The Effect Warning: This effect is extremely dangerous and can result in severe injury. Do not try this at home.
Warning from Penguin Magic Head Magician Jay Noblezada:
I DO NOT want any magicians performing this routine. If you want to purchase this DVD for educational purposes... by all means do so. However, it is my personal, heartfelt opinion that this DVD is NOT good. The routine is unsafe, and the information presented is misleading. There is no possible way that one could be safe performing this routine. In the DVD, Eric James states that you shouldn't perform this effect until you are 110% confident and secure in executing it. None of the methods described in the DVD are accident-proof, so how could you ever be sure? The more confident you get, the more careless you get. And I would hate to see any one of you ruin your hands and future at the expense of a careless mistake. I've been doing magic for over 10 years, and I still make mistakes. Even the top pros do, and many would agree with me that sometimes our minds go blank, we get sidetracked, or "Murphy's Law" just is (what can go wrong will go wrong). I've even seen David Copperfield make minor mistakes on stage. It's going to happen! So until there is a more surefire way to do "Russian Roulette", I DO NOT recommend this DVD." -- Noblezada
Imagine a trick that is as powerful and exciting for the performer as it is for the spectators. An effect that truly never gets boring. An effect that adds drama and suspense to any act. Imagine an effect that can be done anywhere, anytime. An effect that can stand alone as a routine by itself.
No longer do you need to imagine. It is here and it's called Russian Roulette.
The Rundown: So at this point you might be asking yourself: "Are these guys insane? Does this use a real gun with live rounds?"
No. This effect is the magician'ss version of the Russian roulette. It uses no guns at all. In fact it uses just the most basic of props: 3 Styrofoam cups and a big scary nail. (Other "safe" methods are taught where there is no need for a nail or any dangerous item)
The Performance The Magician presents 3 cups and a very sharp nail. He tells the spectator that he may choose any of the 3 cups to put over the nail, and once the nail is covered he should mix the cups around so there is no way for the Magician to know where the nail might be. This happens as the Magician's back is turned.
Now, the Magician turns back around and proceeds to dramatically play "Russian roulette" smashing each cup as hard as he can. With each cup the danger grows, one mistake and he'll have a nail right through his hand. With a twist ending, the Magician ends up safe and unharmed having chosen the correct cup.
Running Time Approximately 16min
WARNING: This effect is extremely dangerous
Manufacturer Says This effect is extremely dangerous and, for that reason, should not be purchased or performed by anyone below the age of 18.
FREE BONUS: When you purchase this product from Penguin you'll
gain access to a special private discussion forum exclusively for magicians who perform this effect. This is a free feature that can be
very helpful in mastering your new magic. Please visit the Penguins
Only section for more information.
I used the foam cup idea and stepped it up 100%!!!!! It is 100 times more safe, and super easy. I don't put any marks, heck, I don't even touch the cups. I make it appear that I'm muscle reading and I use 5 cups instead of 3. The cups aren't gimmicked, I buy 32 oz size cups from wall greens for a couple bucks. The spectator mixes the cups up after each cup smashed. If you are interested in MY TECHNIQUE, then email me at paul@paulwatsonmagic.com
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not bad,pretty happy!
[Verified buyer] by yehia amar from Germany on 05/04/2008 13:25:52
I just received and watched this today. It was short like others have said, and slightly pricey for it's length, but you do get multiple methods and performances. I think overall this is a great buy for any magician wanting a great suspenseful effect. 5/5
Although the DVD is short, the trick is great. I've used it many times and the audience loves it. Everyone is in suspense during the whole routine. I wish the DVD was a lot more expensive to keep others from buying it.