Creator: John Armstrong
Publisher: Kozmo Magic
MSRP: $ 20
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 40 minutes

Type of effect: sandwich routine card utility

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Jon Armstrong's "Cut Cards" include eight, two sided colored cards (two red, two blue and four black) that are made of regular card stock and have broad white borders. So, unlike other casino cut cards, they are lost when squared into the deck. And yet are instantly visible when spreading.

Cut Cards are perfect for any "sandwich" trick. You get great color contrasts that allow spectators to instantly see their chosen card between these brightly colored props.

Cut Cards also provide you with stunningly visual presentations for gambling tricks, casino tricks, and haunted card tricks.

On the included DVD, Jon teaches some of his favorite routines using Cut Cards and shares moves you can apply to any sandwich routine. But, the Cut Cards themselves provide many new opportunities for your card magic.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? No deception

What's in the box? DVD and 8 cut cards

Key points: Any "sandwich" effect becomes more conversational and easier to follow with Cut Cards.
 
How are the production values: Mostly a steady shot of John sitting at a card table, but a few close ups where applicable.
 
Is it well made: cards made from USPCC

Is it well taught: 5 Magic tricks along with your cut cards, John covers all that you need to know. Just understand that he is teaching you the methods, but he isn't guiding you through each and every sleight. In other words, he's not walking you through forcing cards or keeping a break - he is expecting you to have some proficiency in card magic. (he does teach you his take on the DL the "gin pick" which is pretty cool)
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): Love that the cut cards have a white border so that they can be added seamlessly into your regular white bordered decks
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" These cards are the same thickness as a single playing card and will add seamlessly into your tuck case or pockets.
 
Does it "play big?" with these cut cards your able to put a more visual element to your sandwich routines. The spectator will easily and quickly see the magic happen,
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) the cards are just redesigned playing cards that you add to your routines. They don't "hinder" your card magic in any way. No angle issues, no learning curve. Pick these up and instantly start using them.

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=X6BeGaV7LtY

Creator:  Shin Lim
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 1 hour 1 minute

Type of effect: disappearing tuck case

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
A visual masterpiece designed by Shin Lim and Tom Elderfield is used as a closer to Shin's Encore Act performed on the Illusionists Show from Broadway. What more is there to say?

Gone Deck can both be used as an APPEARING and VANISHING card box, making this a very versatile prop to anyone's repertoire.

Every package comes with a premade template so that you can apply any deck of your choosing and use it in the beginning, end, or even middle of your routine. And because it is simply one card thin and works as one unit with no separate parts to worry about, Gone Deck will not get in the way of your performances.

Gone deck comes with an instructional tutorial on how to perform different vanishes, appearances, and even color changes. In addition, Shin Lim teaches you how to not only take care of your gimmick, but also how to create new ones of your own.

Witness this incredible appearing and vanishing card box 5 years in the making

How accurate is the ad copy? Yes, it will work with any playing card, however, it's best to use a complex design. The gimmick has visible tells that need to be hidden within the back design.

What's in the box? Hard shelled box, inside is the download code to the video along with the arts and crafts pieces so that you can make your own gimmick.

Key points: on the video there are instructions for more than a simple tuck case vanish. Half way through the video Shin will also show you how to modify the gimmick (build a new one) to make a "rebox" gimmick where the individual cards BECOME a tuck box.
 
There is a portion where Shin shows you how to execute a Franky Morales card flourish "Windchill" at the same time as you perform the deck vanish. (Shin even says in the video how "difficult" the effect is and several times in his performance he is even unable to pull it off).
 
Another idea he shows you is a "Transposition" effect where seemingly the tuck case and the deck of cards switch hands - one for the other. (DISCLAIMER: this will only work with a tuck case that reproduces the entire card back as a part of it's artwork - modern day Bicycle cards off the shelf - no longer have this design)
 
Shin also reveals a few other ideas where the gone deck becomes coins or a tic-tac box. Without saying how it's done, I will at least just add that these are probably stage or parlor effects at best and will not work for the strolling magician.
 
The last 13 minutes of the video are for a "double color change" where there are two magical changes. Shin in his own words says, "It is incredibly difficult to make, I struggle to make it. Every time I have to make it... I cringe at the idea."
 
How are the production values: You have two main views - the over the table shot of Shin working at his table constructing gimmicks and the straight on shot of Shin performing.  And after having watched the video - it "feels" like the majority of the video was gimmick constriction.
 
