Murphy’s, the largest wholesale magic distributor in the world and at the forefront of technology will be offering magic dealers the opportunity to let their customers stream magic DVD’s right from their websites.

What is Streaming Video?

Your Magic Dealer will offer internet video streaming of specific Products directly to you. This enables the viewing of magic products directly on a PC or Mac. Think of the service we offer as a form of Netflix Watch Instantly but for DVDs we sell.
In its simplest form, video is streamed to the user using standard PC hardware, and requires Adobe Flash to be installed. Viewing is initiated by pressing the "Play" button, and played back on the PC monitor. Videos can be paused or restarted at will.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF STREAMING PRODUCTS? 

• No shipping of Products to you 
• You can watch the Products you purchase instantly
• The purchased Products are available 24/7
• You can watch your video from anywhere in the world, just log in to the dealer’s website and view your catalog of videos you have purchased.

You can purchase and view great catalog titles and brand new titles from the best magicians, creators and vendors.  More New titles will be added all the time be sure to check back with your dealer often!

Magicians: Contact your favorite internet Magic store and ask them if they will be offering Streaming video.

Magic Dealers: Contact your account manager to get more information about streaming video and how you can benefit by offering this product format to your customers.  More information is available when you log in to your account in the Developers Center HERE. 

This message is directly from Paul Harris regarding the Little Man Project.  I recommend you get your pre-orders in ASAP.  when he does come walking in he will be running out the door to the dealers.

A note from PH
Just in case you were wondering, Little Man is alive and well and in the middle of the very complex process of being manufactured. Pieces are being assembled. Finished components are stacking up. Tiny bits of secret stuff are being machined and fabricated. Four very skilled dedicated people are working full time to insure that LM is finished as soon as humanly possible. Sometimes parts are delayed or not available. Sometimes we have to wait in line for a certain bit of machining or mold making to be completed. Sometimes something or other blows up and we have to re-make it.  Everything is being done that I and the team can think of to get the little guy out of the shop and into your hands as soon as possible.
Despite all my best smarty pants calculation, There seems to be no known formula for accurately predicting exactly when this process will be completed. All I can promise here is that LM  will be finished..and it will be perfect when its done.  
Little Man loves you.
All is well,
Paul

Little Man by Paul Harris – Trick

During Wayne’s recent visit to Murphy’s (see blog post) we were thrilled to have him present a Murphy’s LIVE! webinar for our dealers.  Below, in two parts, is the recording of this terrific session.

Joining Wayne was videographer/composer Dana Hocking who is largely responsible for the high production values in Wayne’s DVDs.

During the 1 hour+ webinar Wayne performed and discussed Thread, Sinful (a.k.a. signed coin in can), and his take on Paul Harris’s Bizarre Twist.  There was also a segment on Wayne’s “Art of Magic” DVD as well as the announcement of the “Art of Astonishment” DVD project.

Dealers, please click below (log in required) and don’t miss this exclusive presentation!

Part 1

Part 2

WOW, we had a great visit with Wayne Houchin! 

Wayne talked to us about his up coming projects and new products coming out soon.

Available for Pre-Order at your favorite Dealer now!

Art of Astonishment Vol. 1 by Wayne Houchin - DVD
( DVD1ARTOFASTON ) Forty years ago, learning magic was different. Black and white pictures of old men stared at you from the pages of bad reprints of classic books. And then Paul Harris started creating magic - and magi ...

Behind the scenes talk with Wayne about this AOA DVD project, check it out!

Control 2.0 by Wayne Houchin - DVD
( DVDCONTROL2 ) CONTROL: an impromptu technique for creating the illusion of slowing down and stopping your heart.Demonstrating control over life and death is one of the most powerful things you can do. In this compr ...

Sinful (Book and DVD) by Wayne Houchin - Book
( SINFUL ) Effect: A signed coin magically penetrates through a sealed can of soda or beer. The can is opened, the contents poured out and trapped inside is the initialed coin. The effect can be performed anywhe ...

Sinful is the trick that was shown to Criss Angel and blew him away. We have had the basic version of this trick on DVD for a while and has been a best seller.  Masterminds Volume One by Criss Angel - DVD
( DVDCA1MASTERMIND )

There is much more to Sinful so for people that have the DVD you will want Sinful!

Other items from Wayne Houchin and are available now!

