We have a few new products that came in the last couple days that I want to talk about.

  Greatest Beginner Magic DVD Ever (We think So!) by Oz Pearlman

  As part of the increasing library of beginner magic DVD’s this one fits right in.  there is a good selection of different types of magic.  You get card tricks, coin tricks, matches, Rope or shoe laces, rubber bands and more!  Oz does a great job in teaching these tricks.

  Cheek to Cheek (with red deck) by Oz Pearlman

  Cheek to Cheek (With Blue deck) by Oz Pearlman

  You have a great gimmicked deck of cards called Cheek to Cheek.  But what do you do with it?  Oz knows!  He teaches you some great effects using this great deck of cards.  He shows you a beginner version to one that is more advanced.  Easy to follow and learn.  Deck included in either Red or Blue.

     SLR Souvenir Linking Rubber Bands (DVD, bands) by Paul Harris

   The long awaited SLR is now here!  It is a fantastic 3 phase routine where the spectator links rubber bands.  You get 20 custom made linked rubber bands and 10 regular rubber bands.  DVD with Joe Russell showing you all the moves.  He also teaches the Crazy Man’s Handcuffs which works right along with this routine.  Refill packs of rubber bands will be available in the future.  

    Lit (With Cards and DVD) by Dan White and Dan Hauss

    White matchbooks (Box of 50)

    REFILL Lit (14 cards) by Dan White and Dan Hauss

Lit has been a great seller!  We found that some countries do not have access to the white matches needed to perform this trick.  Good news, we have found a source for these matches.  ATTENTION: the match books are considered a Haz-Mat item and must have special handling for shipping.

Souvenir Linking Rubber Bands by Paul Harris just came in today.  This is great and I'd strongly recommend it.  Basically Paul has figured out a way to manufacture rubber bands that are linked together in the manufacturing process; thus no more slits, glued together bands, etc.  The instructional DVD that is included is hilarious (filmed by Joe Russell) and very thorough.  It includes care of the bands, a few great switches, CMH, etc.  

Speaking of Paul Harris, as some of you may know there was a very small precutting of defective True Astonishments disks.  The replicator immediately sent us replacement units that we have been sending out to anyone who has contacted us with issues.  In the mean time, the replicator also took back all of the remaining sets, unassembled them, destroyed all the DVDs (good and bad to play it safe), ran a complete rerun of all DVDs, and have reassembled and resent them to us.  We received these a few days back. Between fixing any existing issues and the new rerun of all units we should see this problem disappear soon. 

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.

I wanted to give a little review on some of the newest products we received. 

Lecture Package Limited by Daniel Garcia book (LIMITED)  This is a great little booklet from Daniel Garcia.  This says it is a collection of Notes from Daniel Garcia but it is more then just notes.  There are fantastic illustrations and some of Daniels best stuff.  You will see everything from Card tricks/moves, coins, rings, rubber bands,  NO SMOKING!, and bill penetrations.   Great stuff Daniel!

Devils Mark (Sigillum Diaboli) by Alan Rorrison and Big Blind Media: A one-handed, insanely visual, cover free version of Roy Walton's Card Warp! As with other BBM DVD’s the production is great.  Very detailed instructions and easy to follow.  This would be a great addition to your favorite card warp or even on it’s own. 

Argus Eye PRO:  An Ultimate Weapon for Mentalist.  This nice little device will let you detect anything magnetic with your bare hands!  Nothing to hold.  The detectable range is adjustable, easy to hook up and the possibilities are endless.  There is a way to tell if someone has a coin in their hands face up or down.

Surefire by Mark Southworth and RSVP Magic – DVD  Production quality is great as expected from RSVP.  There is a lot of content in this DVD, Mark has something for everyone.   He is working with Cards, coins, chop cup, thread reels, billiard balls, rings and more.  Here is where you can find some of the items used in this dvd. Be sure to pick them up with the DVD.  Double blank cards, Roughing Fluid,  Expanded shell, Chop Cups, Thread Reels.

Sometime we will go though our stock and come across some great magic that might have been forgotten about or just buried by all the new magic that comes in. 

