Price$34.95
Media TypeOne-Trick DVD
CategoryClose Up
Date AddedAug 12, 2011
No Smoking Zone
Kranzo, Nathan
Nathan Kranzo
(Based on 2 reviews)
The visual change is stunning and magical. ALL IN SHORT SLEEVES.
You can visually change a cigarette in your mouth into... a stick of chewing gum. an entire pack of chewing gum. a lollipop or sucker. a breath mint or an entire roll of mints. and so much more!!!Visually change a cigarette being held in your lips into almost any small object.
OR...JUST MAKE THE CIGARETTE VANISH FROM YOUR LIPS.
You don't ever have to actually smoke a cigarette to do this effect.
This is strong situational magic that is the perfect off-beat miracle. Fits in your pocket or cigarette pack and you can carry it with you at all times.
Running Time Approximately: 15min
Reviews
(Top ▲)
It doesn’t get much simpler than No Smoking Zone from Nathan Kranzo. Vanish a cigarette or change it into another small object with minimal cover and hands free. The method is very simple to utilize. No special products, other than the DVD, must actually be purchased. Multiple methods of making No Smoking Zone with household objects are discussed. As stated in the description this can be accomplished in short sleeves, but it looks just as strong in a jacket. Also mentioned in the description, smoking a cigarette is not required at all to accomplish this effect. This is true. The necessary setup is minimal and reset of the No Smoking Zone vanish is simply a matter of pulling out another cigarette. Credit for the development and history of this effect is given where it is due in a segment called History of No Smoking Zone. It is apparent a substantial amount of research was done before the release of this effect.
This is certainly an effect that a working professional could utilize. As the description implies the very nature of the effect, the fact that it involves a cigarette, makes it socially unacceptable. Without the proper approach the performer could come across as rude because he or she simply tried to light a cigarette. In this business first impressions are pretty crucial. With that having been said opening with this effect might not suit every performer. If the performer has already established a relationship with the spectators that allows for a presentation of this nature in the middle of a performance I see no reason why it could not be a very successful, and visual, moment of Magic. The No Smoking Zone vanish itself can be accomplished impromptu. However, the impromptu version of the No Smoking Zone vanish is not really discussed in any detail. The possibility is mentioned along with the methods increased difficulty.
The project is filmed entirely with what appears to be a webcam. The effects are often shot individually in Performance/Explanation format. Do not let this deter you though. The video and sound quality is exceptional for almost all of the segments. The DVD did not contain a play all feature. In my opinion this is both a good thing and a bad thing. The ability to play it from back to front allows for a full viewing experience. However, I think having the segments separated in this manner allows for the ability to actually attempt every piece that you see immediately after seeing it without pause.
I bought this effect with the expectations of being able to change my cigarette into a stick of gum without using my hands as some kind of cover. After buying this effect I can do just that and more. I could go out tonight and perform this effect with confidence. Of course practice is always recommended. I will definitely be practicing this effect to add another visually stunning moment to my routine. Selling for $29.99 at kranzomagic.com I believe this effect is worthwhile because I am a smoker. Non-Smokers would have a little more difficulty convincingly incorporating this effect into their act, but it is certainly not difficult to do so.
This is certainly an effect that a working professional could utilize. As the description implies the very nature of the effect, the fact that it involves a cigarette, makes it socially unacceptable. Without the proper approach the performer could come across as rude because he or she simply tried to light a cigarette. In this business first impressions are pretty crucial. With that having been said opening with this effect might not suit every performer. If the performer has already established a relationship with the spectators that allows for a presentation of this nature in the middle of a performance I see no reason why it could not be a very successful, and visual, moment of Magic. The No Smoking Zone vanish itself can be accomplished impromptu. However, the impromptu version of the No Smoking Zone vanish is not really discussed in any detail. The possibility is mentioned along with the methods increased difficulty.
The project is filmed entirely with what appears to be a webcam. The effects are often shot individually in Performance/Explanation format. Do not let this deter you though. The video and sound quality is exceptional for almost all of the segments. The DVD did not contain a play all feature. In my opinion this is both a good thing and a bad thing. The ability to play it from back to front allows for a full viewing experience. However, I think having the segments separated in this manner allows for the ability to actually attempt every piece that you see immediately after seeing it without pause.
