Reviews: Read What Others Are Saying: page 21
213 ★★★★★ reviews
145 ★★★★★ reviews
90 ★★★★★ reviews
130 ★★★★★ reviews
Slydini Paper Balls in Box
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Terry Terrell (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 16 September, 2023)
I really like the way he has adapted the paper balls to sponge balls!
Slydini One Coin Routine
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Terry Terrell (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 16 September, 2023)
D. Angelo Ferri's aka Dennis Barlotta is one of the few qualified to teach Slydini's material. This should be studied along with the Coins Through the Table.
Slydini Coins Through the Table
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Terry Terrell (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 16 September, 2023)
D. Angelo Ferri's aka Dennis Barlotta does a great job of bringing Slydini's teaching forward to continue his legacy.
Slydini Cigarettes
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Terry Terrell (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 16 September, 2023)
D. Angelo Ferri's aka Dennis Barlotta is one of the few qualified to teach Slydini's material. In addition, he is a true gentleman and a man of his word.
Ackerman Convincing Control
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Jan Siebold (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 14 September, 2023)
The video is 1:46 min
The convincing control cannot be explained in that amount of time. So what is the content? Ackerman shows his way of doing the convincing control as if you already know how to perform the convincing control.
The 2. way he is doing it, is more or less the way I already was doing it (probably learned from a script from Racherbaumer).
You cannot learn the convincing control from this download! If you research for different versions of the convincing control go for it: the price is low ;-)
The convincing control itself is imho in general and for most cases the BEST slide to control a selection to the bottom of the deck (without other action)!
However, if you want to learn the slide, search for other sources (e.g. "Versatile Card Magic" by Frank Simon). I saw there is a download from Racherbaumer "Cull-Mination" on this platform. I haven't read it, but probably it's a good start to learning the convincing control, too.
Palm Reading for Magicians
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher M. Reynolds (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 12 September, 2023)
You may not know me, but I know you. You are unique. You pride yourself as an independent thinker and only accept others' statements with satisfactory proof. You have a strong sense of curiosity. You have much-unused capacity, which you have yet to turn to your advantage. While you have some personality weaknesses, you can generally compensate for them. If you are reading this review to see if it is something you should buy, then do it right now. I know you better than you know yourself. You need this book. Buy it.
It's a bitter pill for magicians to swallow, but most people would rather pay to have their palm read by a cheesy fortune teller than watch a free magic show. Why? Self-interest is the answer. Dale Carnegie wrote in his 1936 self-help book How To Win Friends and Influence People: "Talk to someone about themselves, and they'll listen for hours."
Psychics can earn a decent living listening to others talk. The only job requirements are making people happy and mastering cold reading techniques.
In his pamphlet "Palm Reading for Magicians," William W. Larson, Sr. provides a method for magicians to make extra money by offering palm readings after performances.
If you don't know anything about palmistry, don't worry. You don't have to. After a few rehearsals, you can give a convincing reading to any person without further study.
This script provides a psychic reading from "cradle to grave," offering practical advice but saying very little.
Larsen and editor T.A. Waters provide tips on enhancing your performance and reveal covert (and possibly unlawful) methods for gathering information on potential clients, establishing your reputation as a reliable psychic.
I've seen firsthand how powerful this stuff can be. While working as a bartender in 2003, I read palms to pad my tip jar. My only psychic power was the ability to recite psychologist Bertram Forer's classic 1948 cold reading vignette, some of which I used above. Some women break down and cry after a reading. The belief is genuine, even if the analysis is tongue-in-cheek.
For an experiment, I tried out Larsen's palmistry material at work. After tweaking the language to suit my style, I cherry-picked bits and pieces from the script that applied to most people, such as:
"What I saw when I first started to read your hand was a tendency to allow your heart to govern your mind."
My co-workers now think I'm the main character from Stephen King's The Dead Zone. But on the bright side, I've made $20 during my lunch breaks, giving readings. That's double the price of the book.
Buy this script and practice it. The learning will be time well spent. You won't be sorry for adding palmistry to your bag of tricks.
