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" I was pretty sure the high expectations raised
by the dealer description for this effect would not be realized, but after viewing just the performance portion of the instructional DVD for Sign Off I was reassured they were realistic. Whatever problems the actual method might present, I felt that if I could make it look like they did, I would surely be using it. As it turns our, there are no problems with the method. The one discrepancy exploited in the performance will go unnoticed if done with the proper timing and patter. For the faint of heart, there is an alternate version with no discrepancy, but it is not nearly as strong because the card is not signed. The effect in itself is an updated version of the 52-on-1-card gag. An audience member selects a card and signs his or her name across it (if you choose to do it this way), and the selection is lost in the pack. The magician then asks the audience if it would be impressive if the card were printed on the jumbo card that’s been laying face down on the table. They naturally agree it would be. The deck is placed aside as the performer then turns over the jumbo card to reveal there are in fact 24 cards printed on the other side, one of which the performer is sure is the spectator’s card. Noticing the audience isn’t too amazed by the odds, it is brought to their attention that only one of the cards has a signature on it — ”their signature” on a mini version of their card. The card is then visually pulled off the jumbo card and regains its original size, leaving a blank space on the jumbo card where their selected card had been. All can now be handed out for examination. This effect is great for close-up or stand-up magic. It can be done in front of their faces at a table or pack small and play big at a parlor-type show. Do not let my previous mention of a discrepancy throw you off. If anything, it makes the effect much stronger and is nothing you have to worry about if you follow Mr. Brooks and Mr. Clark’s advice. All in all, this effect delivers everything advertised and more. The DVD leaves nothing to be desired. Where most videos that use two of the steps required for this effect would simply state, “Use your favorite method,” Tony and Austin have a complete section dedicated to this segment of the routine and go into great detail on several of their favorite variations of these two steps There is also a bonus section on the DVD that features members of the West Coast Conjurers, including Tony Clark, performing some of their favorite and highly original routines in a real-world situation. No explanations are given, but I enjoyed watching it. The apparatus supplied for the effect should last you quite a long time and two gimmicks are provided — one for the signed version and the alternate. If you wish not to have the card signed, which in some cases you may prefer, the effect is still very strong as you divine the card and pull it off. This is definitely an effect that you will want to perform and one that will not simply sit in a drawer once you having played with it. This review first appeared in the November 2006 issue of M-U-M and is copyright ©2006 by the Society of American Magicians, and reprinted here with permission." |
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