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ReWrapped… by Brandon David and Chris Turchi – A Review

ReWrapped… by Brandon David and Chris Turchi – A Review

Rewrapped.. by Brandon David and Chris Turchi – A Review
Gimmick and Online Instructions

This is the Ad Copy:

ReWrapped is the ultimate chewing-gum life-hack! 

Imagine this. You take your old, chewed piece of gum. You stretch it and snap it back into a brand new gum stick. Then, the gum stick visually wraps itself in its original packaging! Now you have a fresh, 100% real gum stick ready for you to re-chew or save for later!

Devised by the creative duo behind “Envy-Lope” and countless other amazing effects (Brandon David and Chris Turchi), ReWrapped allows you to take a familiar everyday object and perform a mind-bending visual chewing gum restoration! Your spectators will think you’ve discovered a real-life infinite glitch!
Customizable to assorted brands of gum across the world!

Detailed instructions with Brandon and Chris
Resets in seconds
Easy to perform
Takes little pocket space
Perfect for socials and professional occasions
Highly Visual
Restore your gum again and again and again with this refreshing take on visual gum magic!

This is ReWrapped, by Brandon David and Chris Turchi!

My Thoughts:

First… After creating my own gimmick and performing for both friends and strangers, I can say the ad copy is fully correct. There’s NO stretching of the truth to hook us poor magicians. That said.. here’s my thoughts.

ReWrapped is very strong transformational/restoration magic. A piece of gum is removed from the mouth. You stretch the gum between the fingers to display its malleability.. And in a blink of an eye.. you show the gum to be fully restored to its original stick form. Then, almost as quickly, you show the stick ReWrapped.. You can then unrap the gum and put it back in your mouth. Don’t believe me? Watch the video…

ReWrapped is a quick trick. You know… one of those tricks that’s over before you have time to realize you need to pay attention. There’s nothing wrong with that technique, and its suddenness certainly catches the spectator’s eye.

ReWrapped is a remake of Sticky Situation by Andy Leviss. I’ve seen Andy’s effect performed by both Justin Flom and Rick Lax with great success. The difference is ReWrapped claims to be a more advanced version. I can’t say for certain as I am not familiar with the handling of Sticky Situation.. other than the promo trailer, which on the surface looks very similar to ReWrapped. I’m making an educated guess when I say ReWrapped probably offers a more sophisticated gimmick and ‘possibly’ eliminates a switch. Forgive me if I’m wrong…

Everything is carefully and meticulously explained in the 44 minute video. A gimmicked piece of ‘gum’ serves as the base, and you are shown, step by step, how to create the finished gimmick. There IS some DIY involved.. although it’s primarily wrapping the gum with your favorite brand of chewing gum paper. Provisions are made to allow you to use different brands from different parts of the world.

I’m going to publish the table of contents from the instructional video. I think I can do this without giving away too much. It will give you a good understanding of what’s covered….

What’s in The Box
Dressing The Gimmick
The Gimmick
Different Handling
Performance
Explanation
Paddle Move Details
Angles
Patter
Toss Display
Mouth Stretch
Simplified Version
Snap-Restore Details

Again, the video is 44 minutes, and taught by Brandon David and Chris Turchi in an informal setting. There are close-ups of any critical construction, and you should only need gum, a pair of scissors, and a little double sided tape to complete any and all work.

If you like quick magic, I could almost say ‘startling magic’.. definitely consider ReWrapped. There’s no doubt you’ll have some very surprised and astonished
spectators.!!

$24.95 .. From Murphy’s Magic and their Associates..

https://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=58256

Review by Rick Carruth for Murphy’s Magic & The Magic Roadshow

UNTOUCHED – by Ryuhei Nakamura – A Review

UNTOUCHED – by Ryuhei Nakamura – A Review

Untouched by Ryuhei Nakamura – A Review

This is the Ad Copy:

Gain telekinetic abilities that can be used under any circumstance.

A telekinetic routine that can be performed even in unsatisfactory conditions. Nothing will be able to stop you from performing this beast of an illusion! SansMinds is proud to introduce an effect brought to you from the mind of Ryuhei Nakamura, a master of telekinetic magic. He is famous for his ability to perform complex actions with the power of his mind. This is not just a simple push or pull – it is far more!

This is Untouched!

A weapon that will stop any passerby in their tracks! Create a show unique from the rest, with complicated actions normally not seen in other telekinetic routines. Use everyday objects, and make them dance with the power of your mind. This is truly a performance piece that is sure to gather an audience.