We are working on bringing these items back in to view so be sure to check them out.

Today I have some good mentalism products to talk about.

First is a couple of book tests.  There are a lot of great book tests out there and I actually hear this “Oh no, Not another book test!”  While some may be similar to others there are some that are unique or would be good for certain situations. 

Little Black Book Test by Docc Hilford  I would say this is the book test for the street performer.  It uses a small address book (supplied) that you can carry in your pocket.  There is a little bit of set up to start with but once you get this down you are in for some great routines.  Check it out! 

War of the Worlds by Blacks Magic This is an easy to learn and powerful book test.  Comes with a nice size paper back book that people will recognize. 

Next gem is Psi-Kalc by Banacheck and Gene Protas.  This ordinary looking calculator is anything but ordinary.  Have someone punch in a number and then others add to that number, when done someone can hit the equal symbol and that number will match the prediction you have had in view the whole time.  This is just one of the routines that can be done with this pocket sized calculator.  

Boulevard 54 by Bazar De Magia This is an electronic Glass breaking device built in to a book test.  That’s right this is two effects using one book.  You can do a book test first, so you are opening the book, showing pages etc.  Then you place a glass on the book and bam! The glass breaks. 

Please check these out and contact your favorite dealer to get your hands on this great magic!

The Tarantula by Yigal Mesika (Coming soon)

Ok, I am sure you have heard the word on the street about this new item from Mr. Mesika called the Tarantula.

So what is the Tarantula? Tarantulas are a group of hairy and often very large spiders belonging to the family Theraphosidae. But that’s not important here.

The Tarantula is a new electric invisible thread reel device.

It is very stealthy, let’s say you can have it in the palm of your hands and no one will see it.  (not like the picture)  See the demo video!

It is designed not to tangle, easy to fix and replace the thread spool and battery, it is virtually invisible and you can do some extraordinary levitating or floating of objects with it.

You have complete control of the thread management (reel in and out)

Some things you can do with the Tarantula:

Spin cards in air and come back to your hands (like boomerang)

Levitate money or other paper items

Card rise (even under glass)

Floating ring

Haunted deck

And many, many more!

The Tarantula uses the same spider pen spooler thread and a common button cell battery.

If you use the spider pen, loops, Invisible thread or ITR then you will use and love the Tarantula.

If you have the good fortune to receive a True Astonishments box set then you will find some props along with the DVD’s. 

One of the great tricks taught in the DVD’s is Paul Harris’s Twilight Angels.  The set comes with what you need to perform Twilight Angels but only a few times.  Now the great news!  There are Refills available for Twilight Angles.  Right now we have these in Blue back cards but we are working on Red backs right now.

Here is where you will find them: 10 Refill Cards Twilight Angels (Blue)  Again the Red back’s are not available right now but will be soon! 

Another prop you will find is the lens use for Reality Twister. I love this trick, it always blows them away.  You will be taught some great ways to use this lens in this DVD set but there is a lot more you can do with it.  Be sure to pick up the Reality Twister book. Reality Twister Book by Paul Harris 

Note: The original Reality Twister is no longer available on it’s own.  You can only get it with the True Astonishments box set. 

Here is a list of the Top Ten Best Selling Products as posted in the new March Genii magazine. 

Books

1. Lecture notes by Marc Spelmann
2. Card College Lighter by Roberto Giobbi
3. Verbal Magic by Juan Tamariz
4. Mystique by Richard Osterlind
5. The Magic of Ascanio Vol. 3
6. The Magic of Ascanio Vol. 4
7. Mind Blowing by James Biss
8. Art of Astonishment Vol. 1 by Paul Harris
9. Quintet: 5 Predictions for all occasions by Jack Kent Tillar
10. Art of Astonishment Vol. 2 by Paul Harris.

