Carbone's "Notion of Motion" drops

[erdnasephile]

As an FYI: Angelo Carbone's legendary "Notion of Motion" out today at VI for less than $100. https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/card- ... of-motion/

[Tom Frame]

It's on my Christmas wish list.

[BarryAllen]

Doesn't seem to rise very far, does it.

With an 'Old Skool' Devano Pack, the card rose more or less completely from the pack - whilst in their hand (well a glass and/or a card case) - AND they could remove their card. With some minimal handling, you could also get their thought of card to rise.

Importantly, you could perform this for as many spectators desired (although any more than three was overkill) - so it could become a fully-structured routine - not a 'one-off trick'.

Once again, as is usual with 'demos' in this day and age, I'm pretty sure that the video clip does not show a full presentation. It begs the question - Why?

Sorry but this appears to be yet another (overpriced?) modern-day effort - that doesn't even begin to compare with a trick released around 60 years ago.

[JHostler]

I'm sure the mechanics are ingenious, and it obviously boasts a presentational feature magicians will find perplexing. Not so sure layfolk would appreciate it in the same way - i.e., any more than numerous other methods.

As with any rising card, the reflexive conclusion is either "threads" or a "trick deck" - so quashing those suspicions is essential. The cozy handling here might make that difficult. But what do I know - I don't own the thing and could be spouting absolute nonsense.

[BarryAllen]

I'm sure the mechanics are ingenious, and it obviously boasts a presentational feature magicians will find perplexing. Not so sure layfolk would appreciate it in the same way - i.e., any more than numerous other methods.

As with any rising card, the reflexive conclusion is either "threads" or a "trick deck" - so quashing those suspicions is essential. The cozy handling here might make that difficult. But what do I know - I don't own the thing and could be spouting absolute nonsense.

In all honesty, I have never once over the years, had spectators ask to examine the Devano (nor come to that, a Brainwave pack). Maybe, it's how you handle the prop - and the audience.

For example, if using a Devano, an Ambitious Card routine; and removing the Aces to perform 'Twisting The Aces' in advance of the card rise; cements the fact that you're using a normal pack. Handle it like it's a precious diamond - and you'll telegraph something may be suspect. Fan it, shuffle it, spread it......and it's just a pack of cards.

This version that's now on sale......well it's just so difficult to tell. Demo clips are so edited these days - you just don't know what to believe any more. You can never make a decision on something without seeing a complete, uncut/unedited performance - for a live audience. Maybe I'm just too sceptical, the older that I get. We've all been 'stung' once too often, with the latest brainfart, purporting to be 'the Holy Grail'.

However, what I do believe is that getting a 'named' card to rise, is just a plot akin to Magician's Magic. It is a 'Magician Fooler' - but I personally don't see the point. In the mind-set of the spectator afterwards....."the magician got my card to rise out of the pack". Whether it is thought of, or freely chosen, becomes somewhat irrelevent. The effect is simply that THEIR CARD RISES.

An example of this. Until going into semi-retirement a year ago, whenever table-hopping, I always used Harry Robson's Signed Card (or borrowed ring) to Sealed Envelope. This effect went over so well. However, overhearing feedback afterwards, the only comment made was "how did my card (or ring) get into a sealed envelope"? No mention whatsoever that the envelope itself was inside the zipped-up compartment of a wallet, that I had handed to them some time previously - despite me always stressing this point, before the final reveal.

As I alluded to before.......maybe I'm just getting far too old - and cynical.

[AJM]

Perhaps someone who has actually seen this effect performed ‘live’ could provide an opinion?

Andrew

[Ian Kendall]

Angelo showed me one of the early versions of this umpteen years ago. I named a card and it rose from the deck.

I'm familiar with the method, which is typical Angelo, and there's no reason why the effect cannot be repeated as many times as you want.

I think many people who buy this will play with it, and then put in on the shelf with everything else. However, some people will take it and make it a miracle.

[jason156]

While I'm certainly curious about the method I'm not interested in spending 100 bucks to find out, and apparently you need good eyesight to work it so I guess that counts me out. Having said that, does any company currently sell a quality Devano-style deck?

[BarryAllen]

Having said that, does any company currently sell a quality Devano-style deck?

Oh if only Jason.....if only.

The subsequent abominations using a tacky piece of tape; instead of the original finely-engineered pins; seriously aren't worth wasting your money on.

I bought a version, the Martini Rising Cards, from Martin Breese, a few years ago - made by Marty Grams if memory serves me correctly? It was an insult to Mitch Devano. The weight was far too light; it used nylon line instead of the original thread that ran through eyelets; and the cards would rise far too inconsistently. Absolute junk!

