When it comes to products like this, it's critical to look at the ad copy. When you see the trailer, you'll likely have some sense or a guess as to what you're getting. So the question then becomes "does it do what the advertisement claims?" The answer: almost.

Let's take a look at a few things:

1. Ad Copy:


2. Effect:


3. Method:


4. DVD/Production

Ad Copy:

The issues with the ad copy are minor, but I want to make sure that you are clear regarding what you're getting. First, the video trailer claims that you can do this anytime and "literally anywhere." Typically, that phrase (anytime/anywhere) implies that there is no prep work and that you can do the effect at the drop of the hat. Just to be clear, this is NOT the case with this effect. As you saw in the trailer, an image of the "selected" card shows up on some surface (e.g., another card, a leaf, a CD, a dollar bill, etc.).

Whatever surface is going to have to image appear on it must be prepped in advance. It cannot be done during the performance. Will Tsai mentions that he has (as occasion required) done the prep on the fly under the table. I do believe that this is doable. However, you still must do that BEFORE the performance not during. Will it work "anywhere?" I think so. I can't think of a place it won't work. Will it work "anytime?" As long as you understand that there is some prep work (however quick) BEFORE you perform, then this statement is pretty much true.

Finally, the ad copy claims in all capitial letters that you can make this image appear on "ANYTHING." This is simply not true. In the video trailer is shows an image appearing on what looks to be either a glass or possibly plastic water bottle. I've tried to cause the image to appear on both (glass and plastic bottle), and in both cases it does not work. There may be some way to make it work, but alas, the DVD does not show us how.

Effect:

The effect itself is that a card is selected and an image of that card appears burned into some object (e.g., another playing card, a business card, money, etc.). I personally think that this is a good effect, but that's for you to decide. The only question I feel responsible for is whether or not the effect looks as good in real life as the video/ad copy claims. The written copy doesn't really make much of a claim about the effect. However, the video trailer certainly shows a pretty amazing looking effect of the card's image being burned into an object. It looks that good in real life, so if you like what you see in the demo, then you'll like what you see in real life when you perform it.

Method:

What you get is a custom made gimmick that will literally last you a lifetime. It allows you to burn the image of the card into your revelation location of choice. It also allows you to create a sort of embossed impression of the "selected" card on a dollar bill. This "impression" version (as opposed to the burned version) pretty much only works on a dollar bill. Whereas the burned version works on most surfaces. The prop is extremely well made and is about the size of a mini playing card (i.e., about half the size of a regular sized playing card) and thus will fit in your wallet.

So if you are out and about and find yourself in a situation where you might be performing, you can grab you gimmick out of your wallet and go burn an image of a playing card somewhere nearby. Then wait for the opportune moment to have a card "chosen" (i.e. fo***d). You are then set up for a pretty strong revelation.

DVD/Production

The DVD production quality was ok . . . very low budget, but you can see and hear everything just fine, and the menu is clear and easy. What is lacking, however, is the instruction. The video is 25 minutes long and is mostly taught by Dan Harlan. He teaches one possible effect where every performance destroys 1 to 2 cards. He then walks through a few other ideas . . . one that minimizes the amount of cards you'll destroy, and another that uses a dollar bill rather than a playing card.

Each of these other ideas are mostly just walked through with the barest and quickest of explanations. Further, none of the other things shown in the trailer are even discussed, let alone taught. I tried to create the image on some of the objects shown in the trailer, but could not figure out how to do it properly. So basically, if you buy this, you'll only learn how to perform this where you are revealing the object on a flat paper-like surface and none of the other surfaces shown in the trailer.

Final Thoughts

For $35 bucks I would expect more from a product. Sure you get a quality gimmick, and you get a cool effect. What you don't get is detailed instructions; what you don't get is knowledge of how to do what's shown in the trailer; However, if you like the effect of an image of a card being burned into a dollar bill, business card, playing card, or some other paper-like or flat surface, and you feel it's worth $35 bucks, then you'll definitely be happy with your purchase. Just be aware of the warnings I've given and you're good.

Final Verdict:
3 Stars with a Stone Status of gem with a small 'g.'