talkmagic.co.uk

I've been playing with this effect for a month or so now, and thought I'd post a quck review. Apologies if it's already been done, although I couldn't see it when doing a search..

The Effect

A spectator is given a sealed envelope for safe keeping. A book is then introduced, and whilst the performers head is turned a page is selected. The performer asks that both the page number and the biggest word from the first few lines are remembered before the book is closed. The performer then reads the spectators mind by telling them both the page number and the word remembered. After the initial shock the spectator is told to remove the envelope given to them earlier. Upon doing this a torn out page from the book is taken out of the envelope – the same page that they looked at earlier. The book is then handed to them, where they find that the page they looked at was never in the book after all, and that the torn page fits into the book perfectly.

Price:

£39.99

Difficulty Level:

1 - Basic Sleights / Self Working

Review:

This is a great effect, and the cleanest of it's kind in that the book/ripped out page can be handled by the spectators during the presentation. I've had this trick for a month now, and while the execution of the effect is relatively simple to do, taking no more than a couple of hours to master the handling competently, I'm still struggling for a decent patter to go with it ( the one provided is not up to much IMHO ) - Any tips or advice here would be appreciated. I need to find a decent story to go with the page beind selected, then not being there, and then appearing in the envelope the spec is holding. I've tried the 'what if I made you see something that wasn't really there' route, which worked well, but I feel it needs something with a little more 'oomph'

Also the book can't bear too much scutiny afterwards, and even though I've only owned the trick for a month it's already starting to look a bit jaded, with certain creaslines appering where you don't want them too. (I'm now storing this book under 2 heavy catalogues when not being used.) and smudging appearing on the chosen page.

The results this effect gets is very good, although in my opinion not in relation to the £39.99 that the trick costs.

Overall:

7/10. A great effect, let down by the price and the above mentioned shelf life issues.

Nice review but gulp is that the price?

I got mine through a trade and have been happy with it but I could have sworn that I had seen them for around £25 which isn't that bad for the effect and the use that you can get from it.

if you shop around then I'm sure that you'll find it cheaper.

I've had my copy for about 5 years now & it always gets great reactions. I don't use it at every gig & if I do it's only once for obvious reasons (even if there's 200 people there).

I'm on the look out for a new one but I suppose you could always manufacture your own if you've paid the price & it's worn quicker than you thought. The home made version wouldn't stand much scrutiny either but at least you'd have the advantage of using a book people have heard of & choosing a page & word you can remember.

Through scripting I can now usually manage to make them pick the word which has been ripped straight through & add an extra dimension to the effect.

Thanks for the review, definitely interesting to check out.

I just find alot of the things that are out there are just the usual stuff just repackaged and delivered differently. I often feel disappointed that there isn't younger blood developing 'new' effects rather than rehash of the same old c*** (not the best).

Great review though.

Paul Zenon performed a version of this on (I think) his Halloween special so if you wanted to check that out I'm sure you'd be able to find it.

The description reads almost identical to Pegasus Page by Richard Osterlind. If it is, then you can make your own for the cost of any second hand book(s) and few other bits. He also gives sound advice on spec handling and scrutiny to avoid any "problems". The £40 asking price for this seems very steep to me.

Glad you agree Wishmaster, I recognised the effect from Xenon but the price is certainly putting me off!

And of course we have Art Emerson to tip our hats to as well!

Simon
PS Have you seen Osterlind's No Camera Tricks DVD - its not bad at all!

this is the sough of horses hoves, and its in paramiracles.

SimonChatfield wrote:Glad you agree Wishmaster, I recognised the effect from Xenon but the price is certainly putting me off!

And of course we have Art Emerson to tip our hats to as well!

Simon
PS Have you seen Osterlind's No Camera Tricks DVD - its not bad at all!

It's a great effect the way he performs it, but I'm not sure I'm at all creative enough to make the things I'd need. You'll know what I'm on about. Richard's wife helped him, which says it all!

I have No Camera Tricks, but haven't had time to watch past DVD 1 yet. I'm slowly collecting everything by Richard Osterlind as he's probably my favourite performer of all, not including Derren

SimonChatfield wrote:I just find alot of the things that are out there are just the usual stuff just repackaged and delivered differently. I often feel disappointed that there isn't younger blood developing 'new' effects rather than rehash of the same old c*** (not the best).

I doubt Docc Hilford just 'repackages stuff and delivers differently'. He is quite an authority in mentalism and I would double check with a mentalist before making such an allegation..

hardik988 wrote:
I doubt Docc Hilford just 'repackages stuff and delivers differently'. He is quite an authority in mentalism and I would double check with a mentalist before making such an allegation..

I don't think Simon was accusing Docc of anything. I think Simon was making a more general statement about mentalism/magic in general. Generally.

themagicwand wrote:I don't think Simon was accusing Docc of anything. I think Simon was making a more general statement about mentalism/magic in general. Generally.

I must admit, that's how I interpreted his post too.

Just to confirm that I was discussing products 'out there' and not any Doc Hilford products. I am sure the Doc wouldn't appreciate that tone from anybody on this forum.

I remember getting this a while ago but then lost the bloody book!!! I do think that it would be possible to remake the nessicary gimmicks for this effect which is an extremely strong and hard hitting effect.