Tricks

1. Gecko by Jim Rosenbaum
2. Aquarius (Cap in bottle) by The Enchantment
3. WOW by Masuda
4. Neck Cracker by Alan Wong
5. Abyss: The Revolutionary coin in bottle by the Enchantment
6. The Enchanted Cube by Fooler Dooler
7. Self Tying Shoelace by Jay Noblezada
8. Twisted Sister by John Bannon
9. Link 2.0 by Lincoln
10. Strange Travelers by David Blaine and Paul Harris

DVD

1. Flow by Dan Haus and Paul Harris Presents
2. Tagged by Richard Sanders
3. Clutch by Oz Perlman and Penguin Magic
4. Extreme Burn by Richard Sanders
5. Colossal Blizzard by Anthony Miller and Penguin Magic
6. Intuition by Hondo and David Leon Productions
7. Confessions of a Needle swallower by Steve Spill
8. Magic of the Pendragons Vol. 2
9. Magic of the Pendragons Vol. 4
10. Magic of the Pendragons Vol. 3

The Restaurant Magic Reader by Jim Sisti

From the Publisher and Editor of The Magic Menu.

Essays and Thoughts of the Performance of Restaurant Magic.

Richard Osterlind says it best.  From the Foreword in the book “This is real world experience from a top pro who has spent his professional life learning what works, what is important and most importantly, what is universal” 

I got a chance to skim through this book and I really liked what I read.  I haven’t done restaurant magic before but I have thought about it.  My problem is I wouldn’t know how to even start or what kind of magic to do.  Jim really lays it out from start to finish!  He covers all the issues that may come up and how to handle them.  Even how to make money doing it!

Jim offers some great references to the type of magic to do. Like, if you are performing for children then you should consider these. coins across, Rubber Band Magic, silk vanish, magic with a glass, silverware, napkin, and every day objects.  He refers to some great books like Life Savers by Michael Webber, and videos from Gregory Wilson, Dan Harlan, and Tom Mullica. 

You should pick up The Restaurant Magic Reader if you are looking into performing magic in a restaurant or if you already do this type of work.

I leave for Blackpool mid next week.  There will be some huge surprises there that are very exciting. Blackpool is always a fabulous convention with some of the top talent, dealers, and vendors from around the world.   If anyone is attending with new ideas they are thinking of releasing please ask around for me.  We are always interested in distributing great new magic. While at Blackpool I hope to send in a few blog entries for convention updates.

A few notes on True Astonishments.  In talking to Paul Harris it looks like he will be keeping the wooden box for the box sets but his costs have increased so the boxed set of TA may be going up to $325 retail in a month or so.  Thus I would recommend getting your sets now to get in on the savings.  We have experienced a very small fraction of a percentage of bad disks. If you or your customer gets any bad disks contact your Murphy's representative and we will correct the problem by getting new replacements out to you immediately. The raves continue to roll from all over the world about True Astonishments.

Tim Trono

Cobra Sharpie 2.0 from Mozique and Alakazam Magic

"Mozique has created a brilliant system that is psychologically invisible. I use it both in close up and on stage. The possibilities are huge." Marc Spelmann

I know many have been waiting for this to be available and now it is!  It looks and writes like an ordinary Sharpie marker that most all magicians would carry and use.  But there is nothing ordinary about the Cobra Sharpie 2.0.

You will love the improvements on this new version like user changeable battery, greater range of detection, full DVD instructions with routines, maintenance guide and handling tips.  The DVD production values are very professional.  

The Cobra Sharpie 2.0 will be one of the best utility devices you’ll own.  Use it with many routines like Spike,  what hand is the coin in (magnetic coins), what box is my ring in? (pk rings)  and many many more!

Check out the video demo right now! View Clip

If you like Mentalism then you have to check this out.

CM2 (Cellular Mitosis 2) is the final book in a saga of published “Real Time Mentalism”  by Doc Hilford.  Book number 30.  Real Time Mentalism means it doesn’t use any gimmicks and can be done on the fly (impromptu).

CM2 is the latest version of Cellular Mitosis (the original)  CM2’s ad copy has the detailed routine so check it out, it is fantastic! 

Other Mentalism books and effects by Doc Hilford.  Click here

Doc’s 4 DVD set by L&L called Attack of Monster Mentalism  Click here

Note: The original Cellular Mitosis is discontinued but there is stock available!  Be sure to get your copy before they are gone.  (The entire method is detailed in the book, Cellular Mitosis, and is recommended if you plan on using the routine detailed in CM2).