Lastly, there seemed to be some recording issues. The performance shots, have absolutely no sound. And then thirty minutes in, the video audibly experiences an audio issue where the sound goes out, and Shin's voice is heard "dubbed" over the video to fill in what was missed.
 
Is it well made: You make it, and it will last longer the better you make it. This isn't a gimmick to cut corners with.

Is it well taught: The majority of this video is gimmick construction, for either the actual gone deck, or the subsequent effects. Of the hour long video, Shin spends five minutes explaining how to perform with and use the gimmick. There are no "live performances" nor any advice how to perform this live or for a close up audience.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I love Shin's creativity and nobody would argue that he is a master performer and a master magician. I can freely admit that I am no where near his caliber, so having said that amd having received a few of his effects, I feel like his tricks are for a particular group of people (of which I am not one of them).
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" The gimmick construction is the size and thickness of two cards stacked.
 
Does it "play big?" Absolutely! This trick is beautiful and visually stunning.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) There are a few other effects on here, I'd say the majority of them - probably are not for mere mortals like you and me, unless you perform on stage or are an internet sensation. The actual "basic" gone deck vanish will work in the "real world." But as the tricks become more and more "gimmick heavy" their practicality.... vanishes.
 
How original is this idea? This is the part where I tell you that Unboxing by Nicholas Lawrence is very....very....very.... similar.

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=a7VHR12qA4w

Creator: Gregory Wilson
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $ 40
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 3 hours 40 minutes

Type of effect: deck switch utility

Manufacturer's Write Up: From shuffled to stacked in seconds - this deck-switching device is so simple in concept and execution that you can tell your audience in advance you're going to switch the deck and they WILL NOT SEE IT.

Best of all, we arm you with a precision crafted gimmick and full streaming instructions that explains TEN original routines, handlings and applications by Gregory Wilson, David Gripenwaldt, Michael Weber, John Kennedy, Justin Miller and Raj Madhok.

Plus, it makes the classics instantly accessible: perfect poker deals, color-changing decks, story packs, new deck order finale and mental miracles. Cold Case is so devious it should be criminal. Make the switch!

How accurate is the ad copy? No false claims - this thing rocks!

What's in the box? Video download code, gimmick and hard shelled box

Key points:
 
Instant reset
Easy to perform
Mostly angle-proof
Great for close-up or stand-up
No moving parts to wear out or break down
Pre-constructed in red Bicycle, but can be easily altered for any brand
 
How are the production values: Beautiful video, well shot, well mic'd - everything you'd expect from the professionals at Murphy's Magic.
 
Is it well made: This is a beast! Awesomely constructed.

Is it well taught: Gregory Wilson is a very generous teacher. Over three hours of instruction. The first hour and 12 minutes is teaching you switches and "how to practice" 
with Chris Oberle. Then what follows is almost 2 hours of Magic Trick Routines with
Jason Brumbalow. ("Leach off Leech" is worth the entire cost of the gimmick)
 
The last trick "10 card poker deal" gets 30 minutes of teaching alone. Gregory finises with 15 minutes of tips and further trick ideas and this his last 15 minutes are going over Daniel Madison's "Fracture."
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): This is a utility I have always wanted, but devices of this caliber have always sold out in the past.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" it's the same size as a tuck case
 
Does it "play big?" Hopefully it's your magic that plays big in these instances and the "Cold Case" is your secret weapon that allows you to do the impossible.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Very real world possible, however.. it does appear to be made for right handed magicians. (of which I am not)

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=tUq3ixR3VRQ​

Got em! Thin stock, metallic inks plus the cool dichotomy of black and white make this a "Yes please!" for me. THANKS PENGUIN! (review live on my channel)

"That's a good question brother... and the answers you get will vary from person to person, because "good" and "bad" (in terms of how cards feel and handle) is completely subjective. As they say, "one man's food is another man's poison".

Could not agree more... that's why you have Chevy AND Ford and that's why there is always more than one thing on the menu

As a consumer YOU need to know what YOU like. What goes into our preferences? Only 3 things.

1. Card thickness - this is where paper stock comes in, durability and over all ink impact

2. Cut - traditional vs modern, Smooth edges vs "you don't care."

3. and lastly finish. Do you like super slippery cards (magic finish) a more middle of the road feel (air cushion embossing only) or do you prefer smooth cards?

I would then argue that you need to own good samples of stock and finish from all of the major players.
So when a new deck comes out on the market - and they say "Printed from Legends with Classic Finish" you can walk over to your collection and find the deck equivalent

Any other preferences we have will be design.

