Go to magic demos to watch clips of magic tricks I recommend.
Magic Illusion: Goodbye Vanish($6.95)
Rating: 8.5/10
Steve Fearson's Goodbye Vanish illusion teaches you how to vanish yourself without the use of any props. Like many others, I was skeptical at first, especially with such a low asking price. However, since I was pleased with almost everything else Steve had created, I went ahead and bought this as well. The vanish Steve teaches is very simple in its workings but can play huge in the correct performer's hands. It's not something you'll perform often, but when you do use the vanish, it will more than pay for itself. There are so many ways the vanish principle can be utilized that you're bound to find an application that suits your needs.
In my opinion, what really makes this pdf valuable is the bonus that Steve includes, The Monkey Vanish. He only goes over rough plans, but you should still be able to understand it. The method is plain genius, and I'm so happy Steve didn't keep this for himself. If you perform stage shows, this would be a fantastic opener. Even if you don't perform on stage, Steve's insight is worth way more than the price of the manuscript.
Benefits
- Inexpensive
- Impromptu (Goodbye Vanish)
- Genius method (The Monkey Vanish)
- Startling reactions
- Clear photographs
Limitations
- Must be in a one-on-one setting (Goodbye Vanish)
- Method can be reverse engineered (Goodbye Vanish)
Magic Trick: Prohibition Cap in Bottle ($24.20)
Rating: 9.5/10
Charlie Justice's Prohibition DVD is one of my top magic purchases. The reactions I've gotten from performing his cap in bottle are everything from stunned silence to screams and yells. Charlie goes over every little nuance involved in the handling for Prohibition. The production quality of the DVD is top notch as well. The main sleight used in the magic trick is a little knacky at first, but it becomes easier with time. Also, unlike other tricks, Prohibition is fun to practice. I just love watching the magic happen when I practice in the mirror. It's as close to the real thing as you're going to get. You have to purchase a gimmick in order to perform the magic trick, but don't let this fact deter you from buying it. Prohibition is a magic trick I consistently use, and it's one of my best reputation makers.
Benefits
- Impromptu
- Examinable before and after
- Extremely visual
- Mindblowing reactions
- Detailed explanation
Limitations
- Gimmick not included in DVD
Magic Trick: Poor Man's CTW ($18)
Rating: 7.5/10
Magician Geoff Weber recently released his Poor Man's Card Through Window, and I was one of the first few to purchase it. Upon first glancing over the pdf, I found the method to be very devious and clever. I had all the materials required for the gimmick in my apartment, so I set it up to try it out. When I sprung the cards at the window, a card appeared stuck to the other side of the glass, which led to a big grin on my face. It worked and it worked well. I did find some limitations with Geoff's PM CTW but nothing big enough to deter me from using it.
Benefits
- Extremely visual
- Quick set-up
- Thorough explanation
- Clear photographs
- Moderately priced
Limitations
- Need time alone with the window beforehand
- Angle issues (I've come up with some solutions, though)
- Signed card isn't practical