Reviews

Compact and Perfect

This is the version of Run Rabbit Run I performed in my youth. It might not be as impressive as Jack Hughes’ Run Bonzo Run or the beautiful Run Wolf Run, but for me it is very practical for kids parties. It is about half the size of the bigger versions, and can easily be held and manged with one hand. This gives it plenty of flexibility. The larger size is certainly important for bigger venues, but for normal kids parties you don’t need any more than this.

It is true that ther are more story opportuines with Run Wolf Run, but I performed this version 100’s of times and never found the need for more story – the kids were already screaming way too loud as it was!

Still the best kids effect by a mile.

If you can’t find one of these early Supreme versions, don’t get one of the cheap copies, get Run Wolf Run from Chance Wolf. It is a real crowd pleaser!

Highly Recommended for kids magicians everywhere.

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Wierd and Wonderful!

The Burmese Bells is easy to overlook. The props are simple with no gimmicks and nothing added or taken away – the bar with bells hanging from it is precisely what it seems. With what appears to be mind power alone you are able to make any bell swing furiously and stop just as easily.

A spectator can call out a color and the bell will just start swinging away, then another color can be called and the first bell will stop and the next bell will start. With this basic mechanism you can use this rod for divinations, predictions, or raw mind power.

It works on a clever scientific principle and within a few minutes of reading the instructions you can pick it up and be controlling the bells with your mind!

Very unique and wonderful to watch!

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The Perfect Slate Effect!

Years ago an inferior version of this effect called Picto-Chango was released by Mark Trimble under license from Gene Anderson. It was an ok product but Mark never paid Gene for the rights and it also never met the expectations that Gene had for this wonderful trick. Now Gene has put out the definitive version of this beautiful effect, and it is really world class.

Picto Transpo is based on a Roy Johnson routine "On The Slate" from his book Second Time Around. Roy Johnson credits Peter Warlock for the original idea.

With the addition of modern technology in the form of Teflon coated slates and the use of a humorous caricature instead of a simple geometric shape the whole routine is transformed into a real performance piece.

In effect the magician draws a simple caricature of his assistant and signs his name on the back and the spectator does likewise. Even though everything seems totally fair, the pictures still switch places – it is really amazing to witness.

This is not a piece of magic that you will recieive and do minutes later – it does take some practice to ensure everything is clean and smooth. There are no difficult moves and once you have perfected the routine you will have an effect that can close your act everytime. It is beautiful.

Highly Recommended!

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Great Mentalism You Will Use!

Bill Abbott has a winner here with Mind Control Remastered. It is not a particularly new method or effect, but his routine and the cleaness of his props makes it something that you will use. I have already added it to my christmas show short list.

It comes with a number of handlings, but for my money the one out of six outcomes is the most workable and convincing.

The DVD is well produced and I like the way that Bill also recommends other items, not produced by him, that complement Mind Control. That is a nice touch.

Highly Recommended.

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Beautiful and Charming Collector Magic to Get Exicted About!

With his latest creation, François Danis has dug deeper still and created a unique marvel: Charles De Quercy’s Curse. What a beautiful and charming piece of magic this is. Although I love his fabulous Wandering Mummy, this is now my new favorite from his growing line of collectable magic.

This box of tall tales talks about the great explorer Charles De Quercy. As you read the story and play with the props it all comes alive in your hands. One of the problems with collectible magic that uses interesting props is that without a compelling story they can fall flat on audiences. But with François (with the help of Ian Buckland) you always get a great story to tell and of course great props to boot.

In a nutshell the effect talks about the great explorer who buys a cursed Mummy from the filthy, but wise, merchant Al Dinn. The mummy parts are well used and move around from top to bottom where upon the head is finally placed in a box for safe keeping. In the end all ends well with the mummy back where it belongs and Al Dinn’s head safely in the box!

The two methods used for this miracle are simple but effective, although not new. However, in combining the two methods with the beautiful props and entertaining story François has a real winner on his hands. I predict this will be his best seller, until of course his next marvel … yes you can’t get enough of this young French Craftsman. Keep them coming François!

Most Highly Recommended for the discerning established collector, or for those new to the field who want to get involved before this guy gets too expensive!

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A Brilliant Marked Deck + Extras

Of all the "easy to read" decks out there, I think this is the best Marked deck around – you wouldn’t want to gamble with them, but for magicians they are perfect! Not only are the markings easy to read but you can also tell the card next to the chosen card too. This is made possible because Richard Osterlind’s beautiful Breakthrough Card System has been embedded into the deck too. And for grins they even employ the one-way deck principle.

Naturally all of these markings are subtle if you don’t know what you are looking for. I prefer this to the Boris Wild Deck, the Ultimate Marked Deck, and even the Ted Lesley deck.

Highly Recommended!

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Wonderful, Clean, Easy Mentalism!

I love this product from Astor! The props are first rate and durable, the method is clever, and it is easy to do. Most importantly the effect is very clean and easy to understand, and can be repeated with a different outcome. But in every outcome you know in advance which color they will choose.

This is right up there with Astor Mental, another perfect prediction effect.

Highly Recommended!

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