I've more than benefited from all the reviews posted here on Theory11. It was about time that I contributed and took one for the team in being one of the first to get an effect!
If you're reading this then I'm assuming you've already seen the trailer and official description, so I won't paste that here. Just in case you haven't, here is the link: Insane by Andy Nyman
Rating System
I know a lot of reviewers use a "Star Rating" system to give their assessment and opinion of an effect. I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to do it mainly because I don't know what the stars mean. What does 5 stars exactly mean? Is 5 stars awesome? Is it "Andrei coming to your house to teach you how to shuffle" awesome or is it "Jason England going to a Las Vegas casino with you and helping you cheat so you don't get caught by security and taken out back and beaten" awesome? No one knows.
So instead, I'm simply going to do this review from a real world, real people, real problems, and real performances point of view.
Background
When I read reviews sometimes I am not sure what skill level or performance experience the author is coming from. I think it's important to have some background of the reviewer so that you can judge the review content appropriately. If that's not something you care about, then skip this part and go straight to the review below!
I am not a Mentalist and I do not do a lot of effects under the guise of Mentalism. If you're looking for a review from a Mentalist's view point, I think Romeo Sierra did a great job HERE.
I perform at bars, lounges, restaurants and charity events. I have a magic/dinner theatre that I regularly perform at that involves close up magic. My magic involves a lot of tactile participation and involvement from spectators. My magic is not geared towards fooling magicians, it is focused on entertainment, making a connection with people, and story telling.
While I fiercely practice my presentation, my actual presentation is very conversational and I ad lib a lot based on my audience. I will not shy away from doing a move such as the Gambler's Cop, but I'll always look for the least sleight-heavy way to get something done. My goal is always the smoothness of the overall presentation and less focus on "tricking" the audience with a knuckle-busting move.
Ok, so what were we doing here in the first place? Oh right.....the review on Insane.
Review
It's good. Buy it.
Kidding.
Real Spectator Reactions
This is one of those effects that need a good story wrapped around it. By itself it won't get much of a reaction out of your spectators. This is a very short trick so you must milk it for all its worth and let the tension build. That being said, the reaction from your spectators' won't be one of screaming and running around. It's a slow mind bender. The more they think about it the more puzzling and impossible it will seem to them.
Real Performances
This is not a stand alone trick. This is best done in the middle of a set. This is the type of trick that will be stronger if you've established your skills as a magician in the first part of your set.
The spectator can use any Bicycle deck to deal the cards so no deck switching is necessary.
Real Problems
1) The card you take out of the envelope can be a tad bit angle sensitive, but this is a minor problem so long as you're aware of it.
2) You should be able to get about 6-8 performances out of the gimmick before you have to remake it.
3) The spectators will not be able to examine the 2 final cards that end up in your hands at the conclusion of the effect. This is another reason why this effect should be performed in the middle of a set.
(If you're not familiar with the various subtle methods of keeping the spectator from examining something, then I highly recommend Aaron Fisher's Panic. Not only is it a wonderful illusion but the lessons he teaches in there is invaluable to your psychological magic skill set.)
Gimmick and Set Up
The gimmick is easy to make, however, it'll take you 5 or 6 times playing with it to get used to handling it where it looks natural. I can't say too much more about that for fear of exposure.
The set up can be done in 5 seconds and can be reset in less than 10 seconds after each performance.
Quality of DVD and Teaching
The DVD quality is T11 standard so obviously it will be top notch. Andy teaches this effect very well and covers almost every issue you'll run into. The minor ones that he doesn't cover you should be able to figure out after a couple of practice sessions. Andy is funny and it was entertaining watching him teach this effect that he so obviously adores.
Conclusion
I think this is a terrific, simple, and ingenious effect. You will be able to present this in so many different ways. It's also versatile in that there isn't a lot to carry around. I can't say this is quite worth $20 but once you start using it you'll be really happy you got it.
Supplies
Here is a LINK to a site that I found that sells the exact same size envelopes that comes with Insane. The actual envelope doesn't matter but this size (3 5/8 x 5 1/8) fits the card really well. I ordered and received 10 of the red ones because I know eventually the envelope will wear out and become unusable.
