Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Mephistopheles By Tran-Siberian Orchestra
Simple Effect . . . Simple Method . . . Simple Review: Get it.
Watch the trailer. You'll see the effect. It really is that clean. Let's take a look, however, in some depth.
- Product Quality
- Advertisement Integrity
- Effect
- Method
Product Quality
These gimmicks are hand made, and you get 12 of them. They look great. They look like what I would imagine it would look like if you really did magically reshape a soda can tab. The DVD is short, but detailed, well produced, and has a super easy to navigate menu. All good marks here folks.
Advertisement Integrity
Though the ad copy is a bit on the hokey site, it's certainly honest. It mentions that the "same tab" is shown to be normal, then to have "melted." The phrase "the same tab" of course is pointing out that there is no switch, which is absolutely true. More on that in the method section below. Again all good marks here.
Effect
This effect, as with all effects, will fit some of your styles and not others. It's up to you whether or not you like it. I'll just give you a few pieces of info about it. First all you have to do is carry one of the tabs in your pocket and you're all set to do this effect, so it's essentially impromptu.
Second, the non-card trick version (in my mind the better version) has a very powerful emotional hook that many spectators will easily be able to relate to . . . first love. It's very "street" and very direct and has the potential to have a real impact on your spectator(s).
Method
There are many presentational ideas on the DVD and many variations on the basic method. However, all of them can be broken down into to base methods, those requiring a switch and those that don't. Both methods are solid and effective and super simple and super doable for sure.
Final Thoughts
Considering the fact that these things are handmade and you get 12 of them for only $35 bucks . . . that's enough for me. However, when you add in the fact that they're well made, the method is stupid simple, and all the other benefits mentioned above, it's hard not to give this one a top rating.
Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM!
4 Comments
Hi Jeff,
I was just wondering since they are hand made, do you think its hard to make it yourself?
Thanks again for your review, and I am enjoying the video reviews.
Jose – thanks for the post. They don’t look like they’d be easy to make. However, even if they were easy to make, I feel it would be dishonest and unethical to make them. I’d just recommend purchasing the set. Ethics aside, it would be easier, faster and cheaper just to buy the DVD and the gimmicks.
Hi Jeff,
I meant after you purchase it and since you have only twelve, do you feel it is unethical to make them then?
Or can you buy refills?
You can buy refills for $20 bucks for 12. I would, however, still feel that it’s unethical to make them even if you bought a set. However, the creators might have a different opinion. It’s really their call.