Easy Lift: no get ready double lift
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Leslie Warren (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 11 September, 2023)
The video is about one minute and 30 seconds. Everything takes some practice. This double lift move is simple and practical and I am sure can be learned quickly.
The Bammo Gridlock Dossier
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Mark L. (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 11 September, 2023)
When I was a 'mathematically-minded' young boy, my mind turns off as soon as I see Max Maven with one of his matrices (or equivalent) on TV (sorry! or Martin Gardner!). Because:
1) 1+3, 2+2, 3+1 is still equals to 4. In other words, predictable (that you are going to be forced) and formulaic (once you've seen one, you feel like you've seen them all, see point 3).
2) It is sterile, as in a hospital with spotless white tiles, and dry, like sitting in a pure math class (no apple and oranges story, just pure numbers).
3) You can only present a matrix effect at most only ONE (1) time in a session. Showing another one seems to be a repeat of the previous one.
4) Spectator feels like he is just following many mathematical (i.e. boring) instructions.
This book: 1) Shows you how to present a matrix effect without making it feel like a matrix effect, by creative usage of themes, props and other presentation ideas. 2) presents matrices that does not feel like a math class. 3) Provide interest to the spectator to follow the instructions, without feeling like a tedious computer program cooking recipe. 4) There are some curve ball ideas thrown in (using other magic principles) to disrupt the thinking that these matrices are predictable - that they go in only one way all the time; a misconception proven here. 5) Changed my perception of this principle.
Very well written, straight to the point, every word not wasted, lots of eye openers, insightful, creative, comprehensive and inspiring for planting the seed in your head to come out with more ideas, full references to continue your discovery. You know, the usual with Mr. Bob Farmer.
Worth the money. Suitable for beginners as well, all skill levels.
Bammo Crambazzled Dossier
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Mark L. (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 10 September, 2023)
I like self-working principles. I like it even more so if presented in a way that the spectator does not feel like being fooled or not treated like a fool. (Looking at you, 3 Card Monte et al.)
I love it even more when the principle, is thoroughly explored and explained as in this book, with various comprehensive presentation ideas that captivate, that it becomes stimulating to come out with more ideas on your own; ideas that are not limited to cards as per the book. Maybe boxes, envelopes, coins, etc who knows?
This book is really value for money, full of ideas content-wise.
Learning-wise, it's like learning from your most favorite teacher / guru / monk / professor who really opened up your eyes to everything.
Writing-wise, well written and every word is contributing to the idea (no padding, long backstory, long winded writing, rhetoric passages, etc). Straight to the point and clear. No same word written 1000 times just to fulfill the essay word count.
Bob Farmer is a creator who does not disappoint and really deserves credit.
Coin'cidence
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Mark L. (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 10 September, 2023)
It's quite expensive for the principle that this trick is based on; nothing groundbreaking for the price. i.e. It's overpriced. The book only teaches one single fundamental base. Then, if you need variations and ideas, you have to pay the same amount for the extra books.
(For the total price of all books in the series, you're better off spending money on Bob Farmer's Bammo Gridlock Dossier. It goes through the principle that this category of trick is based on, although more table space is required. If you're creative, you can adapt it to a smaller setup. Also, it is VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY comprehensive, with lots of creative variations on employing the principle. Good for your money especially if you're a beginner.)
Third Dimension Telepathy
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Mark L. (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 10 September, 2023)
Not for beginners (3 stars if you are)! 4-5 stars if you are an experienced reader / performer.
You need to already have experience in giving readings and line ala fortune telling / horoscope writing / cold reading etc...
This book explains how to use a volunteer from the audience as a 'crutch', for lack of a better word. Not in a bad meaning, but in a good way; Like you got shot in the leg in the battlefield and your buddy is there to help you out of there and save you. However, in this case, the volunteer does so without being aware that their thoughts and actions are for your performance benefit.
Essentially the book is about performance advice, audience control, presentation.
You need to first build up some knowledge of mentalism magic techniques and fortune telling / readings and performance in order to effectively apply the stuff from this book.
Pure Q and A
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Mark L. (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 10 September, 2023)
Not for beginners!
