Magic reviews by Tom Hodgson

ChangE

ChangE is amazing this particular change was kept underground for quite some time people started learning and and loving it. This change as you see is Visual and even better you are left with one card no doubles to flip over no wierd moves to play around with after you give the card straight to them.

A Double Change is included and it looks Fantastic it fooled me the first time i saw it and the same with other magicians that i have performed this to.

Multiple effects utilising the change are taught. The effects are alot of fun to play around with and im sure you will come up with your own add ons and ideas as to what to use it for.

Overall The quality of the video is Fantastic the teaching was awesome. Every little detail is explained in easy bite sized chunks.

Vanishing Inc is coming up with the top Dogs of the Magic Industry.

Pick This Up!!
You won't regret it.

Tom

Wow

I remember first seeing this and saying WTF outloud. I was stunned. You DONT ever look at the face of the cards during the routine before or after the card is named.

After seeing Pits book "Card Fictions" i knew this would be amazing method wise, Presentation wise and concept wise.

The Method is very very cheeky i dont think i could have ever thought of it.
Work needs to be put into this effect but it is SO well worth it look at it. Its Stunning.

Pit goes Indepth on how to perform and learn the effect yes this will be something new to just about every magician i think. Pit is a great teacher and creator i cant wait to see more from him on the site.

Pick it up!

Tom

Wow....

This book had been at the back of mind for a while and i had been edging to get it. After asking Joshua Jay what he thought about it, it gave me that extra kick and i went and bought it along with Tangled Web.

Im so Happy i purchased this its worth every cent. The book itself was much smaller than i thought but man the stuff inside those pages. Many of you no doubt have seen Finger Flick off of David Blaines most recent special. This is acually a beautiful 3 phase routine. The tricks are gone into in depth and are easy to understand. Though i wouldnt recommend this to a beginner it has some sleights that could be seen difficult. This is for the card worker i think even memorized deck workers will get a few things out of this a few presentations they might be able to expand apon.

I think this is an AMAZING purchase and you must pick it up. Thanks Joshua for helping me make the decison to pick this up!

Tom

Thoughts I really like this move i had a few ideas on how it was done but not even close. Like many at first i thought it was "CardSEXchange" which gave me a laugh but it is acually Cards Exchange sorry guys haha. This move initially has SOO many applications. I very much think it is worth the price you get a colour change, force, control, transpostition and much more. Now that i've had my say lets start breaking this thing down.

What They Say When Chris wrote A Clockwork Apple, he realized that he had far too many applications of his amazing Cardsexchange move to put them all in the booklet. So, in true Vanishing Inc. style, we've put together an amazing download packed with ideas and tricks for this great move, complete with a full, detailed explanation of the Cardsexchange move.

Teaching This was probably one of the funniest explanation videos i have seen in a while Chris is such a funny guy and you know what i mean if you have bought the download. Chris does very well in explaining the move and goes over it a few times. Some bits were rushed but they were easily understandible parts of the move. Overall the teaching is exceptional.

Method I really love the method everything is accounted for the move isnt that hard either. Chris goes over the move in great detail i love the fact this can be used for so so many things i can't wait to start playing around with this.
Angles are not really a problem there is one thing that Chris says you should watch and with practice in the mirror im sure you will be fine.
You guys can see it's visual and hands off no cover, which most in the deck colour changes need, this appeals to me alot.

Applications Wow.... there really are alot of applications for this move. Transpositions, Colour Changes, Forces, Controls and a Card Switch in general. Im sure there are many many more applications im sure you will apply this to something already in your arsenal. A very Versatile move in my Opinion.


Quality Nothing wrong here the picture is clear and there are some really great angles helping the learning process.

I recommend this move to anyone who thinks it looks good from beginner to advanced it really is what it is and it is not a super hard move to obtain.

Pick this up guys you wont be dissapointed.

As for people with this item already i leave you with this.

TRICERATOPS!

Tom

Thoughts The move is Fantastic i absolutely love it. This move is initially intended for a rising card but it can be used for very clean switches aswell. Its deffinately not as hard as Raise Rise and i believe it has a more visual aspect you riffle down and you are bassically saying your card will rise to here. With Raise Rise there is no signal the card has just risen so it takes a moment to register (Not disrespecting Raise Rise at all) and Chris is a nice guy he is funny and very laid back i enjoy watching any of his videos and any of his material.

