"Pip Thru" DVD by J Tank
Suggested Retail USD$20.00
Available direct from WonderWizards
In a Blink: 10 Out of 10

"Pip Thru", a card revelation from J Tank, is as unique as it is surprising and as entertaining as it is memorable. That it plays so quick and is so practical will make it a favorite effect in no time.

The theme is ye olde "magician's mistake" thing, but Tank's idea breaths life into what is usually a less than impressive (and far too telegraphed) plot.

In "Pip Thru", a spectator selects a card from a shuffled deck. The card is put back into the deck and lost. The performer attempts to find the card, but fails. However, the attempt was at least close: the performer matched the suit but was off by one on the value. The performer takes the incorrect card and it quickly and visibly changes into the chosen card... by one of the pips disappearing from the face of the card and appearing on the back.

If that's all there was on "Pip Thru", it would be worth the price right there. After all, there's little magic on the market nowdays that plays so big and is so different -- and leaves the spectator with a wonderful giveaway, if you so choose -- for the price. But Tank wants to give us more than our money's worth.

So, in addition to the basic handling -- something well within the grasp of everyone -- you get all sorts of alternate handlings and ideas from Tank and his menton, Kenton Knepper. These ideas run the gamut from different sleight techniques to effect the change to a particularly mind-blowing (if not plain gutsy) idea from Knepper that effects the change without a sleight in sight. With all the additional ideas floating around on this disc, you're sure to find just the right one that hits a chord with you.

Then there's the false-cut/flourish thingy. The ad copy says this is worth the price of the disc, and it pretty much is. A development of Tank's, it's an easy cut that looks quick fancy and yet retains the deck in perfect order. That it is so easy makes this one worth the price for those wanting to add some flash to their proceedings without breaking their knuckles... and achieve something in the process.

Okay, down to brass tacks. There are sleights required, but they are either simple enough to already be in most repetroires or well taught on the disc. The deck itself is not gimmicked in any way: add the gaffed card to the deck, make a very, very short stack, and you're ready to go; resetting is just as easy. Speaking of the gaffed card, you're supplied with four, all printed on Bicycle stock by the USPC: two each for red- and blue-backed Bicycle decks.

Yes, this is practical and, yes, it's easy to do. But how does it play? That's the big question. The big answer is "Better than you think".

Essentially, this is a card transformation. But the way it's put together -- the gaff and the handling -- stuns people. They see so much all at once in such a short space of time they're thrown into that "moment of astonishment" to quote Harris (or "altered perception" to quote Knepper) quickly and solidly. This is one that draws gasps, screams, and shocked silence. Not bad at all for a card trick.

With its practicality, its visuals, its directness, and its power-packed punch, "Pip Thru" is one of those things that is hard not to carry around for those times when you really want to knock 'em for a loop, so I don't bother trying: "Pip Thru" goes out the door when I do. It's too convenient and too good not to.

"Pip Thru" by J Tank
In a Blink: 10 Out of 10

Material: 10
A quick revelation that is surprising and entertaining (and oh-so-simple), this one is a treat. Throw in all the extras -- different handlings, nice presentational ideas, and an especially neat false-cut/flourish -- and you can't beat this one. If you're looking for something off-beat in the way of card magic, this one's for you.

Practicality: 10
A gimmicked card (four are supplied: two for a red-backed Bicycle deck and two for blue-backed) added to a regular deck, a very minor set-up, and you're ready to go. Resets are just as easy, making this one perfectly practical.

Quality of Production: 10
Great video, great sound, excellent navigation... nothing to complain about here at all.

Quality of Instruction: 10
Tank teaches his effect and does a fantastic job with it, covering all the bases. Friendly and open, his style is more that of honest "sessioning" than anything else, and it works wonders. Kenton Knepper's appearance with his own thoughts is also very well done. You'll have no problem learning this one and coming up with your own ideas and handlings.

Presentation: 10
It's "magician makes a mistake", one of the oldest plots in the business, but Tank's visuals -- and the premise itself -- make this one a hands-down winner.


Shane

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