Art of Magic by Wayne Houchin - DVD
( DVDARTOFMAGIC ) Wayne Houchin's Art of Magic is a groundbreaking instructional DVD on classic and contemporary magic tricks. This 120 minute - performance and instructional DVD features a unique look at the current s ...

Thread by Wayne Houchin - DVD
( DVDTHREAD ) From magician Wayne Houchin - a founding member of Theory 11 and creator of Sinful (Quarter Through Soda Can), Stigmata, Indecent, Ultragaff and Control - comes THREAD, an effect during which a length ...

Karnival Assassin Deck by Big Blind Media

Available October 28th for world wide release! Be sure to get your order in before they are gone! 

Also available from Big Blind Media

Karnival Midnight Deck by Big Blind Media - Trick
( KARNIVALMIDNIGHT ) BIGBLINDMEDIA'S LIMITED EDITION KARNIVAL MIDNIGHT DECK - THE BICYCLE DECK HAS EVOLVED! * Totally new back design, Ace Of Spades, Jokers and Tuckcase. * Can be integrated with standard bicycle decks an ...

Karnival Deck by Big Blind Media - Trick
( KARNIVALDECK )  BIGBLINDMEDIA'S LIMITED EDITION KARNIVAL DECK - THE BICYCLE DECK HAS EVOLVED! * An incredible new limited edition design for the Bicycle Deck by renowned French artist Sam Hayles. * Totally new back d ...

We have a nice list of new products coming soon.  Be sure to get your pre-orders in now at your favorite dealer!

Crossroads Devil's Peek set in USPCC stock (with instructions) by Ben Harris - Trick
( CROSSROADSDEVIL ) TWO CARDS, 8 CORNERS - EIGHT REVEALS This LIMITED EDITION set reduces a deck to just 2 physical cards within the Crossroads framework. DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS, LIMITED EDITION SET. Printed by USPCC. So, ...

CrossRoads Double Faced set in USPCC stock (with instructions) by Ben Harris - Trick
( CROSSROADSDFSET ) The FOUR DOUBLE FACED CARDS YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR! This wonderful set reduces a deck to just 4 physical cards within the Crossroads framework. DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS, LIMITED EDITION SET. Printed by ...

Gum by Jeff Prace and Kozmomagic - DVD
( DVDGUM ) Jeff Prace presents four mysteries using something you normally carry in your pocket, chewing gum. Using the methods taught in detail on this DVD, you will be able to astonish anyone with everyday ite ...

Hand Out 500 by Steve Haynes presented by Paul Harris - DVD
( DVDHANDOUT ) Steve Haynes' Hand Out 500 starts off like all the other wonderful versions of Pat Page's easy money; you display four or five single dollar bills, then in a flash, the ones visibly change into hundre ...

iDeck By Noel Qualter and Alakazam - Trick
( IDECK ) RELEASE DATE: MID October 2009 "Noel's ideck is clever, funny, magical and novel. I want one!"- David Williamson Alakazam Magic presents Noel Qualter's iDeck! From the slightly weird, yet very cr ...

Paul Harris Presents Strip (with Gimmick) by Jose LaC'Quest - DVD
( DVDSTRIP ) This tiny pocket pack of NAME BRAND breath strips contains an invisible change device that AUTOMATICALLY transforms, vanishes or produces small flat objects. A few of the endless effects possible: pro ...

Til Death Do Us Part By Jim Critchlow and Alakazam - Trick
( TILDEATH ) Jim Critchlow has seamlessly blended magic, mentalism and storytelling to create a unique moment of astonishment that leaves spectators truly stunned. When performed at the right time, there is absolu ...

 
Titan's Finger (Twist) by Titanas, Presented by Paul Harris - DVD
( DVDTITANSFINGER ) The Finest Finger Freakout to Date ... (or to just hold hands) Titanas has created an exquisitely weird method for twisting your finger into a position that no finger has ever gone before! There's NOT ...

We have some really exciting new magic products coming in soon.  You need to check these out and pre-order them from your favorite dealers now! 

Fruitfull by Juan Pablo - DVD
( DVDFRUITFULL )  A borrowed and signed bill vanishes from between the magician´s hands and reappears into any freely selected fruit. Another workable, practical and clever idea created by Juan Pablo No palming N ...

iDeck By Noel Qualter and Alakazam - Trick
( IDECK )  RELEASE DATE: MID October 2009 "Noel's ideck is clever, funny, magical and novel. I want one!"- David Williamson Alakazam Magic presents Noel Qualter's iDeck! From the slightly weird, yet very cr ...