Here’s a truly special effect that is gaining immense popularity in the Far East. Don’t miss out on getting a taste of the insane magic scene in Japan.

Grab yourself a copy today!

What’s in the Box?

1 Untouched Instructional DVD
(Please note that this Instructional DVD has English subtitles with Japanese audio.)

My Thoughts:

SansMinds presents UNTOUCHED by Ryuhei Nakamura. I was not familiar with Ryuhei before watching this DVD, but it became obvious he is one of a number of Far East performers with great technical skills. SansMinds chose him to teach this DVD because of his use of invisible thread while performing an entire street routine, consisting of a number of spins, floats and flips with glassware and silverware.. all wrapped in a telekinetic performance. He literally goes down to street level, no table, and performs for his audiences.

I am going to tell you what you’ll find in UNTOUCHED. I am not going to tell you how easy or complicated it is.. as I have never performed thread work to this degree. My personal knowledge is limited to small pieces of thread and a few loops. I do own an ITR (invisible thread reel).. but I have a perpetual fear of failure.. and that’s on me.

First.. Is there an elephant in the room? Sort of.. The entire DVD is recorded with subtitles. I think Ryuhei’s skill level is such that SansMind couldn’t resist the opportunity to get this on video. As so much of the DVD is technical skill, and as so much of that skill can be demonstrated in virtual silence, I personally don’t have a problem with subtitles. The translation is correct and readable.. even for someone like me.. who has a problem with small lettering. They do not ‘hurry’ through the subtitles, and give you ample time to see what you need to see. Again, this is a very ‘visual’ subject.. and the quiet times and careful demonstrations are somewhat more important than the words.

Ryuhei explains his choice of clothing, flooring, and locations. There are good reasons for making good choices.. and he explains it all. He is well known for his outdoor work in broad daylight, which can be quite challenging -if- you are not familiar with the subtle nuances.

Yes, Ryuhei uses ITR’s.. sometimes two for safety sake.. and goes into detail about what to expect from small reels, medium reels and large reels. He covers where and how to place your reel to maximize its use and protect the thread. He gives time to wax, portions and placement.

In his personal performances, and most of his demonstrations, he uses a plastic, long stem glass and a fork. Ryuhei devotes a portion of the DVD to demonstrating his street routine… which he then breaks down, move for move, through much of the video. He wears black clothing and uses white, thick thread to give you a strong visual of exactly where and how he makes each connection and all the appropriate hand movements to sell his telekinetic premise. The DVD is filmed using a table, although he prefers to perform on the floor in real life. This is the crux of the teaching.. and why the subtitles are not a problem.

Part of the demonstration includes metal bending (the fork), which is not covered in this DVD.

About twenty minutes of the DVD is Ryuhei demonstrating how he makes connections with items borrowed from spectators. Ink pens, cola cans, bottles, mint packs, coffee cups and glasses are covered. Glasses are particularly interesting because of their ability to fold and unfold. My favorite is his hookup of a deck of boxed playing cards. He spins the box, opens the flap, and pulls the cards from the case.. and it’s a very convincing visual.. Probably my favorite moment on the DVD.

The final portion of the video is a section on troubleshooting. Ryuhei deals with using multiple reels in case of thread breakage.. and how to deal with tangles. My personal fear has always been breakage, unwarranted I’m sure, as there are several ways to deal with it.

Total run time is about one hour and five minutes. UNTOUCHED is sold as a DVD, and not a download, which is a plus for me. The video quality is good and the sound is good. No complaints.

If you have an interest in thread work or learning thread work from the ground up, this is an ideal DVD. I don’t know where else you can learn an entire thread routine from one source. You’ll learn a number of tricks and tips from UNTOUCHED.. and I’m pleased to recommend it to all you invisible thread guys and girls out there…

$34.95 .. From Murphy’s Magic and their Associates

https://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=59615

Review by Rick Carruth for Murphy’s Magic & The Magic Roadshow

AM/FM Deck – Michael Breggar – A Review

AM/FM Deck – Michael Breggar – A Review

AM/FM Deck – Michael Breggar – A Review
Deck and Online Videos & PDF

This is the Ad Copy

The perfect forcing deck for working pros and a few cons.

The spectator calls a number and deals down to that card… it is the card you predicted! Or, they just start dealing until they wish to stop. It’s the predicted card. Or… well, you get the point.