Do you prefer casino borders to hide your second deals? Do you prefer white borders to hide your reversed cards? Personally I only do magic with red bikes Why?

1. readily available anywhere

2. I like how they feel

3. Instantly recognizable

4. Easy to mark

5. I don't mind tearing them or folding them

6. they match all my gaffs and trick decks.

video review:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blNGjcqL-k8

More information - visit: http://shop.davidblaine.com/collections/playingcards

The Black Lions, printed on the highest-quality stock the United States Playing Card Company offers.

The soft-touch box features a two-tone black finish and silver foil stamping on top of a fully detailed quality embossing.  Each deck contains a number of hidden features that are greatly enhanced by the new design.

Follow David Blaine
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email: dborders@davidblaine.com

Learn more about Cut, Stock & Finish: http://tinyurl.com/USPCCcutandfinish

Creator: Andrew Herring
Publisher: Feel Astonished Live
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: intermediate
DVD Run time: 1 hour 28 minutes

Type of effect: Combo DVD of tricks, flourishes and controls

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
The first section is focused on The Glimmer Principle. Basically a FRESH card control system that allows you to control 1 to 4 cards extremely cleanly, and we mean so clean that people are 100% convinced. It is very sneaky, and works all of the time! This principle allows you to achieve more - a beautiful color change, a devious dribble control, and a switch as well. This is the perfect secret weapon in any magician's card arsenal.

Next we have some powerful visual card magic effects. Everyone of these is a real worker and has been audience tested thousands of times. The Ninja Grab we are sure is a brand new concept in card magic, and blows everyone away. Andrew's Ultima Aces is a working mans show stopper and a sure fire crowd pleaser! For the perfect surprise check out Are You Sure? This section also has 321 and we teach the Infinite Twirl which is awesome.

The last section is called OHUH - meaning overhand and underhand, and focuses on Andrews's core work and secret love - flourishes. It is a unique Card Cut System focusing on Ariel Packet tosses while still maintaining the deck in full order. Because of the acrobatic nature of these cuts all believe the pack is thoroughly mixed. They look crazy cool. This will fascinate anyone who likes Flourishes and also performs Magic too.

How accurate is the ad copy?  No deception or false promises

What's in the box? DVD with an hour and a half of content

Key points: this DVD is jammed packed with a lot of content covering a wide gambit of card magic - you will get routines, controls, flourishes and theory.
 
How are the production values: this is the first project from Kyle Grey, Andrew Herring and Gareth Davis and Feel Astonished Live. I'd say it's a good first try. The menus are very colorful and splashy and each submission is backed with very upbeat techno music. The "teaching" moments are done with absolutely no audio or on screen instruction. So in effect you're taught through pantomime, and several times I felt that there was something lost and there were moments that were hard to follow. For instance watching the GLIMMER CONTROL tutorial.... I had no idea what was going on.
 
It might just be my own personal learning style, but I benefit greatly from audible instruction.
 
There are some Q&A "theory" entries where Andrew is able to discuss his methodology and those moments I am sure are meant to be the helpful "audio instruction" that are missing from the tutorials, but as they don't cover patter or routine and since there are no live performances, it's hard to grasp it all on an initial viewing. My thoughts are if you want to follow along and really learn these tricks - you'll need to view this DVD a few times over.
 
What is taught on the DVD?
 
Ultima Aces this is a straightforward 4 ace reveal with a flourish
 
Glimmer Switch + change, control, and multi (w/theory) this is a card control for bringing a returned card to the top of the deck. Andrew teaches this as either a straight forward invisible change, or a face up "switch" (which to me was not as convincing). Andrew teaches this with either one or four cards.
 
Ninja Grab this is a palm reveal that "appears" as if you grabbed the card invisibly from the center of the deck
 
Are You Sure (w/theory) card change routine that takes place in the spectator's hands, very similar to David Blaine's In the Hand, two card Monte.
 
321 (w/theory) another card change, this time two cards are "combined" into a third card (1+2=3) using a very familiar sleight. Seemed similar to previously published effects that use "splitting" cards into two.
 
Plus several flourishes: Infinite Twirl, OHUH + Flip, Arial Cut, Grip Flip, Slider plus Combos.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked the amount of work that was put on this DVD, it was very ambitious; and there certainly is a lot of material here - you get a lot of bang for your buck. But, I would have appreciated live performances so I could see these in action, or at least audio teaching during the tutorials.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) all of these can be done in the real world, nothing knacky or outlandish.
 
