
I've been doing a drawing dupe for years . . . nearly 20 in fact, in which the patron dose the drawing in a room completely away from me, seals the drawing in a heavy security envelope . . . I literally never touch it; there are no imp pads, electronics or peek devices involved (for starters, this is a full sheet of paper that's used, not a little card). Every single thing about this challenge is what would be considered "test conditions" and yet, I'm able to duplicate the image INCLUDING the colors used. It's extremely low tech and cost me a whooping ten-cents at most, every time I do it. . . even the initial set-up costs less than $5.00 if you're a frugal shopper.
I'm incredibly picky when it comes to anything I buy in the magic world because so much of it looks great but in reality, is questionable at best. My biggest requisite is that I can present it in such as way that comes off as being 100% casual and "improvisational". Secondly, it's something where I don't have to rely on a special something to pull it off . . . at Mr. Murphy loves to do, the day you're asked to do a certain bit you won't have the device that makes it possible e.g. you must know an alternative method that replicates the effect that doesn't require said gaffs. Very few people ever think that way, out of habit we think like magicians rather than Mind Readers/Psychic Entertainers and as such we want the gimmicks vs. development of skill.
For a magician that loves tricks this piece may very well fulfill their itch . . . then again a Buma Board (
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClPBYGILrMo) will give you similar freedom and a bit more flexibility when it comes to alternative application.
I can't completely knock something I've yet to see and critique, but in my experience anytime something sounds too good to be true chances are strong that disappointment will follow. . . I'd hope otherwise, but after 4-decades in this biz I've learned the hard way about trusting magic dealer sales copy.