Here’s the thing…. they call the number, they remove the deck from the box and they start dealing. It ends on the force card. And then, you show that any other number would have brought them to different cards.

No static at all. It’s Michael Breggar’s “AM/FM Deck”

My Thoughts:

I don’t normally preface a review with a comment about the creator. But.. I’m a fan of Michael Breggar. That doesn’t mean I’m a fan of every single effect produced by Michael.. but I’m certainly a fan of most. That said.. I’m a fan of THIS one. Brother.. that little fact makes my life so much easier..

To quote Michael…
“I cannot believe I am the first to come up with a configuration like this, though I have not seen this deck construction and general handling together. In a way, its family tree could be traced to the Svengali, Mirage, Pop-Eyed Popper, etc. gaffed decks of the golden-oldies era. Nods to one-, two-, three-way forcing decks and their ilk.”

AM/FM Deck is not a trick. It is a tool. It is an intriguing way of forcing a card or producing a card from a named location in a deck. If you watch the video, you get a good notion of just a couple of the productions you can achieve. This is much more than a.. “..deal down to a number and there’s your card..” effect. It is a series of effects made possible by being able to know, in advance, the identity of a card at a predictable location… AND… being able to convince the spectator the deck is a conventional deck, full of different cards. It’s not. But that’s the secret behind AM/FM Deck.

I don’t like to comment on reviews by fellow reviewers. It’s not nice.. and I try my best to be a nice guy. That said.. A very popular reviewer recently reviewed Michael’s deck and did his best to classify it as nothing more than a Svengali deck. It’s not. It cannot be used as a Svengali deck, as the math doesn’t gee-haw. Yes, there’s a number of the same cards in the deck, but, as Michael says, the ” deck construction and general handling ” is different from a Svengali deck.. as well as some of the other popular forcing decks. You are paying for the madness behind the method.. and there’s plenty of madness to go around. I promise…

AM/FM Deck was created using a variety of psychologically motivated moves. Michael furnishes buyers with two separate videos.. one 18 minutes long and one 30 minutes long.. detailing the why’s and what for’s. All the steps are explained and justified. Ultimately, his philosophy is..’don’t let the forcing deck become the center of attention. Bring it into play.. let it do its thing.. then take it out of the spotlight.’

Aside from forcing a card, its very basic purpose, Michael teaches a zoom show method, where a prediction card is mailed days ahead of time to the host.. for the grand reveal during the zoom meeting.

Video two, titled – More, Better, Other Tricks with the AM/FM Deck – features a variety of effects that do not rely on simply forcing a card, but expand the concept. One.. the Happy Birthday effect, begins with the spectator’s birthday serving as the numerical location. The spectator is then given a birthday card with the same card dealt to – found printed or attached to the inside of the birthday card. Another effect uses six dice to decide on a location within the AM/FM Deck. Yet another revelation uses a giant card concealed under your mat as the final reveal.

One of my very favorites is based on the classic Out For Lunch, probably by William Larsen Sr… but maybe Edward Bagshawe.. The notion is very visual and surprising.. and happens in the spectator’s hands.. always a big plus. And finally, Michael has devised a compelling use of the AM/FM Deck to reproduce an Invisible Deck effect.. except it isn’t an invisible deck effect.. much to the chagrin of the poor magician(s) who were on the edge of busting your measly carcass.

AM/FM Deck is available in Red or Blue backs.. (Bicycles) The video, although filmed in Michael’s office, I assume, is a very good production, using multiple cameras and picture-in-picture technology. The sound is ideal and everything is up to Murphy’s Magic standards.

There is also a PDF included with the videos, giving you an overview of most of the effects taught in the videos. All the basics are discussed, including the deck layout should everything become displaced.

Remember, when you purchase AM/FM Deck, you are purchasing a tool. You are given tutorials to seven or eight different effects, some which could easily be sold as stand-alone effects. Honestly. I am going to recommend this to my friends and readers. It is well worth the time and effort, and your magic will grow exponentially…

$29.95 ..   From Murphy’s Magic and their Associates..

https://www.murphysmagic.com/Product.aspx?id=69968

Review by Rick Carruth for The Magic Roadshow

EASY MONEY Wallett – Spencer Kennard – A Review

EASY MONEY Wallett – Spencer Kennard – A Review

Easy Money Wallet – by Spencer Kennard – A Review
(Gimmick and Online Instructions)

** Presale Note:This item is available for Pre-Order only.
Release Date:12/13/2021

This is the Ad Copy:

A classic of classic’s, Tom Burgoon’s Power Pickpocket has been a powerful piece in the arsenal of many stage performers over the past few decades.

