Title: Conscious Magic
Creator: Andrew Gerard and Ran Pink
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 65 minutes

Type of effect: Teaching / Instruction Mentalism effects

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
With more than TWO DECADES of creating and performing magic, and producing magic on TV, Ran and Andrew sit down for the FIRST TIME and openly discuss and reveal their approach to performing magic and mentalism in EVERYDAY environments.

In this series Ran and Andrew reveal their GO-TO routines that they perform in real life casual situations such as bars, house parties, and on the street. "Our mission with conscious magic is to elevate the art of magic by empowering the performer to have a deeper insight into the process of creating, performing and even thinking about magic on a new level."

How accurate is the ad copy? No deception

What's in the box? DVD and a "gimmick" that many magicians have

Key points: Not only do they teach NEW effects but they also break them down, discussing their creative process and give insight that will help make the magic you create even better.
 
How are the production values: Very creatively filmed with updated music, many locations and good sound and editing.

Is it well taught: Video has both "live" and "studio" performances. Explanations are taught in black and white, back in a studio apartment with a stationary camera.
 
Andrew Gerard - REAL WORLD
Ever since Paul Curry released "Out of This World" there have been many versions, but none are like Gerard's "Real World". Using a NORMAL deck of playing cards the SPECTATOR creates their own reality by mentally separating them into two piles by color. There are NO moves and NO difficult sleights. This creative and simple method happens in the spectator's mind while exploring the concept of the law of attraction.

Ran Pink - T-REX
Learn Ran Pink's ripping technique and create the illusion of REAL mind-reading in the most direct, personal, casual and powerful way; AND be able to do it ANYTIME with nothing more than a pen and piece of paper. Never look at your hands as you rip the paper and there's NO FUMBLING with too many pieces. It's classic and simple, yet SO STRONG that it can bring people to tears. For the FIRST TIME Ran also explains his technique for using post-it notes which are readily available everywhere and easy to come by so you'll always be ready to "read minds". See why so many professionals around the world have chosen T-Rex as their secret weapon to get into someone's mind.

Andrew Gerard -  OPTIKA
Optika is the perfect opener for any social situation. Captivate audiences and make yourself known as a magical performer by utilizing a simple gimmick that is in most magician's arsenals. Andrew Gerard will teach you the "optikal" illusion that will cause debate amongst your spectators.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I was a little dissapointed that these were previously released effects that I already owned, but with  new names.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  All three effects use common carryable objects from a magician's arsenal.
 
Does it "play big?" Each of these effects plays strong
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: No difficult sleights or moves
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? zero
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Yes, these are all "real world" tested.

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
 
Three great effects from some of the strongest "minds" in mentalism.
 
+ 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=Uk4XdCZecao
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Title: Wink
Creator: The Other Brothers
Publisher: Vanishing Inc.
MSRP: $ 20
Skill Level:
DVD Run time: 31 minutes
 
Type of effect: thought of reveal

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Wink is a stunning way to reveal a card, thought-of number, initials, and more. See the trailer to experience just how magical Wink will look. Staring right through a wine glass, an eerie message appears and then vanishes without a trace.

The Other Brothers provide everything you need to perform this effect. Use any wine glass or bottle of water. The performance is easy to learn and use, and it's an effect that is ideal for any venue or event that has wine glasses on tabletops.

• Easy to perform
• Complete with gimmicks for revealing cards, ESP symbols and more
• Learn how to make your own gimmicks
• Many versions and ideas taught on the DVD
• The perfect (almost) impromptu bar trick

 
Complete with gimmicks and DVD. Running time: 30 mins. approx.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? It says ‘Learn how to make your own gimmicks’ but that was not taught on the DVD
 
What's in the box? DVD and gimmicks

Key points: Carry the gimmick with you in your wallet and be ready to go at a moment's notice!
 
How are the production values: It’s mostly the Brothers standing behind a home bar performing to a stationary camera. No performances of the actual effect at all. I don’t think either of them are mic’d. There were a few close up shots for detail.
 
Is it well made: the gimmicks are made well, and once you see them, you may have an idea about how you would make your own.