How original is this idea?  to be honest, I felt like I had seen a lot of these moves before. Nothing leapt out to me as being that original. The Glimmer additions all felt like moves I have seen in someone else's Ambitious Card routine. There were "thank yous" to famous magicians at the end for "inspiration" but no direct credit for anything and to me a lot of this did feel borrowed or directly inspired by other people's work.

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=6PHQJ9QEo-o

Title: Force of Will
Creator: Dave Hooper
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $ 15
Skill Level: beginners
DVD Run time: 12 minutes

Type of effect: Card Force Plot

Manufacturer's Write Up:

There are a thousand ways to get a spectator to choose a certain card. Even today, new methods are being brought to light, even as you read this. Yet, one thing has remained constant throughout the years, the pursuit of the perfect force. Dave Hooper has refined his take on the classic force for more years than many of us have even considered taking our card magic seriously... And the result is a thing of pure beauty.

"Dave's force is the best I've ever seen. And I've seen many!" - Harry Robson

After 35 years of being a professional magician, It is today that he reveals his teachings on what some will call the greatest Classic Force, ever.

"He forced the same card on me FIVE times, and it was fair. Every time." -Chris Ramsay

If you are struggling with the classic force or are looking to refine and make it absolutely 100% undetectable and effective, then there is no alternative. The proof is inside.

How accurate is the ad copy? Pretty straight forward no false promises, this is simply a "variation" on the classic force.

What's in the box? DVD 12 minutes long

Key points: Right off the bat, I'd say this is a DVD for beginners, both in card handling and card forcing. True, there are "more in-depth" videos on both forcing cards AND the Classic Force, but this video is a good introduction for anyone just getting into it.

How are the production values: Top notch, shot in HD, good studio location, multiple angles and good microphone.

Is it well taught: It is well taught... for 12 minutes, but I'd say it's not quite enough material for any skill level to truly be "enough." It leaves you wanting more.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

Storage? Does it "pack flat?" This is a straight forward card force with a deck of cards.

Does it "play big?" my favorite parts were the "outs" that were taught when you "miss." In my opinion this was the best part of the DVD.

How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Another good part to the DVD was the "real world" practice tips that Dave offers.

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=p3QNAgiUgTs

Creator: Aaron Jones
Publisher: world magic shop
MSRP: $30
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 1 hour 15 min

Type of effect: live lecture

Manufacturer's Write Up:

A collection of original effects and concepts for real world performers culminating in THE VERY BEST BUSINESS CARD GIVE-AWAY ever!

TWORN - You tear the corner from a signed business card. You then restore the card in its twisted state before allowing your spectator to keep the impossible souvenir forever.

Also featuring:

ANNIVERSARY SALSA - The old classic gets a reboot meaning that no gimmicked cards are used and all the fact happens in the two spectator's hands.

OXO - Not only do you predict the outcome of a game of noughts and crosses (Tic Tac Toe) , this leads into an incredible serial number revelation.

THE ANTELOPE PRINCIPLE - Cause any coin to vanish from an envelope as the spectator is holding it.

CARD 2 POCKET - A valuable technique to cause any card to covertly enter a spectator's pocket.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? Very descriptive and honest

What's in the box? Only the DVD

Key points: Great ideas for the working professional
 
How are the production values: filmed live at at LADS 2015 (lectures and dealers) lecture - echoy microphone, tripod on the center isle, Aaron has an accent (mumbles some stuff and talks under his breath and the camera doesn't pick it up) - one alternative camera on stage for close ups, which was cleaner and closer and I liked that camera

Is it well taught: Aaron Jones is very funny and he teaches and answers questions well. He does have an accent and the microphone he uses in the auditorium is a little echo-y so you might have some comments fly right by you.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked the moments Aaron chose to talk about the role of a magician as an "entertainer." Aaron himself is very polished and comes across as an entertainer BEOFRE his obvious role as a magician.  These were good points... good words.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) all of Aaron's ideas are very practical and would fit great into anyone's routine.

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=XVEtzgMPa7U

Creator: Henri White
Publisher: world magic shop
MSRP: $ 32.50
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 20 min

Type of effect: card to impossible location / penetration effect

Manufacturer's Write Up:

A chosen card is signed by the spectator. The center of the card is torn out. The very same card is then visibly linked onto the stem of a borrowed wine glass. The linked card and the glass can then be fully examined. No Duplicates - Simple - Elegant - Truly Baffling

How accurate is the ad copy? The ad copy is fine, but it should be mentioned that the card is "forced" not "chosen."

What's in the box? A DVD

Key points: there is no switching involved, the card your spectator signs is the one that they work with through the entire effect.
 