Instant Interchange (with Gimmicks) by Alakazam - DVD
( INSTANTINTERCHANGE )  "A complete sell-out at Magic Live 2009" This effect is without doubt one of the most direct and cleanest cards in pocket transposition effects ever created. From the ingenious mind of Peter Nardi com ...

Til Death Do Us Part By Jim Critchlow and Alakazam - Trick
( TILDEATH )  Jim Critchlow has seamlessly blended magic, mentalism and storytelling to create a unique moment of astonishment that leaves spectators truly stunned. When performed at the right time, there is absolu ...

New Changes for the US Playing Card Company:

A little history:

The United States Playing Card Company is the leader in the production and distribution of premier brands of playing cards, including Bee, Bicycle, Aviator, KEM, Tally Ho, and Hoyle playing cards, plus other gaming accessories like Poker chips.
The privately held company, has been based in Cincinnati, Ohio since it’s founding in 1867, manufactures, markets and distributes playing cards, children's card games, collectible tins, puzzles and card accessories.

While at their first location on College Street, the firm printed theatrical and circus posters, placards and labels. By 1872, the business had increased so much, it was forced to seek larger quarters, and in November 1872, it moved into a new, four-story building on nearby Race Street.

                Race street building

The Present & Future:
They have now moved to a high tech facility in Hebron, Kentucky as of July 2009. They will be investing in excess of $30 million over the next two years to establish a new manufacturing, distribution and headquarters on the new 40 Acre campus.  USPCC will relocate to a 570,000 square foot facility on the campus. The facility will be the headquarters operations for USPCC, which has been located in the Greater Cincinnati city of Norwood, Ohio since 1901.  The campus will also serve as the headquarters for Loew-Cornell, a respected leader in the art and craft supply market and also part of Jarden Branded Consumables, whose corporate functions will be relocated to Boone County from Englewood, NJ.  They have decided to take on the move in an effort to modernize their facilities and equipment, in order to remain competitive in the next 100 years.

USPCC will continue to have operations in Cincinnati, including a display of the company's museum of historical playing cards dating back to the fourteenth century.

Bicycle cards:

Bicycle has been the best selling playing card brand in the world for more than 100 years. The US Playing Card Company has already unveiled a new box design for their Bicycle Rider Back 808 playing cards, the most popular selling card, both for them as well as magic shops world wide.

Murphy’s Magic Supplies, Inc. has purchased the entire remaining inventory of the decks featuring the classic Bicycle box design. After we sell through the stock on hand, we will carry the new design. The design to the outside box design is the only thing to change on these cards. Inside you still have the same design, and the same quality that you know and trust.  We will continue offer the classic style tuck case while supplies last.

We will have more information on the New decks as we prepare to bring them to you.

New Tuck Case for the Bicycle Cards.  

article by Marc Duva

Pre-Order your copy of Ben Harris’ Crossroads by Ben Harris- Book  at your favorite dealer!

"There are two main features here; a named card vanishes from a sealed deck that you never touch, and the card is found at an impossible location of your choice. Causing any card to vanish from a deck under such impossible conditions is not an easy problem to solve. However, Ben has hit on an elegant solution, and what's more; the whole thing is technically self-working. If you're looking for a direct and powerful card effect, you'll love this. And, if you enjoy experimenting and exploring the ins and outs of a trick, you'll love this even more because the possibilities seem endless..."
- Peter Duffie (from the foreword)

HERE'S WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
"I've been exploring versions since the mid-1970s and enjoyed your thinking on this."
- Max Maven
"This is going to FRY a lot of people..."
- Richard Kaufman
"This is so devious - created with an incredibly sharp magic scalpel - that I predict this to become an instant classic."
- Chris Wasshuber (Lybrary.com)

Ben Harris will be featured in the September issue of MagicSceen Magazine.  Crossroads will be heavily talked about.  Be sure to pick up this issue of MagicSceen and your copy of Crossroads. 

The Manchurian Approach by Alakazam - DVD

Pre-Order your copy of The Manchurian Approach now!

This is a 4 DVD set that will show you how to mix hypnosis with your magic.  This is great for Mentalists, magicians and those interested in Hypnosis.

Anthony Jacquin has over ten years experience as a hypnotist and is the author of the best-selling book: "Reality is Plastic – The Art of Impromptu Hypnosis" On "The Manchurian Approach" he shares a new genre of magical performance. Mixing his love of mentalism with his hypnotism skills, together with Kev Sheldrake he has created a performance style and technique capable of producing some of the most mind-blowing mental effects.