If you're reading this then I'm assuming you've already seen the trailer and official description, so I won't paste that here. Just in case you haven't, here is the link: Insane by Andy Nyman
Rating System
I know a lot of reviewers use a "Star Rating" system to give their assessment and opinion of an effect. I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to do it mainly because I don't know what the stars mean. What does 5 stars exactly mean? Is 5 stars awesome? Is it "Andrei coming to your house to teach you how to shuffle" awesome or is it "Jason England going to a Las Vegas casino with you and helping you cheat so you don't get caught by security and taken out back and beaten" awesome? No one knows.
So instead, I'm simply going to do this review from a real world, real people, real problems, and real performances point of view.
Background
When I read reviews sometimes I am not sure what skill level or performance experience the author is coming from. I think it's important to have some background of the reviewer so that you can judge the review content appropriately. If that's not something you care about, then skip this part and go straight to the review below!
I am not a Mentalist and I do not do a lot of effects under the guise of Mentalism. If you're looking for a review from a Mentalist's view point, I think Romeo Sierra did a great job HERE.
I perform at bars, lounges, restaurants and charity events. I have a magic/dinner theatre that I regularly perform at that involves close up magic. My magic involves a lot of tactile participation and involvement from spectators. My magic is not geared towards fooling magicians, it is focused on entertainment, making a connection with people, and story telling.
While I fiercely practice my presentation, my actual presentation is very conversational and I ad lib a lot based on my audience. I will not shy away from doing a move such as the Gambler's Cop, but I'll always look for the least sleight-heavy way to get something done. My goal is always the smoothness of the overall presentation and less focus on "tricking" the audience with a knuckle-busting move.
Ok, so what were we doing here in the first place? Oh right.....the review on Insane.
Review
It's good. Buy it.
Kidding.
Real Spectator Reactions
This is one of those effects that need a good story wrapped around it. By itself it won't get much of a reaction out of your spectators. This is a very short trick so you must milk it for all its worth and let the tension build. That being said, the reaction from your spectators' won't be one of screaming and running around. It's a slow mind bender. The more they think about it the more puzzling and impossible it will seem to them.
Real Performances
This is not a stand alone trick. This is best done in the middle of a set. This is the type of trick that will be stronger if you've established your skills as a magician in the first part of your set.
The spectator can use any Bicycle deck to deal the cards so no deck switching is necessary.
Real Problems
1) The card you take out of the envelope can be a tad bit angle sensitive, but this is a minor problem so long as you're aware of it.
2) You should be able to get about 6-8 performances out of the gimmick before you have to remake it.
3) The spectators will not be able to examine the 2 final cards that end up in your hands at the conclusion of the effect. This is another reason why this effect should be performed in the middle of a set.
(If you're not familiar with the various subtle methods of keeping the spectator from examining something, then I highly recommend Aaron Fisher's Panic. Not only is it a wonderful illusion but the lessons he teaches in there is invaluable to your psychological magic skill set.)
Gimmick and Set Up
The gimmick is easy to make, however, it'll take you 5 or 6 times playing with it to get used to handling it where it looks natural. I can't say too much more about that for fear of exposure.
The set up can be done in 5 seconds and can be reset in less than 10 seconds after each performance.
Quality of DVD and Teaching
The DVD quality is T11 standard so obviously it will be top notch. Andy teaches this effect very well and covers almost every issue you'll run into. The minor ones that he doesn't cover you should be able to figure out after a couple of practice sessions. Andy is funny and it was entertaining watching him teach this effect that he so obviously adores.
Conclusion
I think this is a terrific, simple, and ingenious effect. You will be able to present this in so many different ways. It's also versatile in that there isn't a lot to carry around. I can't say this is quite worth $20 but once you start using it you'll be really happy you got it.
Supplies
Here is a LINK to a site that I found that sells the exact same size envelopes that comes with Insane. The actual envelope doesn't matter but this size (3 5/8 x 5 1/8) fits the card really well. I ordered and received 10 of the red ones because I know eventually the envelope will wear out and become unusable.
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