What They Say You insert a selection into the deck and leave it outjogged near the bottom. With just a shake, the outjogged card rises out a quarter of the way up the deck. It happens again, and again until the outjogged selection ends up on top of the deck.

If you've ever wanted to perform Raise Rise but don't want to break your fingers, this is the perfect trick for you. Even Ray Kosby agrees:

"When I saw Lazy Rise my first thought was 'I just got put out of business'. It looked just as good as Raise Rise, and could be learned much faster. Great job Chris." --Ray Kosby, inventor of Raise Rise

Teaching Like in "Cardsexchange" Chris is a funny guy very laid back and goes through the explaination in great detail all up the video runs for about 18 minutes and alot of that is spent explaining the move. Chris also runs through framing the move where is should be performed how many times the rise should be performed before the spectator decides to leave. Overall a fantastic job im really enjoying Chris's stuff.

Method Like Ray Kosby says It looks just as good as Raise Rise and it is learned much faster. The method is smart he explains how it sort of branches off from alot of other rising card effects and the history of those effects aswell. The move isn't to hard there are a few things that happen at once while the rise happens but i dont think anyone should have a problem getting this down.

Applications The move has a vast range of applications The rise, a switch, a colour change just to name a few. This move can be added to so many places in your routine to make inserting there card into the pack "Cleanly" showing them there card then to have it switched out. Very versatile.

Quality Nothing is wrong here Vanishing Inc has great quality videos the only thing i can when i pick at it is adding and extra angle close up but thats all the angles where great and easy to learn from great job!

I recommend this to anyone beginner to expert im sure everyone will learn something and get something out of this its a great move and alot of fun to play with.

Pick it Up you won't be dissapointed.


Tom

Thoughts Cmon really? It looks Amazing absolutely stunning, and no its not done how you think. The method was a complete surprise. The Routine is so well structured and very well thought out. Practicing it, it is just just well i can't really describe it. It just looks like real magic. Its just one of those pieces you wish no-one else would know about. but because im nice ill let you take a look

What They Say Brett Bishop is about to fool you by making his finger turn invisible as he inserts it into a borrowed ring. We screened this for our staff and there were whispers of camera tricks. Let us be clear: NO strange animations, camera tricks, or cuts. What you see is EXACTLY what it would look like if Brett were performing this for you.

This three-phase routine showcases three different finger vanishes that can be used separately or in tight routine like the one exhibited by Brett. The best part? Brett tips the work on all the principles involved, and provides all the small subtleties and touches that make this illusion perfect. Whether you wear a ring or wish to borrow one, this is an ideal, visual, non-card effect that you can immediately implement into your repertoire.

Teaching Overall the teaching was great! I enjoyed learning the effect and hit myself when i found out the how it was done. Though at one stage was a bit rushed but i had no problem scrolling back making sure i was right. The routine is very well thought out and its all motivated and its done with a BORROWED ring.

Method Wow. Its just one of those things "I wish i had thought of that" well Brett did but anyway. The method is ALOT of fun even practicing in the mirror your jaw drops from how visual this is. Now i dont think alot of people will be confortable at first performing this but then you will try it and people have no mouths. Its very very visual which of course im sure you can see. Deffinately jumped right to the top of my favourite Close-Up effects list.

Applications I guess the idea can be used for a multitude of things. None are included here. But ideas fly right through your head. I dont think anyone will have any problems applying the principle to an effect.

Quality The Quality is great. The image is clear and easy to understand. Multiple angles are used to enhance the learning experience and overall Brett is a nice down to earth guy.

So to Sum it up i absolutely love the effect. Im sure any Close-up worker will add it to there repertoire. Its ALOT of fun to practice and just watch the spectators reactions when your doing it with there bery own ring.

Oh and remember its not what you think you guys

Tom

Thoughts I use the OHTP a fair bit so when i saw this i liked the way Alex approached the palm i decided to check it out. Now i think this video is more for utilising the palm as a colour change hense the ditch/replacement. I my self don't think i will use the replacement to often. Though i have taken in his other ideas on the plam finger positions and such and i have utilised them in my OHTP and i believe they have made it better. A transposition is included aswell as a great ending to an ambitious card routine with the deck wrapped in a rubber band. So lets get into this review.