Concepts

• Become The Hypnotist. Learn an observation/attitude-based hypnosis model.
• Learn how to perform with hypnosis. Apply it to magic and mentalism.
• No history and theory lessons. Just tuition and demonstration
• Mixture of interview-style discussions and public performances.

This DVD set is well worth every penny!  Get your pre-order in now!

View Clip

I am very excited to announce that Murphy's Magic Supplies will be distributing Tivoliland #2 DVD by Arthur Tivoli.  It ships to us next week so it should be here soon.  I have talked about Arthur and Tivoliland #1 prior, which is a superb DVD.  I believe it was largely overlooked due to the cover which was a little "cartoonish." The material however is top notch.  In his new DVD, Arthur Tivoli presents the routines he actually performs in restaurants: 3 sets, 8 minutes each, with cards,  coins ropes, diamonds, rings, spongeballs, etc. I have been fortunate enough to see much of the material and it is great!  Included is Arthur's Card to Box which is one of the best versions out there.  Highly recommended when it comes in.

Tim

I had the opportunity to watch The Classic Magic of Michael Vincent which will be out mid April.  You should get your orders in for this incredible set now.  It is fantastic.  Michael is the consummate artist and teaches some wonderful card magic and really teaches you how to be a better performer period. 

This is a 3 DVD set and is very reasonably priced for what you get.  The first volume features a performance of  Michael's complete parlor show and teaches several card effects used during this show.  The second volume features close up card magic.  The third volume teaches sleight of hand mastery which is basically how to think about and improve your basic sleight of hand.  This last volume in particular is incredibly insightful and will help one become a better magician. 

I highly recommend this set.  It is superb in production and content.  I know Alakazam is working with Michael on future DVDs we will be distributing.  I am confident this will be one of the hits of the year.

Watch for some exciting releases coming from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc. from top All Star producers such as David Regal (his wonderful and highly acclaimed book Approaching Magic coming any day and finally available to dealers worldwide), Paul Harris (Bro Gilbert's Deep 3 mentioned above), Richard Sanders (Identity - just one more killer release from Richard coming very soon), etc.  We are adding in more and more products from the wonderful Mikame line.  So much going on. 

Don't miss our dealer e-mails as we try to keep you up to date on new items, changes, etc.  Make sure you are staying in close contact with your representative, as we want to provide you with as much support, information, and assistance that we can to make you successful.  We have some exciting plans as a company to make you more successful.  Stay tuned.

My buddy Mark Mason also has some wonderful items coming out.  In particular, make sure to check out Mark’s release of a Wayne Dobson effect titled Metamorphosis.  This is SO good, SO easy, and SO strong.  You will be delighted using it and will stun your audiences. It is a copper silver routine in the spectator's hands where the change happens visibly.  There is no sleight of hand and the coins can be examined before and after.  As with everything from Wayne and Mark the handling is devilishly clever and a joy to do (just think how great Coin Flux is).  When Mark showed this to me I was stunned at the change as it was done with apparently no cover and completely visible.  When he showed me the work I just laughed. 

Mark was slaying everyone at World Magic Seminar with his line but in particular Bob Swadling's Blindspot.  This clever gimmick allows you to do the coin in bottle while having everything thoroughly examined before hand, capping the bottle with the lid, once again showing the bottle empty (you'd swear it was empty but it's not), and then doing the classic coin in bottle.  Blindspot, Abyss by The Enchantment, and Captured by Justin Miller and Kozmo Magic are the 3 strongest coin/cap in bottle effects on the market.  Mark will be at Magic Live premiering a couple of new exciting items as well. 

If you have not picked up the JB Magic/Mark Mason line you should really do so.  It is one of the strongest lines in magic period. VERY clever handlings, easy to do, real foolers, well packaged, well made, thorough instructions, well priced, etc.  You simply can't go wrong with any product Mark Mason puts out.  If you are not familiar with Mark's line talk to your Murphy's representative and we will be happy to get you more information on this line as you will be successful with it.

I just finished watching Deep 3 by Bro Gilbert and Paul Harris.  It is wonderful and will really kick them hard.  It's Bro's really interesting take off on the Anything Deck with some honing by Paul Harris and Andrew Gerard.  It includes the beautiful deck and a very thorough instructional DVD done in the high quality style of True Astonishments, which Bro produced as well.  This should be seeing the light of day very soon.  This could well be one of the strongest card effects you can do as it goes to a level well beyond just a card trick.
True Astonishments continues to get raves and sell like crazy.  It is probably one of the best and most important releases in magic in many years.  If you have not picked it up you are truly missing out on something wonderful. 

