May 2004 – Page 2

Review by MagicBill for Mirror Penetration by Howard Schwarzman

4 out of 5

Keep it clean or else!

I have this trick but mine is painted red. It looks a little more Chinese than this one. Mine also has an automatic silk winder in the back and the clockwork mechanism will pull the silk through the glass unattended. You must be near the mirror when it starts to wind the silk on the mechanism and also before the silk disappears else you’ll see the secret.

But the biggest complaint with this product is keep it clean. One person was performing this trick and had some pretty big prints on the glass and the audience could see the gimmick moving. In fact, one loud mouthed kid was reported to say: "Look Daddy, the fingerprints are moving!" which brought a chuckle from the audience and killed the magic for the trick.

So keep the glass clean. That’s what the silk is for, to polish the glass!

MagicBill
www.high-techmagic.com

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reviews May 4, 2004 Reviews 4 Stars, MagicBill

Review by MagicBill for Dream Bag (Jumbo) by Mak Magic

5 out of 5

A real crowd pleaser!

I have this trick and have personally used it. It plays well with crowds and leaves them mystified as I showed them the bag before I pulled out a box. Using different color silks and pulling out a box with a flower the same color as the silk really gets the audience thinking. and then in the end when I stack all three boxes and they’re taller than the bag really blows them away. It’s easy to do, no special skills required which is good for me.

Whether you’re playing to adults or children, either should enjoy this trick.
Enjoy!
MagicBill
www.high-techmagic.com

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reviews May 4, 2004 Reviews 5 Stars, MagicBill

Review by George Guerra for Blasted by Bob Swadling

5 out of 5

Always loved this one!

Blasted is one of those effects you just have to love it when you see it performed for the first time. It is dramatic..Copenetro without the fancy mechanics. This is particularly true when you are an adolescent, many years ago, new to magic, and a demonstrator at Hollywood Magic brings this out to blow your mind. It was then made by Tannen’s and somehow it left my collection many years ago.

However, recently Mario Carrandi put this beauty on ebay, a mint Blasted made in the 1960’s by England’s Harry Stanley and I went for it. Oh, what nostalgia!

Tannen also released in a "smaller" version, Blasted Jr., using a simple low plastic cover instead of the glass goblet, The coins were a dime/penny instead of the larger English coins (though Tannen’s used a Kennedy Half for the English Silver in their version of Blasted).

The effect is two contrasting coins are shown. The Silver one is placed on the metal tray and covered with the inverted glass. The copper is held above on the glass, then suddenly and visibly, it appears inside alongside the Silver coin. Glass removed and the coins freely showned. Beautiful magic!

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reviews May 4, 2004 Reviews 5 Stars, George Guerra

Review by Colin Dymond for ABC Gumball Recycler by Chance Wolf

5 out of 5

Excellent customer service

I had a slight problem with my gumball machine when it first arrived but as soon as I notified Chance he got it sorted as fast as humanly possible. It’s a real test of a company when you have a problem, they couldn’t have been better!

I use my gumball machine in my recycling show and in a local theme park turning used gum into the balls used in the ball pits, we dont have gumballs in the UK.

I have just ordered the Jumbo Balloon Wand and can’t wiat to use it, Chance makes kids props that look like they are built for the 21st century so many props look like they came out of the ark!

I highly reccomend this to anyone, apart from the compettion in my local area!!!

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reviews May 3, 2004 Reviews 5 Stars, Colin Dymond

Review by Colin Dymond for Sketch-O-Magic by David Garrard

5 out of 5

Math shows

I use this item in my math shows. First they have to work out how many different pictures you can make from the sketch book with twelve pictures cut in to three parts.
12x12x12=1728
Their chance of getting the correct hair, eyes, mouth is always 1 in 12 but the chance of getting the complete picture is 1 in 1728.
Also i get the children to "pick" the hair first, then you can ask who would like to pick my nose!

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reviews May 3, 2004 Reviews 5 Stars, Colin Dymond

Review by Andy Martin for The Stones of Tutankhamun by Doug Gorman, Jim Riser

5 out of 5

Wow! Look at these Beauties!

So if you’re looking for rare quality then look no futher than this wonderful routine by Doug Gorman using some beautiful, unique ball vases created especially for the effect by the quality craftsmanship of Jim Riser. At this time only ten sets have been made, so I suggest you get your order in fast!

Here is the routine:

Two ball vases are introduced, along with two colored stones: one white and one black. A stone is put in front of each vase. The lids are removed to show the balls match the colors of the stones. The balls are put in the performer’s pockets, but they immediately return to their respective vases. The stones’ locations are switched. When the lids are removed, the balls have transposed to match the stones in front of the vases! The balls are again pocketed. The stones are returned to their original locations. When the lids are removed, the balls have returned, again following their respective stones! One last time, the balls are pocketed. The black and white stones are rubbed vigorously between the palms. When they are dropped to the table, they have turned red! The lids are removed from the vases, and the balls have returned again, but this time they, too, are both red!

You receive two Riser ball vases: one in mahogany and one in Brazilian
satinwood. You also receive six balls and four colored stones, plus a DVD and written instructions for the routine. Please note that no shells are included, as they are not needed for the routine. Price is $325.

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reviews May 3, 2004 Reviews 5 Stars, Andy Martin

Review by George Guerra for Shattered by Chance Wolf

5 out of 5

Now this is Paddle Magic!

Paddles have always been interesting props. I own most of Porper’s current line but something was always missing. I realized it was "drama" or the lack of it that made these props less interesting to perform. Though beautifully made I now keep my paddles somewhere in my closet. Now comes Chance with a twist to this old prop and you have an entertaining piece of magic with storylines to turn it into a wonderful routine.

Chance craftmanship is to be admired. Granted, this is the only piece I own from him, he has earned the praise and respect of many very happy customers. I am always keeping my eyes out for releases on his "Vintage Recreations" line(I would have bought his Hughes Snake Basket, but already had a CW Khyber Kobra). These props are well made, come in gorgeous little velvet bags with the Wolf trademark embroidered, and accompannied by very clear photo-illustrated instructions(remarkable!). Oh yes, the price is a real bargain for the magic you are getting. Most Highly Recommended!

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reviews May 2, 2004 Reviews 5 Stars, George Guerra

Month: May 2004

Review by MagicBill for Mirror Penetration by Howard Schwarzman

Review by MagicBill for Dream Bag (Jumbo) by Mak Magic

Review by George Guerra for Blasted by Bob Swadling

Review by Colin Dymond for ABC Gumball Recycler by Chance Wolf

Review by Colin Dymond for Sketch-O-Magic by David Garrard

Review by Andy Martin for The Stones of Tutankhamun by Doug Gorman, Jim Riser

Review by George Guerra for Shattered by Chance Wolf

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