What They Say Alex Linian's contemporary handling of the One-Hand Top Palm will delight and surprise everyone, whether you already do this move or you just always wanted to. It's a slick and fooling handling of a much-neglected sleight. Here Alex takes you from the absolute basics to advanced techniques (like how to do it for big crowds, and how to clean up with one hand), and even includes several routines, changes, and applications. This twenty-minute tutorial is comprehensive...all for just $10!

Whether you've never palmed a card before, or whether you've already perfected the one-hand top palm, this is a treasure-trove of one-handed top palm material.

Teaching Alex goes indepth on the move which is great. He explains the replacement very well and his version off the top palm. He talks about speed and flowing motions with the top palm and the replacement. He explains the 2 effects very well some things were brief but easy to understand. The extra effect is a fun one as well and i think many people would enjoy it. So overall he did a great job teaching this.

Method His version of the top palm has a few different variations to the original. If you already do the top palm i dont think you will have any problems adopting the ideas Alex talks about and maybe utilising them in your palm. The effects included are fun to do i especially like the rubber band ambitious card its alot of fun and still the techniques from the palm are used. The replacement can be a bit knacky at first but as with anything overtime you will pick it up.

Applications I will be sitting here for hours if i had to go through all the applications of the top palm as many of you know it is a VERY versatile move. 2 tricks using the palm are included
Transposition
Ambitious/Rubber Band

I like the latter of the effects included though the transposition is deffinately alot of fun. There are so many ideas using the palm thats for you guys to find out.

Quality The quality of the video is fantastic. Multiple angles are used to enhance the learning experience and the video is crisp and clear I had no problems learning from this video.

So if you perform the OHTP or you don't but you can see the potential of the move pick this up im sure you will use atleast one thing off the video im sure you won't be dissapointed.


Tom

As with all of Vanishing Inc's Material this download is fantastic i have written a full review hopefully you guys will have a look at.

Rub-A-Dub
Deluxe
By
Glenn Morphew

How Much? $10

Where At?
www.vanishingincmagic.com
http://www.vanishingincmagic.com/mag...-a-dub-deluxe/

What They Say: The classic Rub-a-Dub Card Vanish was invented by Charlie Miller, and it is a move attempted by many but mastered by few. Glenn Morphew not only does the move better than nearly every magician on the scene, but he has a radical approach that changes both the look and technique of this startling disappearance.

In this handling the card is held completely away from the top of the deck, allowing for a retention of vision never possible before. Glenn goes into every detail and nuance you need to vanish a card face down, face up, from a packet, from the deck, and even to push a card through a table. This download clocks in at 15.5 minutes, and there is tremendous value in the subtle touches and handlings taught only here.

Every move you use should be the best it can be. Next time you vanish a card, use Rub-a-Dub Deluxe.

Thoughts: What they say basically explains it all. The download is about 15.5 minutes. Multiple things are taught different techniques as to do the Rub-A-Dub with a smaller packet and such.
Now some of you may have seen this particular version of the vanish Jason England also came up with this independently as seen in the beginning sequence of 'SHADE' i believe this particular variation on the move makes it much more convincing but it is a tad knackier than the original by Charlie Miller.

Teaching The teaching is very well done. Glenn goes over all the nuances needed to be known while learning the move and the little finesses to make it look great aswell. He could have explained a little bit more on doing i with a smaller packet but he did a fine job and as with always it will come with practice.

What you learn: You will learn a few variations on the move aswell as the variation on the original (wasn't that a fun part?) so you get to learn how to do the move.
Face Up
Face Up and to the pocket.
A load from the top of the deck
Variation on the Biddle Trick.

I'll be honest the extra trick is a variation on the biddle trick which im sure alot of people even use so this little variation could be alot of fun for you guys.

Applications Wow we all know alot of routines this move can be used in from "Invisible Palm" to say a Sandwhich routine the possiblilties are endless. Along with the load he teaches from the Rub-A-Dub that could be applied for so much aswell.

Quality The Quality on this video is a bit different then normal Vanishing Inc videos. I believe Glenn filmed this himself. But still there was no difficulty to learn from it and still good as always.

Quality Magic.