Is it well taught: the Brothers do spend a good deal of time teaching you the particulars of this effect.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): this is a good bar / party effect that can be a real killer in the right situation
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  could not be any flatter
 
Does it "play big?" this has an almost ‘crystal bal’ type effect that could be very strong if performed well
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: because this trick does involve loads, ditches, creative forcing and a strong degree of audience management, I would say this effect is reserved for intermediate to advanced level magicians.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Very little.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) this is going to be a tough one to practice. I would suggest you perform it for a confederate until you feel confident and have worked out all of your angles.

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 really wish I had a performance video on this, the effect I feel plays a lot stronger with a wine glass than a labelless water bottle. So as a performer it’s not really my “style” of effect
 
+ 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=NsYJiE1NbUA​
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Title: Thumbtipedia
Publisher: Vernet
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: Beginner
DVD Run time: 1 hour and a half

Type of effect: tricks with a thumb tip

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
The thumb tip is the most powerful gimmick you can carry in your pocket.

In 1970 Vernet revolutionized the world of magic with the release of his famous thumb tip. For more than forty years Vernet has been using cutting edge technology to make the most realistic thumb tip ever seen!

Finally Vernet is releasing a DVD with more than thirty unique and fantastic routines! With this DVD you'll be able to release all the potential this extraordinary gimmick has.

These routines are truly professional, extremely practical and with really clever methods!

You'll find a wide range of routines ideal for close-up, parlor, stage and bar magic.

You'll be amazed with all the different applications that this weapon can have for every possible situation!

Includes: thumb tip gimmick and DVD
Languages: Spanish and English
Duration: 90min approx.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? No deception

What's in the box? DVD and small thumb tip

Key points: DVD is taught in Spanish with English dub. Many effects are taught for a king size thumb tip
 
How are the production values: The Performer offers a studio performance and explanation standing against a red curtain. Mostly the entire video is performing for a stationary camera with a few close up shots for detail.
 
Is it well made: Many effects are taught for a king size thumb tip
 

Is it well taught: Aside from the English dub, I felt it was easy enough to watch and listen to.
 
What tricks are taught?
 

• Cut and restored rope
• Cut and restored silk from a newspaper tube
• Vanishing heap of salt
• Vanishing lit cigarette
• Color changing silk
• Signed silk from a dinner roll
• 20th century silks
• Appearing goldfish
• Silk becomes an egg
• Silk travels from one hand to the next
• Silk from coin purse clasp
• Balancing a card on the back of your hand
• Torn and restored paper
• Vanishing an extra large silk
• Transforming a $1 into a $100 bill (mismade bill 50:50)
• And many more….

 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I thought it was odd that most of these effect required a king sized thumb tip, but the TT included was a medium sized
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  fits neatly in your pocket
 
Does it "play big?" the thumb tip is an instrumental tool in the magician’s arsenal.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: These are beginner level effects, that said… I wish I had a video like this when I had first bought my thumb tip.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? none
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really 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.
 
_____ Very Satisfied
     X    Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
Over all this is a great resource, I would have liked some material on care and how many thumb tips you should have and perhaps how you should wear the thumb tip – but no worries.
 
+ 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=_dGetxLzHgA

Title: Spell o Matic
Creator: Liam Montier
Publisher: Big Blind Media
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 24 minutes

Type of effect: spell to a spectator’s card

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Based on an original idea by Hen Fetsch, the SPELL-O-MATIC is an astonishing piece of card magic. 

Imagine having a spectator name ANY card, and you spell straight to it! Then, another spectator does the same, and you spell to that too! 

Then you have both spectators 'create a card', one naming a suit at random, and another naming a value! BOOM! It turns up when you spell! 

Finally, both spectators create a card again, but they don't even tell you their choices! One chooses a suit, one a value, and you drop the deck to the table. For the first time, both choices are named, and you spell it, from the table top, with no moves or sneaky stuff! AND THEIR CARD TURNS UP WHEN YOU SPELL IT! 

Works with any number of freely thought-of cards! 
Easy to do - no sleight of hand! 
Perform it entirely in the hands! 
Perfect for walk around! 
No reset required! 
No Forces! 

