I have a bit of a dilemma with this review, as I’m not sure whether to judge the effect by the list price, or the Cool Box special price I paid.

Shortly after opening the package, you get the distinct impression that the commercial goal of this product is not to sell DVDs, but to sell string. The string provided is barely enough to practice with, and you will need much more to perform this effect with any regularity. In fact, the pittance of string you get is wrapped around a cardboard card, helpfully telling you how to order more string.

I concur with the previous criticisms that this string is awfully tough to break by hand without getting cut. Tony Clark, the creator, concedes as much by featuring a “New EZ Break String” on his website. I am considering performing this with a kid volunteer cutting the string, instead of breaking it by hand. Not only would this solve the tough-break problem. But it would help sell the fact that the string is indeed being cut.

The catch is that you can only buy the replacement string from Tony Clark in quantities of 1,800 feet for the new string or 2,400 feet for the original string, both setting you back about $30, more than the list price of the effect itself. A posting on another magic website suggested buying “superfine yarn” from a sewing or crafts store, but I can’t vouch for this personally.

That all being said, I really liked this effect and will be using it for my church’s Stone Soup show. I’ll probably add some Gospel patter along the lines of each member of the church breaking off with his or her own talents, but coming back together as one in the Body of Christ.

With my Cool Box purchase price, I can handle the extra cost of thread, balloons, and helium. But if I had to pay the list price on top of the hefty materials cost, my review would have been slightly less favorable.

I've performed with Tony Clark at the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and I was able to observe the audience reactions to this artful effect. It's inspirational, elegant and magical.

This is DEFINATELY worth every penny!
Its so simple and easy to learn and perform.
EVERYONE will want this for any part of your routine.
Take a chance, you'll be AMAZED and so will your audience.

Sure, the method is simple and nothing new. However the application of the Gypsy Thread to a balloon makes the DVD well worth your consideration. The supplied thread is tough to break, however if you will visit Tony's website there is a short video in which Tony teaches the correct way to do it. Since watching the video I've had no difficulty in breaking it. In addition, he also sells E-Z Break thread. This is a beautiful closer for any show!! My highest recommendation!!

I must agree with the previous reviews, the thread is not easy to break with your hands. Other than that its a nice effect. You get what you see on the trailer, its not hard to perform.

I give it 4 stars because it is a great, solid effect. The teaching is clear, and straight forward. However the total running time of the DVD is about 10 minutes.
That would be fine if they supplied you with enough of the string for multiple performances. As is, you get enough for maybe 3-4. Then they refer you to another website to buy more string.
This should have either had more supply, or be a download with instructions below to also purchase the string. The price is too high for the amount of material supplied.

It didn't take lake to learn and the reactions are incredible. Thank you Tony for a fantastic trick.

the kids in my kids shows LOVE this one at the end. I usually use a Birthday Balloon or holiday balloon per the type of show I am doing. But the working is perfect to end ANY show with!

The string provided, said to be especially made, is really hard for me to break. Tony Clark has apparently recognized this and has a YouTube video of tips to make it easier. I have also used some string of my own, and bought a spool of "EZ break" thread from the Tony Clark website. The effect is excellent.

It's not a bad little effect. However, first of all, I really didn't learn anything new. They way I thought he did it is exactly the way he did it. Second, for what you get for the price, this would have been better as one effect on a DVD of half a dozen good effects or more. I have some DVDs like any from Mel Mellers or FIVE by Garcia & Eddy or any of the "World's Greatest Magic.." series that are really worth the money because you have multiple routines. This is simply too little for too much cost.