DVD Review: Bill Shift by Randi Rain

On this DVD, Randi Rain offers her version of the classic bill switch, which relies on a PK ring. This method has some advantages, however, if you already perform the classic method or already have a favorite one, you’re not likely to switch.

The Shift or Switch

The bill shift is a great close-up effect that you can perform at any time and under almost any condition. You show a one dollar bill and fold it up, and when you unfold it, the bill changes into a different denomination bill. The bill can be handed out for examination. Perhaps the most popular is the Kozlowski method.

Kozlowski Versus Rain

Rain's switch, which relies on a PK ring, features a visual change that resembles a "Spellbound" coin change. The hand passes over the folded bill and when it’s removed, the bill has changed with no movement on the part of the covering hand. And because of the PK ring, the hand is obviously not palming anything. Advantage, Rain.

On the downside, Rain’s bill switch requires some preparation ahead of time and you won’t be able to use a borrowed bill. Also, you won't be able to repeat the effect to turn the changed bill back into the previous one. Advantage, Kozlowski.

The Kozlowski switch lets you almost freely show your hands while the Rain method here doesn’t allow you to freely show one hand. Most who perform the bill switch without the usual gimmick that’s integral to the Kozlowski switch will tell you that this is not a problem. And Rain offers good handling that minimizes the problems of showing the hands empty. Advantage, neither.

Good Instructions

Rain offers good instructions on how to prepare the bills and perform the effect. Her switch is not difficult to learn and perform but will take practice.

There’s a bonus effect that applies the method to a decent torn and restored card routine. While there are lots of methods to perform a T&R card, this one, which uses the PK ring, allows for a very open hand position.

In “Bill Shift,” Randi Rain offers a workable bill switch. However, for those who already have a favorite method, be it classic Kozloski or any other, the method here doesn’t have enough advantages to make one want to convert. But if you already own a PK ring and don’t currently perform a bill switch, you may find this DVD worth a look.

-Wayne N. Kawamoto

MSRP: (US) $15

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