4-5 stars if you are already an experienced or working Q & A performer that can employ the stuff in this book.
You need to have intensive experience in the presentation of giving readings and answers, lines; just like what your standard fare of fortune tellers, horoscope writers, mediums, i.e. 'non magician' mentalists etc. are already doing. None of those 'fluff' that is used in standard 'mental magic', hence no feeling of 'magic trick' - It DOES NOT teach any 'mental magic' tricks i.e. peeks, switches etc. You'll have to learn the basics and build up some foundation of Q&A 'tricks' first, plus readings. Then you can build the stuff taught in this book around your own repertoire / methods.
The above paragraph is the main thing that should help you decide if you want to get this or not.
Basically, this book is good for mainly presentation for an effective Q & A presentation; techniques you can also use in other reading routines, e.g. tarot readings, astrology, etc, and controlling the performance and audience. Lots of advice regarding answering and performing. Exactly what the title says, it is just pure Q&A.
Un Taglio Profondo
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by CARLO ALBERTO MENONCIN (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 09 September, 2023)
It's a very interesting card technique.
Ancora in Giro
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by CARLO ALBERTO MENONCIN (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 09 September, 2023)
Very interesting: they're more beautiful tricks. All right!
Forbidden Wisdom
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Leslie Warren (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 06 September, 2023)
This is an old book written in 1948. Mostly written text with some simple drawings. These old books give basic information on accomplishing the effects and a bare-bones presentation.
Silverdusted
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Leslie Warren (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 06 September, 2023)
A great sit-down-at-the-table coin routine. Moves as sleights are explained and there are some pictures for extra understanding.
Bob Parrish Lecture #2
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Leslie Warren (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 06 September, 2023)
These are old style lecture notes. Bob Parrish provides ideas that he has used in his act. There are no pictures just a brief written description.
I liked his linking ring idea. Maybe other people will find an idea that is worth gold.
Duplo: drawing duplication
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Leslie Warren (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 06 September, 2023)
The video is easy to follow but a little difficult to hear. There is music playing while the explanation is being given. I tried this and it does work. A simple drawing or one number or letter is easy to see.
The Bammo Full-Deck False Shuffle
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Laurence Phillips (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 06 September, 2023)
As always, anything from Bob Farmer is worth learning. This is an incredibly simple, and extremely effective full-deck false shuffle. But for me, Bob's take on the famous J.C. Wagner "Super Closer" is the real value of this short document. Overall, a great value for a small price. Thanks, Bob for sharing this with us!
Second Guest
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Leslie Warren (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 05 September, 2023)
I haven't tried to make this yet, but I am sure it will take more than one try to get the gimmick to look good. Maybe everyone who buys this will make it once with no mistakes.
Masterful Mysteries: Professional Magic Feats
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by ROBERT FULLMER (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 04 September, 2023)
Masterful Mysteries is an excellent book from a working Pro. It has been said, that if you find one good idea you can use in a book, then it is well worth the cost. I found no less than 6 things I can and will use from this book. Well put together. Good explanations. And, as I said, plenty of great material!!
Simon Lovell's Strange and Unusual Hobbies Show
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joel Howlett (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 01 September, 2023)
This one is a must-have for your downloads library! It's a rare treat to see a professional performer present an unedited one-man show for a lay audience. Simon is both skillful and fun to watch. Highly recommended!
Tradeshow Transposition
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by hal barlow (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 30 August, 2023)
The trick is just glossed over. Not worth the money in my opinion.
How To Escape From Any Handcuffs
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by David Cox (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 27 August, 2023)
Please don't buy this. I feel like I have been robbed. Thank you for stating the obvious method for unlocking a set of handcuffs. I was hoping for a sensible document discussing different tools, cuff orientation or even modern vs vintage. Instead, I get a leaflet telling me to palm an object used to unlock stuff. A waste of time and money.
Cap and Ball
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Richard Greenough (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 24 August, 2023)
I liked this trick because of its simplicity. I figured out how it was done after watching the promo video, but I still wanted to learn more about the hand movements, etc. Definitely worth the $10, not just for the great tutorial, but for the ingenuity of inventing this trick.