If you use the Rub-A-Dub or just want to start using it you won't be dissapointed its well worth it and will make you vanish look that extra bit convincing.

Thanks For Reading and if you decide to pick it up give us all a buzz let everyone else know what you think!

Tom

This is a fantastic Download you guys! And congrates to Josh on the download!
Check this out.

What They Say: Joshua Jay is a master of the elusive, seldom-used Bluff Shift, and in this HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RELEASE, he finally unveils the card controls everyone has been talking about. In this exclusive download, Joshua Jay teaches you SIX astounding, offbeat, and never-before-seen card controls using the Bluff Shift. Learn to use the Bluff Shift to control cards to the top, to the bottom, in the hands, on the table, and with multiple cards. As a special bonus, you’ll learn a breathtaking and seldom-seen color change, and a brand new way to get into position for it! Each one of these diabolical controls could have been offered separately. But we’re offering ALL OF THEM TOGETHER, FOR JUST TEN DOLLARS.

Thoughts: Excellent! Im a fan of Joshua's work especially on The Bluff Shift included in his column, Talk About Tricks dvd's ect. Now i was fooled still by a few of these and i knew what was going on!!. The colour change is amazing and its not to hard either! it's knacky but hey all the knacky things seem to be worth it so far. I think this is very very much worth the 10 bucks. Now lets go a little bit more indepth.

Teaching: The teaching is great. Josh is very easy to follow and seems to be enjoying himself which is fun. He properly references people and teaches the moves from multiple angles and step by step easily followed.
So a great job in my opinion here.

What Will You Learn? Lots! Yes Really here is what you will learn.

Erdnase Break Tips
Revolver Shift
Table Bluff Shift
Little Variation on the Table Bluff Shift
Spread Bluff Pass
Spread Bluff Pass Variation
Multiple Bluff Shift
Multiple Bluff Shift Variation
D'Hotel Change

Applications: Wow the bluff pass have many many many applications. For Controls, Sandwiches the list goes on and on the versions included here. Give you the chance to do the move in so many different situations.

Quality: The Quality is great there are multiple angles to learn all the moves and techniques. The video is clear and easy to learn from.

Congratulations Josh on your first download on your site!

If you want to learn the bluff shift, improve your technique, Learn the change! (Worth 10 bucks alone) I really recommend picking this up it was very worth it.


Tom

Hello Everyone!! Back with another review for you all. Chris Mayhew's CAANDY and trust me it rocks. Vanishing Inc have pumped out another Miracle.

CAANDY
By
Chris Mayhew

Price: $10

Where At?
http://www.vanishingincmagic.com/
http://www.vanishingincmagic.com/mag...nloads/caandy/

What They Say: Chris Mayhew is back with another fantastic download.

We first saw Chris perform this amazing Any Card at Any Number at The Session 2010 where he fooled a room full of 100 magicians. Nobody had a clue how this clever routine worked and it became the hit of the convention.

It's DEVILISHLY CLEVER, easy to learn, uses a normal deck, there's no memorized deck work and no difficult sleights so hopefully you can see why we are particularly excited about this great card effect! Download it now.

(Yup Its Pretty Much That Cool)

Thoughts: Pure Awesomeness on a stick with marshmallows. Im a fan of Chris's work and the ACAAN plot seeing that they both were together I had to get CAANDY. If you havent watched the preview watch it the effect is clean and simple. There is no hard memory work and other the last few days I have performed it for magicians and laymen alike getting awesome reactions and the deck is completely normal!!

Teaching: As Chris usually is he is very precise but very laid back he is easy to relate to and overall a really funny guy so he has his random off beat moments. Everything is gone over in detail and it is really really simple to learn. Chris is a great teacher.

Applications: The concept behind this with some thinking could have multiple applications you just need to use your imagination and it is really easy!

Quality: Quality is great. Easy to learn from and even 2 extra videos at the end with Chris going over a few more touches additions.

Definitely my favourite ACAAN to date and so *** easy!!

The creativity behind it is excellent its so much fun to perform and it is DEVILISHLY easy.

I absolutely recommend you pick this up if anything put this right at the top of your list I'm 100% sure you wont be dissapointed!!

Enjoy it all and keep performing.

Tom

(Yes on the page Chris is trying to look like Mario I wouldnt mind my own Mario hat actually)