Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Point of No Return by Nu Shooz

Heirloom Deluxe Review

A whole bunch of props, a DVD, a butt load of bonus stuff and $50 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.

Effect

A small variety of effects can be performed with the props included. However, the gist of each effect is that you tell a story of "someone" (fictional historical figure, great uncle, great grandpa, etc.) who had a lucky (or unlucky) card. The spectator names any card (free choice). To prove spectator has good intuition, you show a picture of your "someone" holding his "lucky" card. Further, you have a letter between "someone" and his significant other that also proves how powerful your spectator's intuition is.

You have two choices for which letter to use: A letter from Charlie to Emily (the two characters in the story you tell), or a letter from Emily to Charlie. It's your choice which letter to use in your presentation. The letter from Charlie has more of a happy ending to the story, whereas the letter from Emily has a not only sad/tragic ending, but a very creepy ending. Either way, you are delivering a powerful story that will (in most cases) leave the audience "feeling."

Method

The method is very simple. It's a very manageable and simple multiple out system that you can carry with you in your regular wallet anywhere. Or you can spend the extra cash to purchase an Heirloom Wallet which is specifically designed for this effect. However, it's not needed. With the DVD, you also get Mark Elsdon's handling which streamlines the effect and makes the multiple outs even easier to manage. Though his method does lessen the impact of the story because it doesn't use the letters, but it's still a solid effect with a more streamlined approach.

On the video and the additional bonus material, you'll find multiple different ways to manage the outs. Between all of the options shown and discusses, one is sure to meet your needs. The bottom line is that this is a solid method that has proven the test of time. It's been used for decades by countless magicians/mentalists. It's easy and within the grasp of any level performer.

Ad Copy Integrity

The ad copy is 100% accurate - typical Alakazam. Even the part about the final ending giving your spectators chills is true. When I saw the full performance, it literally gave me chills. It was a beautiful moment.

Product Quality

The product quality is excellent - typical Alakazam. The video is well shot, well lit, well mic'd, etc. Also included is the original Heirloom footage. It's not as good of quality as the main DVD, but it's still just clear and good quality (just not great). The props are well made. Plus, for the price you're getting a ton of stuff. Go back and look at the ad copy to see everything included.

The included PDFs offer different handling ideas, different presentational ideas and more. Further, a template is included so that you can print out the photographs once your included ones wear out. Also included are the letters to and from Emily and Charlie that can be reprinted if needed. Additional photos are included for an alternate version of the effect. You'll also learn, in the bonus material, how to age the props to make them better fit the story you are telling, and a ton more stuff.

The only disappointment I had with the bonus material was during the original Heirloom video. Peter Nardi introduced a clip of Harry Anderson performing the effect stating that we were about to watch the clip, but the clip never came. I've searched YouTube for it to no avail. I'm assuming the fact that it was missing from the DVD is due to an editing error.

Final Thoughts

This effect is the kind of thing that can be done for strolling (if you do one of the more streamlined versions) or for a set piece in a parlor show or even for a more casual setting. With all the stuff included, the quality of the props, the cleverness and simplicity of the method and the price, it's hard to find a better deal than this. The question is, do you like the effect? If so, get it. Period.

Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM!

4 Comments

  • Steve Black says:

    Hi Jeff,

    A great review and agree with you 100%.A great effect. I actually liked the type of photo in the original rather than the new more authentic ‘board’ type but that’s just me. I may be biased but i love Alakazam products and their service is superb. With their new products you are issued with a product code and as new routines are submitted these are posted free of charge for those who have the effect which is fantastic value because this is ongoing.A great idea!!

    • Jeff Stone says:

      @Steve – Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, Alakazam is top notch. They’re one of the best magic dealers/producers in the business today. Also, for the photos, I’ve never handled the original ones, but from what I saw in the video, I think I would have like them better too. However, since they include them as a PDF, you can print them on any paper. That’s what I’d likely do before using this.

  • Rob Mac says:

    Hi Jeff,

    I watch your reviews regularly and love your casual and laid back, informal style. I bought Heirloom Delux after watching your review both on it and the heirloom wallet and totally love the affect.

    Minor hitch with the wallet in that one side didn’t cover the indexer properly when holding it open. The divider seemed to be manufacture too short. Anyway, I await a replacement.

    On Heirloom Delux itself I too am very disappointed in the new picture stock. I think it looks gimmicky and I don’t think the playing card is very clear. As you say and as I have done you can get them printed onto photo quality paper but don’t feel I should be having to do this with a “Delux” issue of a product.

    That aside the whole concept is excellent and very well presented on the DVD.

    Keep up the good work.

    RobMac

    • Jeff Stone says:

      @Rob – Thanks for the feedback. It’s always nice to hear that people find my reviews fun and accurate. 🙂

Your email address will not be published.

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.