Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Live to Tell by Madonna

Let's look at two things:

  • Ad Copy Integrity
  • Gimmick/Method

Ad Copy Integrity

There's not much ad copy, and the video is pretty short. The ad copy claims that money magically appears inside a clear envelope. That is true. Just keep in mind that (as you'll see in the video), there is a playing card on either side of the envelope obscuring the production. So you don't see it appear. However, what you see in the video is exactly what happens. So I'll go with 100% accuracy on ad copy.

Gimmick/Method

The gimmick is well made. You get two playing cards (one gaffed) a small bulldog-ish clip and a clear envelope (gaffed). The props can be handled (by the magician) very freely. The gimmicks are well concealed. However, they cannot be examined. The envelope is very well made and likely has applications for other effects (though nothing specific springs to mind). The cards are definitely cheapy cards. Also, just in the time fiddling around with the cards, the paint/ink on the back of the cards is already wearing off from the bulldog contact.

This is just from the usage of testing the gimmick for this review, so beware. It doesn't look horrible, but it's evidence of the quality(?) of the cards. One other thing to consider with the gimmick is that it won't work if your currency is much bigger than American money. I tested it with a Bank of Zambia note (don't ask) which is about a quarter of an inch taller (i.e., wider) than an American bill. It does not easily dislodge from the gimmick. The length of the bill isn't much of an issue, but the height is.

However, there are two work arounds . . . One I discovered myself and one that is shown in the trailer. In the trailer you'll see that you can use a piece of paper with a message or prediction on it, so if you're currency is too tall then this could be a good alternative. However, if you omit the envelope and the clip, the effect can still be accomplished. You'll have to work out that handling yourself, but I thought of it within' just a few minutes of fiddling with the gimmicks. This will allow you to use a slightly taller currency.

I think I prefer my own envelope-less handling to the envelope handling which is a little clunky, especially if you have big hands like I do. Overall the method is very doable with the right sized currency, and the gimmicks are very well made (other than the cheap quality of playing card used).

Final Thoughts

With the above mentioned props, you also get paper instructions that are very minimal, but clear enough. If you like the effect you saw in the video - I'm not sure that I personally do - you'll be happy with your purchase. Just remember that you'll need American sized money or a American sized paper. If I ever added this to my repertoire, I'd use a novelty Million Dollar Bill. I've tested it and it works great. Due to the fact that the cards wear and tear life seems to be pretty short, the gaff is impacted by this. You, likely could construct your own replacement gaff out of different cards, but due to the nature of the gaff, using other cards might tip the gaff.

Because of that, points were lost.

Final Verdict:
3.5 Stars with a Stone Status of gem (with the caveat that your gimmick my start looking pretty worn sooner than you'd prefer).

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