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Sinister - Outlaw Effects

Where you can get it:

http://www.outlaw-effects.com/outlaw/ - Outlaw Effects

Price:

$60 - can be purchased in a number of bundles. Check web site for details.

Introduction:

While I have already given an extensive review of Outlaw's second book test (Manhattanville) and others have reviewed the original book (Homicide), I feel that this book - the third in the Homicide Trilogy - deserves it's own review, regardless of the similarities it has with the first two books in the series. So - before you let out a big yawn and click to the next review - please take a few moments to check out this diamond.

Please note - this review is focused on the U.S. version of Sinister. As I do not have info on the U.K. version, I can't comment on all of the details. However, the effect itself is exactly the same. This one is going to go on a bit here, so grab a snack and perhaps a soda (or coffee for those of you who find my reviews to be the text-based equivalent of Lunestra), and get comfy. This one might take a while...

Difficulty:

Like other Outlaw book tests, the difficulty comes almost entirely from the presentational aspects of the effects. It's not self-working, and there's a bit of memorization required, but nothing beyond the realm of any performer. From beginner to Craig Browning - you can create a miracle.

Effect:

In 1955 the New York State Division of Criminal Justice distributed a confidential and classified 70 page booklet to the detectives of the NYPD. It was a report that contained over 150 "profiles" of men and women that had commited multiple capitol crimes. The Criminal Mind Comparison Report was used as a training tool for detectives to not only profile serial killers, but to use these profiles to help capture them.

Outlaw Effects has recreated this profile guide - in the wonderful new book called Sinister.

My Thoughts:

Upon tearing open the envelope, I was once again treated to the visual beauty of the latest Outlaw Effect. Quality is obviously the number 1 priority with Mr. Roth - and with each successive release, the quality not only remains constant - in many ways it gets better and better.

Aesthetically speaking - the book is a work of art. Anyone familiar with the first two books will find that Sinister is a wonderful "middle child" as far as size goes. Smaller than Homicide, larger than Manhattanville, Sinister is a perfect finish to the collection. From cover to cover the look and feel of the book is authentic. Homicide started this trend, but even that, while "aged" kind of has a feel that it's manufactured. This small (and believe me, it's tiny) visual presentation was improved with Manhattanville. It has now been honed to a razor sharp point as Sinister looks so authentic, you could swear the fragile paper would crumble to dust if you attempted to open the book. Each page looks like it has been given incredible attention, the spine looks rusty - it all looks wonderful. The authenticity factor goes a long way, as just handling the book is enough for your spectator's to there is something special about this book.

But it's not all about looks, folks. This puppy needs an engine. Now, I know what you're thinking - what could possibly be so innovative about this book test? Homicide and Manhattanville (and their UK counterparts) owners may be wondering if there's anything new. In some ways - no. But in the case of these effects, that no is a WONDERFUL thing.

The original method is still intact. If you use any of the original books, you'll jump right into Sinister. The information is just as easy to gather. The true genius of the Outlaw tests is just how easy the information gathering process is handled.

Before you dismiss it as just "another" book, though. Bear a few key points in mind.

1 - The method, while not altered, has been improved upon. I honestly didn't think it was possible, but a new factor has been added into the Sinister method that makes the initial information even easier to obtain. There is no distracting fishing or pumping. One, maybe two questions (neither of which bring a negative or diminishing reaction) and you're done. The technical aspect of the effect is over. Now you just sit back and tell one hell of a story.

2 - Owners of the original books will appreciate this. What more can you ask for from the Outlaw Book Tests? How about this one:

"Can I name the killer"

For the first time in the trilogy - the answer is YES!

No more extra work to snag that crucial (and, in my opinion,) deal-closing bit of info. Don't have the extra items in your pockets this time around? No problem. The folks at Outlaw have solved your problem. This might seem like something minor, but believe me. It's not. I've performed this effect on spectators who have seen Homicide and Manhattanville in action. With these particular spectators, I did not reveal the name of the victim or the person who pawned the item. When I delivered my Sinister profile - you could feel their excitement. But when I dropped the name of the killer, the reaction was nothing short of fantastic. If you're looking for a reason to complete the trilogy, this could be it.

Of course - along with the new bit of fun - it should be noted that in order to perform this revelation, a bit of memory work and presentational work will be required. However, as usual - hop on over to the Outlaw forums and you'll find there are already great suggestions for performing this phase of the effect. Trust me, the extra effort is worth it.

3 - As an added bit of fun, all of the killers in Sinister are also the customers in Manhattanville. I haven't investigate the possible ties to Homicide, yet - but all three books can be used as standalone effects, or as a progressive story that is so powerful, you could build an entire act out of just these three books. With just the Manhattanville link - you can create intricate stories that will slay any audience. If you like story-driven presentations with a dark side, this is where your train gets off.

4 - Previous owners also know how the book is laid out. With the first two releases, while practically impossible (this person would have to have possession of the book for a VERY LONG TIME), there was a possibility that the spectator could find something "curious" if they examine the book long enough (if you let them hold the book for the amount of time it would take to do it, you shouldn't be performing this effect). They wouldn't discover the method by any means - but owners know of a discrepancy that can possibly occur. In Sinister, even this minor (and I would dare say non-existant) concern has been disguised even more. I can't really go into detail here, but suffice it to say - no two pages in the entire book are alike. Ever....

