I buy a lot of effects from Penguin. I typically only choose to review the ones I really like. The
Box is a great effect. More appropriately, it is a great utility with endless possibilities. That
said I've never been so disappointed with the price of an effect. The quality of the gimmick is
just ok. It's not a matter of if it will break, it's a matter of when. They do provide one
replacement, but when you compare the cost of the item to the cost of the effect they probably
should have included ten spares. The DVD is nothing more than a DVD-R (not even labelled) and video
quality looks as though Mark Southworth shot it himself on a home camcorder. The box it ships in
looks like it was printed on an inkjet printer. All in all you get a $10 video on a $.03 DVD-R,
with a gimmick that can't cost more than a couple of dollars, all for the bargain price of $75. I'm
actually surprised that Penguin even offers this for sale. In short, the device is definitely worth
having in your repertoire, but if I had it to do over, I wouldn't pay more than $15 for it and I
will definitely be more careful with Penguin purchases in the future.
10 of 13 magicians found this helpful.
I've handled my product very carefully and with the utmost respect, however it broke even with this
carefull handling.
Even before it broke, the clear plastic lid would come apart from the
main body with only normal 'handling' pressure applied to the box.
I changed to the other
'spare box' included. Same problem.
The construction of both boxes is VERY flimsy and
weak. My guess is that this is why you get two boxes - they're hoping that after the first one
breaks after an only shirt period, you'll bring out the spare and use that (until it also breaks)
and perhaps deter you from requesting a full refund.
We're not talking about a $20 product
here. We're talking $75. Disgusting quality control.
My second (spare) box broke this
morning (Christmas Day) just before I wanted to perform the effect for my family :-(
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
The most innocent of switches I own
Doesn't look like a magic prop like others of this type
with the advantage that it can be picked up by spectator
And you have no fear of discovery
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
I've been looking at this box and another then decided on this.
It's a really nice illusion.
The dvd is very instructional and well done.
Two issues:
1. a bit costly for the
material.
I sort of wished I had gone for the 'other box'.
Still I like this for its
compact shape and innocence.
2. Makes a 'clack' when closed.
I don't see any other
mentioning this so off to the forum because it's probably an easy fix.
Overall
I'm glad
I purchased it.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
A great idea and an elegant, logical and deceptive gimmick - what more could you ask for? I use The
Box for predictions, as a killer ending for "Booked" by Steve Valentine and as a fun climax for a
torn and restored borrowed bill routine. My only criticism is that the reset is a little tricky for
walk around, but that's a small price to pay for a switch box that can be handled by the spectator
before and after the switch! Highly recommended.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
When I got this one day 50% discount sale, I checked out the demo and it work similar like Clarity
Box by David Regal. I was thinking to myself, "eh I can't carry around clarity box with me all the
time" since it sooo big to fit in my pocket, so I went ahead and buy it. When it arrived, I thought
the gimmick look like s*** since it come with magnet and box.I played around with the box and it
look hella weird and I have no idea why. After watching the DVD, the gimmick is really awesome. I
have no idea that there is a secret stuff inside the box. Well hidden, no one will notice it.
Perfect for those who do close-up magic.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
This is the most innocent looking switching device - just a simple clear plastic box. Perfect for
strolling magic as it fits in any pocket. Resets in seconds (even while performing). Mark really has
thought this through: you get a second box as a spare, objects are easily interchangeable (cards,
bills, billets...), gimmick can be set to be used with either hand, you get a small cloth bag that
can be closed with a padlock in case you want to conceal the object at the beginning of your routine
(vanish an object and have it reappear in the box). I love it.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
This is most likely a close up version of clarity box by David regal, but you can also use this as a
stage routine. It's simple interchangeable gimmicks are easy to use. And after you've done the trick
you can hand the box out for examination. It's great that it comes with an extra box, honestly there
is no need for more gimmicks because you can easily change one gimmick multiple times.Overall great
effect and I think it's worth the money.
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
I first thought this is way too expensive but this is so powerful method that I aways close my
ambitious routine with this one!
Recommend it! :)
Well done gimmick!
High quality. You are ready to perform as soon as you open the DVD. You will
recieve another set if you may need to add something different.
I am feeling very happy with
the box!
Today, when you order "The Box by Mark Southworth", you'll instantly be emailed a Penguin Magic gift certificate. You can spend it on anything you like at Penguin, just like cash. Just complete your order as normal, and within seconds you'll get an email with your gift certificate.
$5 FLAT-RATE SHIPPING TO UNITED STATES. FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $100.
Disappointing
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The Box
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A very good illusion
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