How are the production values: clean non distracting environment, nice overhead shots for performances and gimmick construction.         
 
Is it well made: On the one hand this is a torn and restored trick, so you will need to prepare your own gimmicks. Anyone who has practice building other TnRs will feel right at home here.

Is it well taught: Henri covers the basics of the effect, although at 20 minutes I would have liked some live performances, especially a live "performer's view" shot. I also would have loved more tips, alternate handlings and perhaps even an interview about the effect (or some credits?) Anything to bulk up this very pricey DVD.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked that this takes the "card to impossible location" effect and the TnR and marries them together. I didn't like how "dirty" this effect is. There is a lot of heat on the performer in the most crucial moments and you really need to "down play" what is actually taking place.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  All you need is a single card and a long stemmed wine glass.
 
Does it "play big?" Anyone who has performed restaurant magic will enjoy this routine as it is very creative.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) As the name implies it is suggested that the card be given out as a keepsake. However, short of encouraging your patrons to steal wine glasses, this probably isn't a great idea. But I suppose if the restaurant sells souvenir glasses in a gift shop, you could purchase one and offer to sell it back to them if they want a keepsake from their visit. Then if they say "no" you could rip off the card and go on to the next table. (ha ha)
 
It'd also be great to do at a dinner party that you are invited to. But at the end of the day this is a TnR and so yes - there are "tears" involved. Could the spectator find the secret under a close examination? Only if they were dead set on doing so. Most I think would be grateful to have such a unique gift and they'd let it go at that.
 
There is also the idea that most restaurants are dimly lit and so you could offer the card to the spectator to examine at the end of your routine - your spectator will find nothing and marvel at your skills - you then sadly tell them that you've had too many stolen wine glasses and so at the request of the restaurant you have to "destroy" the card.
 
You then rip it (right where you need to) off the glass and then the spectator still gets to keep the souvenir, it costs you nothing, it costs the restaurant nothing and there is less chance the spectator will discover the secret.

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=jri1P6G2ZyE

 bing bing bing! Yea, I asked my friend to open his and he confirmed as well

Anyone else found the 5H reveal on the tuck back?

Creator: Liam Montier
Publisher: Big Blind Media
MSRP: $ 24
Skill Level: intermediate

Buy yours: http://www.bigblindmedia.com/the-full-monty-by-liam-montier/

Type of effect: find the queen

Manufacturer's Write Up: Picture this - you show four cards, a Queen and three Jokers. So far, so ordinary. But then you show the backs - to make it UBER fair, the Queen has QUEEN written across it's back (and it's green), and each Joker has JOKER (and they are red)! All your spectator has to do is follow the Queen. Simple. But then you make it EVEN EASIER. You offer to remove one of the Jokers. So now there are just two red backed Jokers (with JOKER printed indelibly on them) and one green backed Queen (with QUEEN written on it).

So would your audience bet on which card was the Queen now? You betcha.
Suddenly, it turns into a scam, and the packet changes into a rainbow of cards, all with ‘QUEEN’ written on the backs!

Then, before your spectators have a chance to even recover, you show that not only the backs changed, but now the faces, because there’s not a single Queen or Joker in sight.
ALL THE CARDS ARE NOW ACES!

How accurate is the ad copy? Perfect!

What's in the box? DVD and needed gaff cards

Key points: cards are completely examinable once the effect is over

How are the production values: Exactly what you'd always expect from Liam and BBM, in fact "it looks" like most of his recent DVDs, same sets and models.

Is it well made: Gaffs are precision made Bicycle cards

Is it well taught: Liam is one of the best magic teachers today

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I loved that he has multiple ways to learn the effect on the DVD - he has a beginner teaching and an experience teaching not to mention a "I'm just going to review the effect and not slow down and stop teaching" all awesome ideas I wish more magicians would incorporate into their products!

Storage? Does it "pack flat?" this is a packet trick that would easily fit in a card wallet.

Does it "play big?" find the lady (queen/ace) is such a familiar plot I think you'll grab a lot of spectators right away with it's ease of presentation.

How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely, it's all cards and sleights, that said this is a "knuckle buster" of a routine so be ready to put some of your card handling skills to use.

How original is this idea? The monte plot is one of the biggest frauds that ever masqueraded as gambling in history. George Devol and three other men, Bill Jones, Tom Brown, and Holly Chappell, teamed up to play it for four years during the 1850s and, scammed enough money away from the "suckers" to be able to divide up a million dollars by the end of their partnership.

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=QA-xDwUNM-g