Whooo hooo! I was so happy when I saw “No Card Tricks” in the product description. How many multi tricks DVDs without card tricks (apart from coin guys) can you find on the market? I’m not saying that card trick is not good, I’m saying that the effects in this DVD uses other props instead of cards and this could be a refreshing change.
The effects in this DVD are visual and easy to do. There are 7 effects in this DVD.
1. M.B.Z : A matchbox visually changes into a Zippo lighter.
The gimmick is easy to prepare but you’ll need to find a suitable lighter for this but that’s not going to be a problem considering Zippos are pretty common.
2. Post X : A “X” written on a post-it pad vanishes and travels from the magician’s pad to a sheet of post-it pad the spectator is holding.
Easy to prepare and a stunning effect for the spectator, especially when the spectator is holding a piece of empty post-it pad before the “X” appears. You can even do a signed variation whereby the spectators can signed on the empty post-it pad.
3. Mini Bar : A “in the hand” production of a clear mini bottle ending with the label appearing on the bottle.
Like all the previous effect, you are required to make the gimmick and like the previous effects, they are easy to make. This one again easy to do but I felt his performance part was a little flat as he was trying.
4. Refresh – Torn and restored piece of chewing gum
I was rather disappoint with this as I don’t quite understand what was going on. When he was performing this to a spectator, I felt that the spectator was like me, we don’t know what’s going on. I had to watch the performance 3 times to know what the effect was about. However, after watching the explanation, I realized that this has to be perform up close. So it was not that bad afterall.
5. Lotto Wallet : A production of a dollar bill from a piece of lottery paper
Maybe it was the magician in me watching it. I think this is rather easy to figure it out, that was until I saw the subtlety in the gimmick. Gimmick is easy to make and the materials needed is also easy to acquire.
6. Travel Transpo : A transposition of a travel card and ticket.
I’d think this effect will not work in certain countries due to the difference in the type of travelling cards/tickets used. However, you may still use a credit card and membership card to perform this. Again, easy to do and prepare.
7. ATM : A production of a dollar from a credit card.
Some handicraft skills needed here, nothing complicating, just some cutting and taping. Performing this is also very easy. A great way to introduce a dollar bill for your next effect.
The word “organic” again is used here to describe the effects. This time, I agree with it. The effects here are truly organic as the props used are correlated. All the effects require you to make the gimmick yourself and they are easy to make. The only difficult part is probably the scanner to scan certain stuffs in which not everyone will have a scanner. This is a refreshing DVD and all the props used are familiar objects. The DVD is shot in HD and everything is explained clearly. Routines are perform in s studio as well as for a live audience.
AT US$30, this is value for money as you are getting 7 effects unlike the recent trend of single effects DVD.
Recommended. Rating 8/10.