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

Last night I watched the new Yannick Chretien DVD produced by David Stone and Jean Luc Bertrand.  I was not familiar with Mr.  Chretien but he had some great card magic.  His "Allergy" effect is worth the price of the DVD.  Really great thinking in his card handling.  As usual with Bertrand and Stone, the production is top notch.  I realize you may not have heard of Yannick Chretien but do not overlook this DVD for some strong card magic.

Occasionally David Peters and I will also be discussing some older items that may be overlooked.  I realize there are so many products hitting the magic market that items often can pass under the radar. 

Quite some time ago I started corresponding and striking up a friendship with Arthur Tivoli from France.  Arthur is a great thinker, magician, and creator.  Arthur released a DVD titled, “Tivoliland”.  It was never a huge seller but had some really wonderful material.  I think the artwork on the case turned some people away as it looked a bit too much like a cartoon.  It wasn't the hip, cutting cover that tends to attract attention.  Also the production of the DVD was not necessarily the best.  But if you get by the cover and by the production the material, as noted, is GREAT.  My favorites are a really wonderful presentation and framing for Three Fly, a wonderful handling of the T&R cigarette paper, and Arthur's visual bill switch (check out the coin to bill using this).  There is a range of great items on this DVD for the restaurant or strolling magician. 

Tim Trono

I wanted to mention a few items I have looked at recently that you should consider.

Extreme Magic Seminar, by Nathan Kranzo, is superb.  It's filmed at a lecture given at Marc DeSouza's house. It isn't studio quality but the magic is great.  In particular, do not miss out on Nathan's new handling of the Voodoo Card trick.  I have been using this prior to my effect, Branded, and they fit in perfectly together.  Nathan also has a wonderful handling of the Hip Pocket Mullica, his thoughts on 3 Fly, etc. 

Energy Bill by Andrew Gerard may be one of the all time great impromptu effects released.  At $45 retail it is expensive but it's something the consumer will use forever.  It's an impromptu animated bill using no threads, loops, wires, magnets, etc.  Andrew has some wonderful thinking.  Also make sure you check out his Psyche DVD which is one of the best signed bending coin routines out there.  These two items mentioned can be carried with you all of the time ready to do miracles.

We are also honored to represent Bill Abbott's Platinum Edition of The Thing.  This is a wonderful piece of stand up magic that packs small and plays HUGE.  For the street performer, stage performer, etc. this is a MUST have.  The Platinum edition covers EVERY aspect of this effect on the DVD.   The first time I saw a video of this effect I just loved it.  Wait until you see the new edition.

One item that has been vastly overlooked is Lit by Dan White and Dan Hauss.  David Blaine used this on his last TV special 3 or 4 times and uses it regularly in his performances.  It's very simple in method but plays incredibly strong.  The effect is hard to follow with any other magic.  It also leaves the spectator with an impossible object.

Lastly check out Clutch by Oz Pearlman.  This really fooled me as it is done under exceedingly stringent and fair conditions but is oh so easy.  It seems so fair.  The spectator selects a card, shuffles it in the deck, examines the card case, puts the cards in the case, puts the case in their pocket, and yet you are immediately able to extract their card.    I had no idea how it was done when I watched, yet the method is remarkably easy to do.  This is strongly recommended.

Tim Trono

We will have a new selection of playing cards coming from the US Playing Card Company (USPCC) aka the Bicycle card people.  These are not available on our web site yet.  We should have them in stock within a couple weeks.

Each of these unique decks will make a great addition to your inventory, and are a must for all of you card collectors.

Guardians

Whether you're interested in magic or cardistry, this deck has you covered. With its enhanced flexibility and strength the Bicycle Guardians deck maintains its shape longer  and provides steadier handling than a traditional set. Giving you control and confidence whenever you need it. Guardians cards sharpen the mind and improve sleight of hand with tips and tricks for the beginner magician in us all.  A deck of these Bicycle playing cards makes a terrific addition to the magician's arsenal of tricks or the card collectors assortment. With a little practice, you'll be ready to be the center of attention at the next party!

