Price$299.00
Media TypeTrick
CategoryStage, Mentalism
Date AddedFeb 20, 2010
Astor Epic
Astor
(Based on 1 review)
Dimensions Approximately 12 3/8" x 17 7/8" (31.43cm x 45.40cm)
Reviews
(Top ▲)
I purchased Astor Epic along with Astor Mental. I had occasionally used a traditional very heavy wooden and slate mental epic but was never satisfied with the appearance of the prop. It always seemed to telegraph the method. When the magician feels uncomfortable with the prop and/or the method, it is hard to present the effect in the way it should be presented.
Rather than work on my 'attitude,' I invested in the Astor version. I was not disappointed. The prop is light weight Plexiglas but is also sturdy and modern in appearance. The non-force aspect works as described in the promo. This may not fool every magicians but because all three thoughts come right from the spectator's mind - say the color of a favorite dress, the name of a best friend from grade school, and a year that was memorable - Astor Epic has an impact beyond what Mental Epic does. I always felt that the introduction of a pack of cards to come up with one of the 'thoughts' took away from the 'mental' nature of Mental Epic. Astor Epic keeps everything completely in the mental realm.
It does takes stage presence and presentation skill to mask the method. The reveal of the last item must be handled in the same way as the first two items in order to make this a real mystery. That might necessarily mean putting thought into how the first two reveals can be made to look like the last reveal so that all three have a similar look and feel.
Astor Epic can be a fooler even when the reveals are not handled adroitly. But when the reveals all look the same Astor Epic is powerful. The spectator's reaction rather than the reveal will command applause.
Some may be concerned that all six writing surfaces are not seen at the end. If strongly and confidently performed that should not be important. The last reveal receives a burst of applause after which if the magician is still displaying the prop, she or he should think about another line of work. That small issue does not in my mind detract from the impact and should not result in a lower rating.
I have used Astor Epic on occasion. It is flat, takes up no room in the case, is large and attractive, and it is easy to care for and use. The instructions are clear. This is a prop for a working magician or mentalist. It can be used close-up or on stage. It can retrieve the thoughts of one or three spectators. That is why it receives five stars from me.
Rather than work on my 'attitude,' I invested in the Astor version. I was not disappointed. The prop is light weight Plexiglas but is also sturdy and modern in appearance. The non-force aspect works as described in the promo. This may not fool every magicians but because all three thoughts come right from the spectator's mind - say the color of a favorite dress, the name of a best friend from grade school, and a year that was memorable - Astor Epic has an impact beyond what Mental Epic does. I always felt that the introduction of a pack of cards to come up with one of the 'thoughts' took away from the 'mental' nature of Mental Epic. Astor Epic keeps everything completely in the mental realm.
It does takes stage presence and presentation skill to mask the method. The reveal of the last item must be handled in the same way as the first two items in order to make this a real mystery. That might necessarily mean putting thought into how the first two reveals can be made to look like the last reveal so that all three have a similar look and feel.
Astor Epic can be a fooler even when the reveals are not handled adroitly. But when the reveals all look the same Astor Epic is powerful. The spectator's reaction rather than the reveal will command applause.
Some may be concerned that all six writing surfaces are not seen at the end. If strongly and confidently performed that should not be important. The last reveal receives a burst of applause after which if the magician is still displaying the prop, she or he should think about another line of work. That small issue does not in my mind detract from the impact and should not result in a lower rating.
I have used Astor Epic on occasion. It is flat, takes up no room in the case, is large and attractive, and it is easy to care for and use. The instructions are clear. This is a prop for a working magician or mentalist. It can be used close-up or on stage. It can retrieve the thoughts of one or three spectators. That is why it receives five stars from me.