How accurate is the ad copy? Well… if I am to be technical… you do need to “reset” the deck after each selection, but it’s not hard. I would also add that “no sleight of hand” is a little inaccurate, there is a sleight… sleight that involves a “feeling” and “hitting” your card exactly otherwise this trick won’t work.

What's in the box? A specially prepared Bicycle Deck packaged with full color pamphlet instructions, plus downloadable HD video instructions!

Key points:
 
How are the production values: This DVD is well shot with a beautiful rustic location. BBM always makes wonderful videos. No distracting background music. Nice bumpers and Liam is a terrific teacher.
 
Is it well made: This is a USPCC deck with a few gaffs thrown in.

Is it well taught: Liam is a terrific teacher and he goes over the performance and the “science” behind why this works.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  Most of the deck is normal, so storage wise, this won’t be an issue, otherwise if you leave it all together, it’s an entire deck – nothing more nothing less.
 
Does it "play big?" This is almost an ACAAN routine, with almost no effort, the magician is able to conjure up and find any card named.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: This trick is very easy, but you will need to practice the “feel” of this to get into a habit of making it hit 100% every time.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Zero – BBM has done all of the work for you. That said, once you learn how it’s done – you could make your own with any deck design.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely, although this effect works BETTER with 2 or 3 spectators.

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 combination of Big Blind Media and Liam Montier is a powerhouse and this effect is no exception. Throw away any spelling effect you are currently doing and grab this!
 
+ 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=OGEAs_J8rUw

Title: Hideout v2
Creator: Outlaw Effects
Publisher: Peter Nardi & Alakazam
MSRP: $115
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 33 minutes


Type of effect: Magic Wallet

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Alakazam Magic is Proud to Present The Hideout V2 by Outlaw Effects.

Back again with a second helping of Outlaw Effects goodness. Once again the master of wallets Tony Curtis took on the task of recreating one of the mentalism communities favorite wallets. Made to Tony's super high standards the Hideout V2 is an amazing piece of awesomeness that you will carry with you every day!

Disguised as an everyday bill-fold wallet, the Hideout V2 is a powerhouse full of hidden pockets and even has a very sneaky peek built in.

1. Its primary functions are multiple outs/indexing and built in peek!

2. This wallet has twenty pockets, two of them gaffed for the built-in peek, eight pockets that are "hidden" and they're not in the bill compartment. The bill compartment is not gaffed.

3. It has pockets that are wide enough to hold business cards, credit cards, Kioku cards, Psi Cards etc. Nine pockets of the twenty are deep enough to completely conceal a playing card.

4. It can be set up as a switching wallet. The wallet duplicates itself (don't ask).

5. The billfold compartment is deep enough to easily hold British currency (the wide stuff).

6. There are hidden pockets that can hold playing cards, be used for indexing, multiple outs, KK routines etc.

7. There is a built in self-contained outlaw peek function inside the wallet!

8. It is so simple yet so devious.

9. A devastating addition to your arsenal!

It is the father of all intimidating destroyers! (Not sure what that means, but it sounds cool!)
 
How accurate is the ad copy? No deception

What's in the box? Leather wallet designed by Tony Curtis and the DVD

Key points: It's a regular full size bi-fold hip pocket wallet. It is made from high quality leather to Tony Curtis's exacting standards.
 
How are the production values: Alakazam always makes great DVDs and this is no exception, a lot of fun to watch Peter Nardi and David Loosley have fun with this wallet.
 
Is it well made: Designed by Tony Curtis who has made wallets for Kenton Knepper, Wayne Dobson, Peter Nardi and many others

Is it well taught: Peter Nardi and David Loosley sit back in the Alakazam studios at a table and go through the effects one at a time – similar to other Alakazam products.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked how many pockets this has – lots of outs!
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  It is a little wider than a typical man’s tri-fold, but at the end of the day it is a leather wallet.
 
Does it "play big?" I think this wallet has great potential
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? None
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) totally the wallet is super easy to use and very deceptive.

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
 
The wallet is great, but size wise was a little large for my needs. I think it’s made deeper to hold European money and it’s just a tad bit …. Too big for me.
 
+ 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=v7hAT57xQ6A