Prestige

When Only the Best Will Do
Bicycle Prestige are the only 100% plastic playing card created from Dura-Flex  technology which offer a paper-like feel with plastic-like durability. Unlike plastic coated or PVC playing cards, Bicycle Prestige cards can withstand their shape during much more play due to Dura-Flex technology. Make an impression with Bicycle Prestige.

Classic Collector Decks

Limited Edition Series features a collective series of Bicycle® heritage designs. Each  edition is numerically labeled so that you can collect the entire series. The same great Bicycle quality, with a new and unique design.
The first edition within the series features white card backs with black Bicycle heritage designs and a custom Joker. The tuck case is labeled Series 1 of 10 on the back panel for easy reference. The use of white, black and gold inks create a dynamic and clean look for the first release within the Bicycle Limited Edition Series. It is only available for a limited time!     

Green cards for the Eco-Conscious Magician

Go green! Bicycle® Eco Edition is a fully recyclable case and deck. These cards are made from sustainable forest papers, starch-based laminating and vegetable-based ink Bicycle quality, eco sensibility.

Hello Magic Dealers, Vendors, Magicians and Magic Community Followers,

My name is David Peters. I will be posting blogs on our website and other places talking about the newest magic products and other related magic information. This information is available to everyone and I will try my best to showcase some of the best magic available. You will see blogs from other members of the Murphy’s Team as well. 

I have been with Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc. (MMS) for almost 3 years now and I am a fourth generation magician.

If you are a magician and like the products you see, please contact your favorite dealer to purchase them. MMS is a wholesale distributor only and we will NOT and do NOT sell to the general public, so please don’t ask. Your magic dealer will be able to answer your questions and supply you with the products you need. If you do not have a local magic shop or a favorite dealer you should be able to find many great dealers in the phone book or online.

Our purpose is to bring you information, showcasing the latest and best products available.

Visit our MySpace page at  Murphy's MySpace

Subscribe to our YouTube page and see the newest video demos as we get them.  Murphy's YouTube

Magically yours,

David Peters

I head off to Blackpool for the Blackpool Magic Convention February 18, 2009.  This is a superb convention. I look forward to attending each year and seeing friends from around the world, all the while looking for the newest items to bring to Murphy's. My friend, Danny Garcia, will be lecturing and performing there. (I just spoke to Danny today. Murphy's will be distributing his new book that will be shown for the first time at Blackpool.) Watch for this and other new releases from Blackpool by the end of February.  One item I am particularly excited about is Coinvex 2.0.  If you purchased Coinvex and liked it you will love this.  It's quite good and a great way to bend a borrowed, signed coin openly.  In my opinion, Coinvex 2.0 and Quantum Bender 2.0 are the best ways to openly bend a borrowed, signed coin.  This effect is VERY strong.  My friend, David Blaine, has been using this effect with much success in his daily performances. 

Speaking of David, Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc. was honored to work with David and his crew (Dan White, Doug McKenzie, Danny Garcia, etc.) on the last special.  It was loaded with great magic.  We will soon be starting work on the next special so if you have material that should be considered please contact me in complete confidence as we are always looking for new ideas, effects, etc. 

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

Reel Magic DVD

For those of you who have not watched, stocked, or offered Reel Magic DVD Magazine, also produced by Kozmo, then you are really missing out on what may be one of the biggest bargains in magic at $10 retail per DVD issue.  Each DVD is packed with extremely important interviews, tricks, reviews, etc.  Understand this - although most magazines have a definite expiration date, these particular magazines are timeless.  The interviews, featuring the likes of Paul Harris, Bill Malone, Jason Alexander, David Williamson, etc, are insightful and interesting  They, alone, are worth the price of admission!  The reviews, too, are superb. You get to see the items being demonstrated by those who really understand good magic.  (David Regal is just one example). 

Also, there is a new section called Move Monkeys.  You get to see various people performing some fantastic moves using a deck of cards.  

Order this now from your favorite dealer!

If you have missed these DVDs in past there is a box set of the first year available. Reel Magic Year One (Episodes 1-4 Boxed) – DVD