Magic Tricks

I was delighted when I saw a new release from Marc Spelmann on Penguin. I am a big fan of his work, so bought this DVD download instantly.


This download focusses on the theme of impromptu, close-up mentalism. Marc has had previous work in this field - a few years ago he released a DVD with Peter Nardi called The Unexpected, which I also own. While The Unexpected has more effects, I think overall this product is better - the routines are less process heavy and there is nothing I would classify as ‘filler’.


Here is a breakdown of the effects:

Words: This is a good book test, which can use any book. Books are one of those things that can be hard to justify using in mentalism, however as this is impromptu, you can just go up to someone and use the book they are reading - eliminating this issue. The method is simple but effective. It is similar to an old impromptu book test method, however Marc’s method is slightly better in my opinion. I will probably perform this when in the right context.

Gallery: This is a cool photo divination using the gallery app on a spectators iPhone. I had seen the effect before on Patrick Redford’s Penguin Live Lecture, and the method is almost identical. I have performed it and it goes down well. The fact that it uses the spectator’s phone really enhances the effect. I think this would be a good routine to practice cold reading with, as you have a strong fall back if the cold reading fails.

Calculism: (Explanation only) Here we have an add a number effect for close up and using an iPhone. I am not fond of add a number effects - they aren’t personal and I simply don’t enjoy performing them. For those who do however, I am sure they will like Marc’s method.

Time is of the Essence: This is a two part routine on the theme of time and utilising an analogue watch. The majority of you will instantly know the method when you watch the performance, but I suspect it is quite powerful for spectators. I have known the method for a while, however never performed this effect. Having seen this however, I think I might try it out.

Carbon: I really liked this drawing duplication. It uses some nice billet work and plays well with the audience. I think this will replace my current go to close-up drawing duplication (Looch’s ‘Hollow’) as it is completely impromptu.

Orifice: Marc shows this effect in his Chapters of Marc Spelmann DVDs, however this time it uses popcorn kernels instead of metal beads. I skipped over this effect as it does not fit in with the type of mentalism I do, and I find it quite disgusting! For those of you who are into the whole freaky magic/mentalism stuff, I’m sure you will love this! Not for me though.

Transmission: This is a cool effect, and Marc says he performs it in his paid gigs. It is a reverse drawing duplication, which if the spectator goes for the desired outcome quickly, it really does look like they have read your mind. Even if they don’t, it is still an impressive effect. Any magician or mentalist will guess the method quickly, however I think I will try this out soon. I have found that these ‘how good is your intuition’ type effects are particularly strong for women.

Voqued: This effect, performed right, could be pretty powerful! I did find it to be quite long winded however, and without a very strong performance (Marc’s performance of course is very good), some spectators may zone out. Will I be performing this? Yes, I think I might trial it for a bit - hopefully my presentation will be good enough!

Direction: (called ‘Air’ on the DVD) This effect is cool to watch. In the performance, it follows on from the Carbon performance (the drawing dupe). I don’t like this sort of effect (PK stuff), so won’t be performing it, but if you are into PK then this might be right up your street. Marc has some good tips in the tutorial section.


Overall, I am satisfied by this purchase. Marc’s performances are great - he really engages the spectators and is confident and fooling in his performance style. From this download, I have found at least 2 or 3 routines (Time is of the Essence, Carbon and Transmission) which I will definitely be performing soon. For anyone who is not a complete beginner in mentalism, you will be familiar with the majority of techniques in this video, however I was neither surprised nor disappointed by this. Marc utilises well known principles, such as one ahead and billet work effectively, and unlike some ‘impromptu’ magic releases, these effects really are impromptu!


You might not end up performing these effects in your every day performances, but they are great to have at the back of your mind for those times when you are completely stumped on what to perform. For $30, I would say this download is worth it. P3 have been releasing some great stuff recently - this combined with Peter Turner’s Freeform Mentalism and you are completely sorted for close-up, anytime mentalism.