Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: For Whom The Bell Tolls By Metallica

Frankly I'm surprised at how good this is. Granted, you're definitely going to need to practice, but if you do, you've got a very doable and powerful effect that can be that oh-so-coveted reputation maker. Let's take a look at the usuals:

  • Ad Copy Integrity
  • Production Quality
  • Product/Gimmick Quality

It's typically these three things that give us the most insight into the value of a magic product, so here we go.

Ad Copy Integrity

I think that after the video trailer was made, they decided to modify their claims slightly when it came to the written ad copy. In the video trailer, the claim is made that the spectator can eat the mint. That's not entirely accurate. I'm assuming that you've guessed a swi*** is required. The ad copy mentions the fact that it's a PK effect, so if you know about the "thing" that PK uses, you know that you can't actually eat them.

However, to be fair, the swi*** required to allow the spectator to eat the mint is very simple to do, and looks amazing. Just be aware of the fact that when doing the effects in the spectator's hand, the spectator must put the mint down on the table so you can do a quick little secret something to it before they can pick it up and eat it.

Also, the written ad copy mentions being able to do the effect with a glass covering the mint. Unfortunately that effect/method is not taught on the DVD (at least not anywhere I could find it).

Production Quality

The DVD quality, lighting, sound, teaching, angles, etc., were all excellent. Absolutely no complaints here. I really liked how clean and efficient the menu navigation was.

Product/Gimmick Quality

The gimmick itself is very well made and very clever. Most of the effects require a small gimmick (which IS supplied) to be on your hand. The gimmick is hidden well. However, you may run into issues if you're very dark skinned. You're given 5 different colors to choose from, however, I would say that it would cover most white people and most Latino people. However if you're much darker than that, the gimmick won't be as invisible.

That said, however, the gimmick is much like a T.T. in the sense that people don't see it anyway, and the color of it shouldn't matter. However, there are a couple of open-handed displays that may be an issue if you're skin color doesn't match the gimmick. Overall, I don't think it's a huge hindrance. In fact my favorite effects with this system use the gimmick in such a way that even if it were fluorescent pink you would never see it because it's hidden and used in a different more secretive way.

The one of the effects that I would most likely do (Mint Through Glass Table) could actually be done with a PK ring easily and not even require the aforementioned gimmick. Second the other effect I would most likely do ("Basic Handling") uses the gimmick, but it's not in your hands, so you can very freely and openly show your hands.

One other concern about this wearable portion of the gimmick is that if you have wide fingers - I do - the gimmick is a little awkward. Again, however, there is still plenty you can do without being able to wear it.

Finally, the best part about this gimmick is that your hands can be shown empty at the start and end of the effect because the gimmick is very cleverly loaded on and off of you hand in a super sneaky clever manner. If you have your mint box with you, you could do this trick completely nude (freak). Everything is completely self-contained.

All of the info above about the color of part of the gimmick should not be a major concern. The only thing that it prevents you from doing (if the color is off) is showing the palm of one of your hands (once the gimmick has been loaded). The structure of the routines does not require it, so don't sweat it. I only mentioned it in case you had in mind that you wanted to show the palms of your hands. Frankly it's not needed.

Final Thoughts

If you've read everything above that I've written, you may feel like I just picked out the flaws and that I'm not happy with this product. However, nothing could be further from the truth. I really like this product. I just want to make sure that you're clear about what you're getting. Simply put, here it is: A PK system that is completely contained within a very cleverly gimmicked mint box.

The system requires a super easy one time set up of about 10 minutes. From then on it's ready to go at a moment's notice. The system allows you to cause the mint to move, rotate, vanish, penetrate a clear (or not clear) table and so much more. All of it can be done if you have the box of mints with you. The wearable part of the gimmick is contained inside the gimmicked box and it's loaded on and off as needed, and is never seen by the audience.

The only question you have to ask yourself is if you feel the effect(s) is/are worth $100. If you like and think that you'll do the effects, you'll find that the methods and effects possible are very straightforward and very powerful. If you feel this effect is for you, then go for it.

Final Verdict:
4.5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM.

2 Comments

  • Ash says:

    Hey Jeff
    Just stumbled across your site, and loving your reviews.
    I had not heard of this effect, and certainly Paul Harris is one to “present” this.
    Reminds me a little of some of his astonishments stuff.
    I see they also put his astonishments music on the trailer.
    Thanks for the thorough and honest review. At $100, you don’t want to just buy this and regret it
    ashley

    • Jeff Stone says:

      @Ash – thanks for the comment. I’m glad you’re digging the site. I’m a little behind on posting reviews. Hopefully I’ll have a few more posted this week. Thanks again!

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