DVD Review: Magic Up-Close by Shimshi

Shimshi only offers four close-up effects on his DVD, but there are two killer effects: a levitation of a borrowed credit card and a version of the haunted pack where a pack of cards mysteriously cuts itself to reveal a spectator’s selected card. These flashy and visual moments are definitely worth the price of this DVD. And Shimshi adds a couple of good card tricks for good measure.

The most powerful effect on this DVD is the levitation. In Shimshi’s “The Credit Card Trick,” a borrowed credit card is caused to shake in the hands of the magician and in spectator’s hands. In the finale, the magician causes the credit card to whirl around his body, even causing the card to fly through his looped arms, with seemingly no means of support.

It’s an impressive effect that will garner lots of attention. This effect requires some accessories which are provided with a more expensive version of the DVD.

I don’t currently work with “thread,” but I’ve seen so many of these types of effects being demonstrated and sold at theme parks and at magic kiosks. The secret may be too well known, particularly among kids, much like a disappearing handkerchief or a D-Lite. Nonetheless, Shimshi’s whirling credit card is a real attention-grabber.

“The Hunted Deck” is Shimshi’s stunning version of the classic “Haunted Pack.” Here, a deck mysteriously cuts itself and the spectator’s chosen card removes itself from the deck. The spectator’s card can be immediately examined. Best yet, you can perform both “The Credit Card Trick” and “The Hunted Pack” with the same setup.

Shimshi offers in-depth explanation on the setup and tools. Between the two, “The Credit Card Trick” is going to require far more practice. In fact, it’s going to take lots of practice to get the knack. It’s one of those tricks that is spectacular when performed correctly. But when something goes wrong, the trick is effectively blown and the method exposed. I saw this happen to an inept demonstrator at a magic kiosk who was presenting a similar and far easier version, and when he botched it, the crowd laughed.

“The Painted Tens” is a visual card change effect . Two spectators each select a card which turn out to be one of the black tens. The black tens are “painted,” rubbed against each other, and they turn into the red tens.

I was more impressed with Shimshi’s “10-13-20,” a counting trick that’s based on a Paul Harris effect. Here, spectators count ten cards and then the magician invisibly transfers three invisible cards to the tightly held packet. The spectator then finds that he has 13 cards. At the end, seven more invisible cards are transferred by the magician and the spectator finds his packet to contain 20 cards.

I typically hate card tricks with counting, but I found this one entertaining as the magic happens in the hands of spectators. I tried this one out at my recent restaurant gigs and it got positive responses. This one is a keeper.

Shimshi also dispenses some advice on performing strolling magic and improving your business. If you’re ready to practice and want a stunning, eye-catching routine that Shimshi says will increase your bookings, Magic Up-Close by Shimshi can be worth the look.

-Wayne N. Kawamoto

MSRP: (US) $35
MSRP: (US) $50 (with thread)

Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.