DVD Review: “You Ring?” by Ed Ellis

Ed Ellis performs and explains his quick ring off rubber band effect and an equally fast thumb off rubber band. And to round things out, there’s a routine where four aces switch places with four selected cards, and again, a rubber band plays a key role. If you would like to add a rubber band-based effect to your routine, you may find something to like here.

Rubber Band Pass Thrus

“You Ring?” is a fast effect. You borrow a finger ring and thread a rubber band into it so the ring is resting on the rubber band. The ends of the rubber bands are held by the first finger and thumb of the right hand. A second rubber band is introduced and placed behind the first rubber band and held in a similar manner by the left hand. The setup is much like that in the popular “Crazy Man’s Handcuffs” rubber band effect but with a borrowed finger ring that’s added to the mix.

The spectator holds the ring and the rubber bands instantaneously penetrate through each other and the ring. The spectator is left holding the ring and you end-up with the rubber bands that are still held by the original fingers. It’s a fast and astonishing penetration.

Another quick and visual effect, in “Rubber band through Thumb,” you loop a rubber band around your thumb and then cause the band to seemingly pass through your thumb. If you like, a spectator can hold the other end of the band. This is another strong effect. Both of these rubber band tricks can be performed at any time and there’s no reset or preparation.

Cards and Rubberband

“Say Vanish!” is a card trick that employs a rubber band. Four cards are selected (these may be signed) and mixed into the deck. Four aces that are sitting on the table, probably the result of a previous effect, are placed into an empty card box.

A rubber band is wrapped around the deck and when the spectator says “vanish” the rubber band disappears. In an instant the rubber band reappears surrounding four cards. But instead of surrounding the four selected cards, it’s the four aces. And when the card box is opened, the four selected cards are found to be inside. This is a good trick that may be performed in restaurants and strolling situations. It resets quickly and can be performed impromptu.

It's the Show

The DVD also features a television show that stars Ellis and has him performing magic in a restaurant. If you already perform with rubber bands, you may find a couple of effects on this DVD that you can add to your routine. In particular, if you already perform “Crazy Man’s Handcuffs,” you may find that “You Ring” can work as a finale.

-Wayne N. Kawamoto

MSRP: (US) $20

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