Price$19.95
Media TypeTrick
CategoryClose Up
Date AddedDec 13, 2009
Compressed
Solari, Bob
Bob Solari Magic
(Based on 4 reviews)
Completely mechanical, no sleight of hand, no magnets, no elastics, perform in short sleeves, resets in seconds, great opener, complete with mini Bicycle deck*, gimmick, photo illustrated instructions, learn in 5 minutes.
* NOTE: Bicycle mini deck included will be blue or red. Choice of color not available.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Overview
So there is the good news and the not so good news, what do you think?The good news in that the demo video you see and what the description of the effect claims is actually true. The demo is uncut and that is exactly what compressed looks like, it’s really easy to do and very clean. I don’t know if what happened to me happened to you when I viewed it, but saw and figured out how it was done. But that being that, it is still a very strong, visual and ‘magical’ effect, you cover the deck for just a moment and it is ‘compressed' into a mini deck. Yes, it is mechanical so with some practice in front of a mirror (you really want to see what the spectator is seeing with this one) you can pull time minor miracle off without having to worry about bad angles. The change from a regular deck to a mini deck is amazingly visual especially when you show the other hand not holding the now mini deck empty and then fanning out all the cards. You can also cleanly show the cards a few at a time or one at a time from and or back as it is a real ungimmicked mini deck.
The gimmick is well made but with many repeated performances you will probably have to make another one. Don’t worry it is not difficult even if you are not a DIY expect. In the 3 pages of 8.5” X 11” instructions with photos that you receive, Bob explains how to make it and once you own it, it is very simple to replicate. With most other effects I have purchased that did not come with a DVD or an online video tutorial just written instructions, I had a difficult time following the instructions without actually seeing it the effect explained, but this one is a no brainer. You will be working this one very quickly with the proper practice of course.
So what’s the so not good news? The demo shows the Magician already holding the deck and then compresses it. You have to set-up and already have the deck in your hand ready to perform the compression.
It would be a little awkward and suspicious in a strolling environment for example to approach a group of people already clutching a deck of cards. No, you cannot just take them out of your pocket or the card case and start performing this. Parlor show possible, have it in your case or somehow concealed on your table, casually pick it up and then start the effect. It may take some thinking but see what creative ideas you can come up with. A challenge, yes! All in all, I would easily give the product a 5 star but am reducing that due to my latter point.
Effect
Performer is seen holding an ordinary face down deck of cards. With an empty hand, the performer covers the deck. After a few seconds, the performer removes his empty hand from the deck. The deck has shrunk to half its size!!! This mini deck is now spread both face down and face up showing it to be quite ordinary. The mini deck can now be used in your next effect if you desire.Method
Completely mechanical, no sleight of hand, no magnets, no elastics, perform in short sleeves, resets in seconds, great opener, complete with mini Bicycle deck*, gimmick, photo illustrated instructions, learn in 5 minutes.Product Quality
You receive a real mini deck plus a gimmick to make the magic happen. The mime deck is of good quality and the gimmick is well made but will gently have to be replaced.Ad Copy Integrity
What is written in the ad copy is exactly what you get and will be able to perform with Compressed. The video demo is also exactly what your spectators will see.(Top ▲)
This is another masterpiece by Bob Solari. Start with an ordinary deck, cover with both hands, and reveal a mini deck of cards.
You may now do any trick with this mini deck. It looks impossible.
Amazing!
You may now do any trick with this mini deck. It looks impossible.
Amazing!
(Top ▲)
This little effect is simple, straight forward, visual, easy to do and doesn't even require a Battery (Thank you Metallica).
Included is a mini deck of cards, a special gimmick and some shoddy looking printed instructions all crammed into a miniature ziplock bag. All in all, not a bad deal at $19.95. Watch the video for the effect. What you see in the trailer is exactly what you get. It's darn near self-working. The gimmick will wear out after a while. However, it's super easy to make, and you already have what you need to make it.
The instructions, though sparse, do cover what you need to know to perform the effect. It's up to you to create your own motivation and presentation for the effect. Production qualities aside, the gimmick and the mini deck are Bicycle brand and work just fine. That's what you're really paying for. So, if you have a need for a shrinking deck routine and you like the way this looks in the demo, you won't be disappointed.
Final Verdict:
3.5 Stars with a Stone Status of gem
(Top ▲)
This little gem is a great trick to carry with you . The effect is exactly as described and easy to perform. The method is very clever. I practiced in the mirror just to watch the effect. You really do not need much practice at all the trick works great and is very thought out. I have Bob Solaris DVD Live in your living room which also goes over the effect but the directions are great . All in all I like this effect as its easy to perform , small enough to carry on you , the effect is typical Solari ... awesome! You can make a lot of jokes with this one.