card in play all day long. The deck can be handled by the spectator. It's undetectable from every angle, and it's 100% locatable with touch alone. (No more panicked triple checking that you cut at the right place!). 

This single gaff card will elevate your routines to a stratospheric level - now you can perform forces, controls, peeks and multiple lifts with the cleanest possible handling. As you never need to hold a break, you are free to put the deck down. You can shuffle, cut and mix the deck AND STILL BE IN COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE CARDS! 

How accurate is the ad copy? No deception.

What's in the box? One DVD and a thick card gimmick

Key points: entry level magic - there is something here for everyone
 
How are the production values: This is a Big Blind Media production so it's very similar to some of the other DVDs we've reviewed. But overall top notch.
 
Is it well made: both the DVD and gimmick are well made

Is it well taught: Liam Montier is very thorough and leaves no stone unturned. He offers several tips and ideas and is very clear about all of his explanations.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked that this project sought to be the quintessential voice for this gimmick. Liam does an excellent job to argue in favor for this device and I think he does a great job convincing his audience that your magic could be improved with this.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  your thick card should slide seamlessly into your card case.
 
Does it "play big?" I don't know that any of these effects will play any bigger than a card trick without a thick card. The gimmick doesn't have any impact on your audience, only on your ability to perform.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely, this is entry level gimmickry designed to enhance your card controls and forces.
 
How original is this idea? this is very ancient technology, but certainly one that can be resurrected for a modern audience.

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=M4onpHMEZZE

Title: Technical Toolbox
Creator: Stephen Hobbs
Publisher: Vanishing Inc
MSRP: $ 50
Skill Level: Intermediate / advanced
DVD Run time: 170 videos 

Type of effect: Card Trick Library

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Beginning in January of 2014, Stephen Hobbs - author of Modus Operandi: The Magic of Jack Carpenter, Gene Maze and the Art of Bottom Dealing, and The Essential Sol Stone- commenced a project that was called both crazy and impossible: an online web 'zine to be released every week for fifty-two weeks devoted to his brand of powerful and practical card magic. 

Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin of Vanishing Inc. were so impressed with the Technical Toolbox that they have arranged to release the material as an elegantly-produced DVD set and booklet-with bonus material-in one package. 

Stephen Hobbs' Technical Toolbox collects all fifty-two weeks of the original web site, which included more than 170 videos (6 plus hours of material) describing over 55 routines and 85 sleights and techniques. All of Hobbs' original introductions and meticulous credits are included in the accompanying booklet. In addition, separate manuscripts for certain effects are included as downloadable PDF attachments. 

Stephen Hobbs' Technical Toolbox will expand your repertoire of card sleights and routines. You will be inspired to develop your own "toolbox" of card techniques by the impossible ribbon-spread switch-out, the elegant spring simple shift, the super-practical subterranean addition, advanced work on obtaining and maintaining breaks, control grip technique (it will revolutionize your handling small packet counts), a detailed discussion of the Hobzinzer cull (more information than many DVD's devoted to this sleight alone), B.U.R.P. (Basic Universal Reverse Placement), the SHEE control, the interlaced-block transfer technique, Hobbs' playing card mnemonic system, the rotary replacement and change, F.I.A.T. (Flexible Insertion and Addition Technique), the incredible routine "The Odds Against Me", and much, much more. 

There is so much material in the Technical Toolbox that it is impossible to describe it all; but if you enjoy card magic, we guarantee you will get your money's worth! 

Be advised that Stephen Hobbs' Technical Toolbox was a web blog, not an attempt to make a movie. The videos are all simple close-ups of Hobbs' hands with the primary emphasis on teaching intermediate and advanced card technique. 

Every penny of profit that Vanishing Inc. and Stephen Hobbs make from this project will go to support Vanishing Inc.'s young magicians charity, sending kids to magic camp and supporting the development of a close-up theater for young performers in South Africa.

​What's in the box? 7 DVDs and a softbound book
 
How are the production values: it's filmed like a vlog or webzine with one over head steady shot and only the performer's hands in frame.

Is it well taught: this is a master class in original card magic. Stephen Hobbs is incredible and this set is destined to be an instant classic.  Anyone who wants to seriously improve their game should get this set.

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=66BXmvpHVDw

 Title: Selenium shift 
Creator: Chris Severson
Publisher: Shin Lim Presents
MSRP: $25
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 10 chapters long each a few minutes

Type of effect: card control

Manufacturer's Write Up:

The Selenium Shift is a move that Justin Miller has called "The BEST control he's (I've) ever seen!" A move allowing you to control a selected card, anywhere in the deck, to the top. This shift can also move multiple cards, at different depths in the deck, to the top in a blink of an eye. No breaks. No passes. No disturbing the deck order. It's silent, invisible and oh ya... it's all done one handed.

The Selenium Shift is taught in an over-the-shoulder angle, giving you the best learning experience and an understanding of how the move is done.
You are going to learn the basic shift and a total of ten handlings and routines including:
- Multiple Shift: Four selections go into four different parts of the deck, and as they are squared up, they instantly appear on top!
- Cover Shift: A selected card is squared into the middle of the deck, and is instantly underneath the top card.
- Instant Sandwich: A signed card is pushed into the center of the deck and instantly sandwiched between a pair on top of the deck.
- Rising Card: A selection is placed face up in the lower part of the deck, and if by magic, the card jumps up through the deck, until it reaches the top.
- One Handed: A card is placed in the deck and as soon as you look away, it appears on top of the deck, one handed, with no cover.
- Pseudo Center Deal: 4 aces go into the center of the deck, and you effortlessly deal them out onto the table!
- The Full Routine: Schizophrenia: A signed selected card routine that has 3 color changes back to back, and inverted deck, ending with a FULL deck color change. All happening in 10 seconds.
- Color Change: A buttery color change that just melts one card into another.
- Card Vanish: A face up card instantly vanishes on the deck with no movement.

In addition, there is also a companion book that teaches another Eight techniques, ideas, and handlings in full detail, with over 50 photos to help you learn.
- Shift Half Pass
- Instant Card Location
- Gestures
- Triple Card Color Change
- Snap Change Clean Up
- Adobo Two Card Production
- Clean Color Change

How accurate is the ad copy? While I agree it's not a "pass" or a "break" it's kind of what would happen if a break and a pass and the erdnase change had a baby. And it's only "invisible" with a lot of practice (and big hands)

What's in the box? DVD

Key points:
 
How are the production values: great shots, clean environment, HD, over the shoulder shots and lots of practical ideas included

Is it well taught: Chris gives you so much for your money. He's very quiet and relaxed. The concept is simple but the applications are... massive. One move produces a ton of cool magic.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): the tricks you can do with this sleight are insane - the sandwich effect on here is super beautiful and easily my favorite effect on the DVD. ​
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" It's all skill and a deck of cards.
 
Does it "play big?" The move doesn't have any play at all. It's all you and the magic effects you apply the move to.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) this sleight can be done if you can do the pass. It's going to require the same type of skill, angle and practice.
 
How original is this idea? Chris took his inspiration from Ray Kosby's rays rise move (also was sold earlier as Contriwise Shift on Theory 11)

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=p6ll3FwqehM​
​