I am anxiously awaiting the new Michael Vincent DVDs by Alakazam.  Peter Nardi sent me a copy this week and I can't wait.  I am a huge fan of Michael's work.  If you have never seen Michael perform before then you are in for a treat.  He handles his magic exquisitely and has some beautiful and extremely well though out and executed magic.  Between the high production value and the great magic I think this set will be a winner.  We will be seeing more of Michael Vincent and I am confident this will be great. 

Make sure you check out the Alakazam DVD Catalog as I think many of their wonderful releases such as The Grail, Zenner Tech, etc., are really overlooked and excellent. Their line is top quality, well packaged, and well produced.  You will find such winners as the John Archer DVDs, Ben Earl DVDs, The Extractor, Marc Spelmann DVDs, The Unexpected, and many many other top items from our friends at Alakazam.

I just got back from the Blackpool Convention in the UK.  I went there with my friends David Blaine and his right hand man Doug McKenzie.  This obviously created quite a stir but David tried to be very accessible and sign autographs, take pictures, etc.  The convention was spectacular as usual and we will have some wonderful new items. 

A few highlights of Blackpool that you should watch for: Coinvex 2.0, Pentacle, new Big Blind Media releases, upcoming Michael Vincent DVDs by Alakazam (wait until you see these), Athos by Paolo Cavalli and Titanas, Fresh Mint DVD by Cameron Francis and Dave Forrest, Surefire DVD (the guy who gave us Shoet), Devil's Mark, Dan Garcia lecture notes, some upcoming GREAT new releases by my buddy Mark Mason, French Connection by James Chadier and Mathieu Bich, OCL by Ben Williams, an upcoming DVD by Paul Gordon, a wonderful new coin effect by Wayne Dobson, etc.

I leave Sunday for The World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas which should be a great convention as well.

True Astonishments is continuing to get raves by those end users who have received this and have jumped in to the DVD.  I always loved Strange Travelers by Paul Harris but after watching Naked Strange I'll probably be switching to that.  It is a non-gimmicked thought of card across using an ordinary pack.  Other favorites of mine include Twilight Angels, Half Moon Voodoo, Pack of Lies, Extraordinary Proof, Ripped and Fryed, Invisible Palm, and Water Trap.

Paul will soon be releasing an item titled Souvenir Linking Rubber Bands (SLR).  It's GREAT.  Paul and I watched the DVD that Joe Russell created to demonstrate and teach this. It's hilarious and goes into every detail.  Basically SLR is linked rubber bands that are manufactured in a way so there are no seams, etc.  You can use these and give them away without fear of the spectator ever finding a secret joint on the bands as there is none.  Paul created a wonderful way to switch bands and get into this that is taught on the DVD.  This is the perfect follow up to Crazy Man's Handcuffs and will most likely be ready in about 3 or 4 weeks. 

Tim Trono

The big news is that True Astonishments (TA) is ready and finally released. You will be amazed at this monumental collection by Paul Harris. It's incredible in every respect - from production to packaging to content. This may well be one of the most important and successful releases in years. True Astonishments has been over four years in the making, but is well worth the wait. We predict this will be one of the biggest sellers in magic. Know this, once the initial replication run is sold out, the gorgeous wood case Collector's Set will increase in price to ~ $320 - $330 retail and will be available only from Paul in limited quantities. Ben Harris is currently designing a beautiful deluxe slipcase that will replace the wooden box. (The retail on this version will remain at $300.) The wooden box was harder to produce; therefore, more expensive than expected. So, buy your Collector's Edition now.

Make sure you remind your customers of other great Paul Harris items they should have while they order TA items such as the Art of Astonishments books, UV Nightshades, Deep Astonishment 2, Linking Laces, Flow, Tattoo Joe, etc.

Paul Harris has been in town for the last few weeks working with the Murphy's team preparing for the release of TA and working on several other exciting effects. We will be telling you about one of these releases in a week or so.

Also of significance, and coming in a week or two is Captured by Justin Miller and produced by Kozmo. This is the cap in bottle everyone is talking about. Watch the clip it looks like real magic. (There is no wax or other sticky substance).

Tim Trono