I bought this effect with the expectations of being able to change my cigarette into a stick of gum without using my hands as some kind of cover. After buying this effect I can do just that and more. I could go out tonight and perform this effect with confidence. Of course practice is always recommended. I will definitely be practicing this effect to add another visually stunning moment to my routine. Selling for $29.99 at kranzomagic.com I believe this effect is worthwhile because I am a smoker. Non-Smokers would have a little more difficulty convincingly incorporating this effect into their act, but it is certainly not difficult to do so.
(Top ▲)
The magician walks out on stage, cigarette in mouth, only to realize it’s a no smoking venue. With hands held in the air and away from his body the magician slowly turns around and now, instead of the cigarette, there’s a lollypop in his mouth. Or a stick of gum. Or a whole pack of gum. Or it’s just gone. This effect has some similarities in appearance to some of the effects taught on another of Mr. Kranzo’s DVD’s, “Instant Everything.” However, while “Instant Everything” offers a larger variety of effects, “No Smoking” is much cleaner, which is saying something because “Instant Everything” is also very deceptive.
The effect is simple, direct and quite novel. It’s always great to see a magic release that uses something other than cards, as well as offering a new plot. It’s quite an organic premise and is inherently humorous, so right off the bat it has a great deal going for it. The DVD also covers alternative methods of cover besides turning around, as well as a host of suggestions for what to turn the cigarette into.
“No Smoking” also utilizes a very clever method, which also happens to be reliable and surprisingly practical. While one can’t perform the effect surrounded, with some audience management there are a number of ways to present this other than onstage. And what’s more, it can even be done without a jacket. And while some practice is necessary, the method allows for quite a bit of leeway in execution.
I’m a fan of Nathan Kranzo, who has released a lot of very clever, practical material to the magic world, and this is a welcome addition. My only complaint (other than the typically underwhelming production values) is price. For $35 you’re getting one idea that doesn’t include what you need to perform it. Now, the idea is a very good one, and it comes with quite a few options. And, frankly, most magicians probably have what they need in their magic drawers. However, in addition to a gimmick you’ll have to buy, there is one item that you’ll have to buy/construct that you can get online for $2.75. I believe at the very least this item should have been included. The lack of included props, combined with the fact it was filmed in Mr. Kranzo’s back yard, leave me feeling a lack of value for the money. Compare this to Tomas Medina’s great appearing deck effect “Instant Deck,” which sells for $20 and actually includes the gimmick needed to perform it, and you’ll see what I mean.
Price aside, this is a tremendous piece of magic. It’s different, amazing and funny. It’s fast and makes a great opener. Anyone who performs onstage knows how hard it can be to find material that fits all these criteria, which makes this a great value.
Even if I think it’s overpriced.
The effect is simple, direct and quite novel. It’s always great to see a magic release that uses something other than cards, as well as offering a new plot. It’s quite an organic premise and is inherently humorous, so right off the bat it has a great deal going for it. The DVD also covers alternative methods of cover besides turning around, as well as a host of suggestions for what to turn the cigarette into.
“No Smoking” also utilizes a very clever method, which also happens to be reliable and surprisingly practical. While one can’t perform the effect surrounded, with some audience management there are a number of ways to present this other than onstage. And what’s more, it can even be done without a jacket. And while some practice is necessary, the method allows for quite a bit of leeway in execution.
I’m a fan of Nathan Kranzo, who has released a lot of very clever, practical material to the magic world, and this is a welcome addition. My only complaint (other than the typically underwhelming production values) is price. For $35 you’re getting one idea that doesn’t include what you need to perform it. Now, the idea is a very good one, and it comes with quite a few options. And, frankly, most magicians probably have what they need in their magic drawers. However, in addition to a gimmick you’ll have to buy, there is one item that you’ll have to buy/construct that you can get online for $2.75. I believe at the very least this item should have been included. The lack of included props, combined with the fact it was filmed in Mr. Kranzo’s back yard, leave me feeling a lack of value for the money. Compare this to Tomas Medina’s great appearing deck effect “Instant Deck,” which sells for $20 and actually includes the gimmick needed to perform it, and you’ll see what I mean.
Price aside, this is a tremendous piece of magic. It’s different, amazing and funny. It’s fast and makes a great opener. Anyone who performs onstage knows how hard it can be to find material that fits all these criteria, which makes this a great value.
Even if I think it’s overpriced.