The Effect
A black velvet bag is shown out of which six crystals are tipped. Two are clear, two yellow and the remaining two are purple. These are split into to sets of three, each set containing one of each colour.
The spectator selects one of the sets and drops them into the bag leaving the remaining set on the table. The spec removes one crystal from the bag with their left hand and another with their right hand. The performer picks two crystals from the table, one in each hand and the spec reveals their selection. both sets match in colour and in the hand that is holding them.
The spec drops their two crystals back into the bag which is shaken and the spec is asked to pick up all three and mix them inside of their hand while their hand is still inside the bag. The spec then drops one of the crstals inside the bag and removes two in their clenched hand. Again the performer selects the matching crystals from the table.
Finally, the crystals are replaced inside the bag which is shaken. This time the spec takes a single crystal fromthe bag and places it in their pocket. The performer selects a crystal from the table which is shown to match the spectators selection.
Cost
£25 from Mike Danata at
http://www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk
Manufactuered by Five of Hearts Magic.
Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
1 - very easy to do.
Review
If you like Marc Oberon's Odd Ball then this is a great alternative piece of mentalism that works on a totally different principle. Where as the former needs several people, Crystal Clear can be performed on a single person although it works just as well with a number of people.
The bag is very well made in black velvet with red trim and is to the usual high standard the you expect from 5oH, with the red heart motif stitched on the top corner.
The crystals are plastic and look it - although this is not important and they can be insepcted. The method is NOT in the touch, their size or weight.
I've perfomred this four or five times since yesterday and admit that this has so far been tested on family members but each time they were left baffled and without a clue as to how this worked.
If you liked Odd Ball then in my view this is much better and you're very likely to love this just as much if not more. It's a great piece of mentalism that works well for magicians too.
Overall
I rate this highly and it works nicely with ESPecially Wild as part of a routine which I reviewed here:
http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic28230.php
Member of the Magic Circle & The 2009 British Isles Close-Up Magician of the Year
It's not really an optical illusion - it just looks like one!