With Tom’s blessing, Spencer Kennard now brings you the next iteration in this solid piece of visual magic – with EASY MONEY.

Not only can it recreate all the visual moments of the original, but it’s also made with the close-up magician in mind – and to your average spectator, the easy money wallet passes off as an everyday regular wallet that can create powerful moments of visual magic!

Make a wallet appear, vanish, transpose, and even be produced from the most unexpected places. It really seems like wallets are just coming out of nowhere!

The video instructions cover everything you need to know about the wallet and covers routines that will satisfy both the amateur and professional magicians.

It’s fast, easy, fun and EASY! If you like visual magic that literally packs flat and plays big then Easy Money by Spencer Kennard is for you!

Available in two colors, black and brown.

My Thoughts:

Easy Money is a very unique piece of magic. It’s not an effect, in and of itself, but more of both a prop and a utility device designed to give you the opportunity to create your own special magic.

Easy Money is a wallet. It’s a specially designed wallet which looks to be full of cards, licenses, and money.. but is actually foldable, and foldable again, to allow you to conceal it in the palm of your hand. Think of a Mercury Fold made of leather.

With its unique design, you can take it from a pocket, remove an item from it, put it back in the pocket, and then suddenly reproduce it from your seemingly empty hand. Spencer and crew have created a number of uses for the wallet.. but it’s one of those items for which you’ll find your own personal uses.

Although sold as suitable for beginners, I’d recommend you at least understand a couple of coin basics.. like a false transfer and a finger palm/classic palm.

The wallet itself is very well constructed and should last for a very long time. It contains a special foam to give it depth and add to its realism.

The video tutorial is just over one hour long, and well-taught by Javier Fuemayor. Everything is as you would expect from a Murphy’s Magic release. Both video and sound are quite good. Plus, Javier is a good teacher and learning all the effects is easy.. aside from what practice you should invest before performing in public.

Rather than write about everything included in the tutorial, I’ll list the Table of Contents and add my personal content. That way I don’t miss anything.. (As my dear mother used to say..”Ricky, you know how you are…”)

Introduction – Intro from Spencer Kennard. The creation of Easy Money is explained.

Which Hand – Good opener. introduces you to the wallet, the fold, and gives you a good beginning.

Wallet/Coin – A coin in hand changes to a wallet in hand.
Very visual. Not truly a beginners effect, but nothing more complicated than a coin false transfer.

Wallet Thru Table – Definitely one of my favorites. Uses a couple of false transfers of a coin to set up the finale with the wallet. Very visual.. and the misdirection is perfect. Also uses a classic palm and/or a finger palm.

Shar-pay – Produce your wallet from the top of a Sharpie. Multiple uses, including performing it in the real world for real cashiers. After producing the wallet from the cap, produce it again from a couple of currency notes ..

Coin Gag – Squeeze your wallet like a lemon.. and produce a stream of coins. Nice quickie..

Wallet3 – Produce a wallet from a wallet. Remove some money.. and then produce another wallet from the money. Slick three-phase routine.. “Some people like to keep their money in a wallet.. I like to keep my wallet in my money..”

Quantum Fold – Show the audience your folded wallet. Use a common method to produce credit cards from or place credit cards in your folded wallet. Seems impossible.

Hidden Pocket – Pull your wallet from a pocket that doesn’t exist. Again.. very visual, and will open more than a few eyes.

Extra Ideas – Tips to add that extra bit of realism to your performance. Social media tips. Accessing your wallet via Greg Wilson technique.

Putroduction – A Thank You from the creators to all the folks who made Easy Money possible..

Straight up.. Easy Money won’t satisfy every performer. Just as coin magic isn’t for every magician, or mentalism, or rope magic, or….. This is for the performer who enjoys quick, sudden magic… and magic that catches your audience off-guard. There’s not a big build-up or long winded stories. You don’t paint a pretty picture. Instead, you appear to be leading your audience down one path.. and suddenly there’s yet another path they totally didn’t anticipate. That’s what EASY MONEY is about…

$34.95 .. From Murphy’s Magic and their Associates

https://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=65753

Review by Rick Carruth