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Gary Jones: Out of Sight Out of Your Mind Reviewed
One DVD, one special deck and $35 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.
Effect/Method
This is an adaptation of the classic Vernon effect, Out of Sight-Out of Mind. The effect is the revelation of a truly thought of card. With Vernon's handling, a borrowed deck can be used. This handling uses the a Koran Style Deck and some simple handling techniques.
The deck is a one trick wonder deck for the most part. It can be used for other similar effects, but that's it. You'll do this trick (or one like it) and you're done. You'll have to switch decks. I'll let you decide if that's a problem. The method is super easy, and within the grasp of anyone with even the most basic card handling experience.
Ad Copy Integrity
The ad copy is borderline. Let's look at a couple of claims. First the claim is made that no questions are asked. That's not quite true. You have to actually ask the spectator to name the card. While it's true, you deal down to the position of the card before asking any questions, you cannot turn over the card until you ask what it was. That's in the case of using two selections. In the case of using one selection, you have to ask for the name of the card. However, before dealing down, you have to know the color of the card. The technique for this involves asking the spectator a question still.
Another spectator is asked to read the mind of the person choosing the card. This second spectator is then asked to guess (i.e., read the mind of the other spectator) what the color is. You, the magician, must ask the original spectator if the "guess" is correct. This is a question (is the color correct) that must be asked before dealing the cards.
Also, the claim that there are no breaks held is basically true, but there is an occasion where even that will be needed. It won't be needed, however, until the end after you've dealt down to the thought of card.
Product Quality
As is typical with Magic Tao productions, the lighting and sound are less than ideal. I had to put on my headphones and crank the volume up 100%, and even then it was "okay" but not great. The effects are taught well and succinctly and effectively as is usually the case with Gary Jones. A handful of alternate ideas, handling tips, etc. are also offered. Once you understand the basic idea, you'll, likely, come up with your own handling and presentation.
The included deck, though made from Bicycle stock doesn't quite handle well. It seems that they took a bunch of regular decks and put these together themselves because they're not all cut quite the same, and don't feel like a cohesive deck. It's not terrible, but it doesn't feel quite the same as a deck that's all from one cut.
Final Thoughts
Anyone who knows the original Vernon effect will likely admit that this is a good effect. It feels like genuine mind reading. It's a matter of deciding if you like the original or this version which is much easier to do. There are some product quality issues and a few minor points on the ad copy, but if you can see past that and you like this effect and don't mind dedicating an entire deck to this one effect, you'll likely be happy with your purchase.
Final Verdict:
3.5 Stars with a Stone Status of gem.
13 Comments
Bought this a few years ago,I think i bought it from Garys own site.Although i like most of Garys ideas in truth it doesnt do it for me.The very first trick i bought was Garys Thoughtwave one that i still use today.It got me hooked on magic and in my opinion one of the best self working tricks ever
@John – Thanks for the comment. I don’t think I’ve seen Thoughtwave, but I’m sure it’s solid. Generally speaking I’m a fan of Gary’s stuff.
Hi Jeff!
I wish I knew about your website in the beginning, it would have save me alot of time and money when it came to magic.I have been a close up performer for over 18 years and have incorporate my performances when dealing with clients. I also operate a full responsive web marketing service. Have you ever thought about re-designing your website so it fully support mobile users? You should for you are missing out on a growing and lucrative market….remember 90% of North Americans access the internet now through a mobile device. And if they come to your website here, the experience will force them to leave.
Anyway it was not my intentions to sell or promote my services, but to tell you how much I appreciate the work and effort you are doing, please continue…..but make sure to always put your health first.
Regards
Victoria
Martin Lewis performed this for my friend and I at our Magic club meeting this week. Cool effect and alot easier than Vernons original handling.
@Vince – I’ve got mixed feelings. I like the Professor’s because it’s a borrowed/shuffled deck. But I like this because it’s a TON easier . . . give and take I guess.
It looks very good and clean, not my style though..
I’m more into really visual things that the audience didn’t see before.
I think most people have already seen enough pick a card find a card.
So as clean as it would be, nothing new in the eyes ofthe spectators..
@Jordan – Thanks for the post. This one does play a little bit differently from a typical “pick a card” effect. It’s much more cerebral than that.
I like Vernoms effect, this effect seems cool, but I like the way to figure out the color. Seems cheap and I amm ok with sloppy decks.
@Stephen – Sloppy Decks?
Oh cool, I’ve never heard of this effect. I’m going to have to look through my Dai Vernon stuff for the original version.
Then I’ll take another look at Gary Jones’ version.It seems to be very clean for the spectator to watch. Something easy for them to follow. Not sure if that will play out that way with the original Dai Vernon method though.
@Steven – Actually the Vernon effect is much cleaner . . . just harder. Vernon’s is with a borrowed and shuffled deck.
@Jeff – Thank you. I love the borrowed and shuffled part.
@Steven – Yeah. This is making me wanna go back and re-learn the Vernon effect and put it back in my repertoire. I used to do it on occasion. It’s such a powerful piece of magic (Vernon . . . duh!).