Presentation Comments:

It should be noted that his book is better suited to a particular presentational style. If your personality doesn't fit the idea of profiling serial killers and the brutal, often pervasive acts they perform on their helpless victims, then Sinister isn't your cup of tea. Like Homicide, the themes represented in here are not for the faint hearted. If this is the case, check out Manhattanville - it's just as good and you can keep it on a lighter, less morbid line. However, if blood and some guts is your thing, the presentational options for Sinister are fantastic. After a bit of study, you get the basic foundations for the serial killer profiles - and from there, you spin your webs and create anything you want from it. With a bit of work, you can go beyond just a simple explanation of what kind of person the killer is - you can delve into his modus operandi. You can recount what he's done to each poor victim.

Is the spectator's chosen name a victim of a trophy killer? Perhaps this particular maniac stole something from his victim as a keepsake? Was he deluded, believing that by taking in the essence of his victims, he coudl stay young forever? Did his shitzu tell him to do it???

The basic information just gets you started. It's up to you to make the story have weight and power. Either way will work - but the more detailed you get, the more you'll make your audiences squirm.

Cons:

Again, I find almost nothing to truly consider a "con". Just like its' companion books, Sinister is almost perfect on both construction and execution. It looks great, it plays like a virtuoso, and unlike some other book tests - it's engaging. You're not just asking someone to pick a word at random and you tell them what word it was. This test allows you to play this effect in so many different ways. Pyschic routine, mindreading, spirit summoning - you can find a methodology that will fit almost any presentational genre. This again speaks to the quality of the Outlaw products. Fantastic effects with easy to master methods that work like a template to help you create a compelling tale.

However, having said all of that, I have a few minor quibbles.

1 - In the descriptions on the web site, it is mentions that the book is comprised of male and female killers. Unfortunately, this is not actually true. All of the killers in Sinister are males. Perhaps the book was originally intended to have both, but since it does not, I feel the web site copy should be updated to reflect that. It's not misleading, but it can be a point of contention for some.

2 - I'm not sure if this has been voiced throughout the community of owners of this effect, but I've spoken with a few people who point out the repetition in all three books. I do NOT consider this a con (I will point out why), but in the interest of giving out all of the facts - I felt it was necessary to bring this to light. Yes - there is repetition. Throughout the series, you will encounter a number of people with nearly identical descriptions (murdered the same way in homicide, the same object sold at the pawn shop in Manhattanvile, the same profile in Sinister), which, on the surface - could look repetitive. It certainly looks this way when YOU look through the books. However, while I agree with that, I disagree with anyone who may think it detracts from the effect. To anyone who may have these thoughts. Remember these key points:

1 - You knowing of the repetitions doesn't mean the spectator does. ie - you know you're performing an Elmsley Count - but you spectator just watched you count the cards for them.

2 - For the most part, this will be performed one time during the course of your act. The spectators won't notice repetition because they're only looking at ONE ENTRY in the book.

3 - Repetition is right there in real life. Sure we get the occasional "fantastic" serial killer who comes up with a new, demented way of doing people in. But a majority of them just slice, cut, repeat. Besides, it's the individual story that makes each presentation unique. Manhattanville is the only book that will give a bit of a hiccup in this regard. With Sinister - you're covered. Check out the tactics of the FBI - even they classify serial killers into 2 distinct groups (there are many sub groups beyond that, but they fall into only a handful of very select profiles). With Homicide - how many ways can an average person kill someone? In the few times I HAVE performed Homicide a second time, I just have them choose a victim that WASN'T stabbed. problem solved.

So, not a con when you look at the broad picture, but still something you might hear.

Final Thoughts:

Outlaw Effects does it again. Consistent, powerful mentalism effects that can go immediately into your act. Beyond that, it's trademark adaptability makes it something you will constantly improve and expand upon as you use it. So what are you waiting for? Go out and buy it!


I'd also like to take a few moments to speak about Outlaw Effects, and Rick Roth in particular. Yes, this is the obligatory "shout out" that so many people are after. However, I would like to point out that this review (and all past and future Outlaw reviews) is done voluntarily, and in no way am I affiliated or paid by Outlaw Effects to do this. I just know a good thing when I see it, and I like to share those things with people who have similar hobbies and passions.

There are very few companies that really floor me. I will pick up an effect, book or dvd from someone here and there. I may even find someone that I really like and I'll purchase more of their products than usual (Jay Sankey is my favorite example). But with Outlaw - even my repeated remarks about consistency don't truly do them justice. The only thing I can say to truly speak of their quality is that I own every single piece of merchandise that Outlaw Effects sells. I knew nothing of them, and bought Homicide for the sole purpose of satisfying my own curiosity. I'd heard a bit, but my purchase wasn't influenced by any of it. From that one purchase, I bought their entire collection. Then Manhattanville came, and I scooped that up. Same with Sinister. I will continue to buy these products (and I will do so sight unseen). That is how much confidence I have in their products.

But it also goes beyond that. In the time since my initial and subsequent purchases, I've had many conversations with Rick. Dare I say we've built a bit of an online magician's friendship as a result of it. His quality and professionalism doesn't end with the product.

He has offered hints and suggestions on presentation and explanation through his forums.

Excellent customer service and follow-through is an absolute understatement. I lost the instructions that came supplied with my Homicide book. Those were immediately replaced.

He doesn't forget you after he's taken your cash. He asks what you think. He asks you to comment on his products. Not to stroke his ego or anything self-serving. It's to keep his customers happy - and to keep pushing the quality level of his products up. It is obvious that he paid attention to questions, comments and concerns people had with each release. Any issues were rectified, any plausible suggestions taken. As a result, his products have not only remained consistent throughout, they get stronger with each new item that comes out.

It's rare to find people who put out effects that are this good one after another. It's even more rare to find people that go beyond just selling their products. Outlaw Effects is one of those rare companies. And for that, they will have a customer in me, for life.

Overall: 10/10 - Another must have for book test lovers who want something beyond the average book test.