The best bet is to watch out on ebay. An original Devano turns up once in a blue moon - but it will be worth the wait. However, they were made in Bridge size packs - so that may entail some these days, rolling their eyes in abject disgust.

The beauty is that the original Devano's I've seen for sale over the years, have looked in good condition. I can only summise that's due to the respective owner(s) never have used it in actual performance. Then again, that probably accounts for 95% of second-hand magic props that are being flogged on that site!

Sorry for taking this thread off-topic.

[Richard Kaufman]

The problem Angelo is solving with this trick is that any card can be named by any spectator (or more than one by other spectators) and these will rise from the deck. That's what this handling is about. If that's not important to you, don't buy this.
The method is ingenious, as we would expect from Angelo.
The Devano Deck is a superior method, because it can rise multiple chosen cards even while the deck is out of your hands. but since no one can be bothered to make them it's really academic.

[Bob Farmer]

The most magical and baffling rising card I've ever seen (and somewhere I have a Devano Deck) is Jeff McBride's Kundalini Rising Cards. And you can do this with a borrowed deck. No, the spectator cannot name any card but he can take any card (a difference only a magician can appreciate).

[Brad Henderson]

The most magical and baffling rising card I've ever seen (and somewhere I have a Devano Deck) is Jeff McBride's Kundalini Rising Cards. And you can do this with a borrowed deck. No, the spectator cannot name any card but he can take any card (a difference only a magician can appreciate).

He could name any card. And then take it from the pack. Or better still. Someone else names the card and the onstage - nearby volunteer takes the card demo the pack

[Angelo Carbone]

Here are two full performances of Notion of Motion.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y-IoedDhcvQ ... mgK0HRUU2W

https://youtube.com/watch?v=zs3Tv99Za-4 ... xc8QDX3YMm

[Chris Aguilar]

TCC currently running a sale of their version (which got a positive review in Genii) of "Devano" (gimmick is only something like 6 cards thick) for around $27 USD (with code) plus shipping.

https://tccmagic.com/products/mobius-rising-card

[Brad Jeffers]

The subsequent abominations using a tacky piece of tape; instead of the original finely-engineered pins; seriously aren't worth wasting your money on.

George Richbark still makes them with the metal pin point ...

Devano Pro Card Rise

[BarryAllen]

George Richbark still makes them with the metal pin point ...

Devano Pro Card Rise

Great to see that there are still some craftsmen out there Brad, making things properly!

They're an absolute bargain at the price he's asking.

A Devano, a Malini Egg Bag, Coins to Glass and Sponge Balls have been 'my main act' for decades. All stayers....and for a reason.

[erdnasephile]

TCC currently running a sale of their version (which got a positive review in Genii) of "Devano" (gimmick is only something like 6 cards thick) for around $27 USD (with code) plus shipping.

https://tccmagic.com/products/mobius-rising-card

I bought one of those. Amazingly thin and works reliably. Smooth and very well made. However, IMHO, the weight:friction ratio needs to be adjusted as the card rises too fast for my taste. This can be mitigated if you are causing the card to rise in a box you are holding, or if you add a few cards to the deck, but I think this version needs to be refined a bit more to be effective with out of the hands card rises.

PS: The best version of the Devano deck I ever owned was the Douglas-Wayne Illusions model. Unfortunately, like most gimmicks involving glue/paste/rubber, it self-destructed over the years.

[I.M. Magician]

I am surprised that the Tenyo Rising Cards Deck is not mentioned here.

[El Mystico]

I read somewhere that the 'Devano' deck was originated by Vosburgh Lyons... any insights?

[jason156]

I read somewhere that the 'Devano' deck was originated by Vosburgh Lyons... any insights?

According to the biography of L. Vosburgh Lyons in Magicpedia:
"Also created a version of the DEVANO RISING CARDS (with Devano) manufactured by Lou Tannen"

Which seems to imply that the original was invented by Harry Devano

[BarryAllen]

Thanks for the clips.

Compared to the entertainment value thar Don Alan gets from a Devano Pack routine, I know which version of Rising Cards I still prefer:
https://youtu.be/SAsZKrpvyWM?feature=shared

[BarryAllen]

Just to add that (sorry I was too slow to amend the above) I'm surprised that Don didn't get a spectator to hold either the glass or cased pack, from whence their card will rise from - It takes minimal handling. That is always a massive 'Wow" moment, when using a Devano.

Maybe, there were filming limitations - but it was a major selling point lost in my view (along with getting them to remove their card from the pack itself).

Just to add that I'm not knocking Angelo's release. I wish him ever success with the sales - particularly as this effect appears to have been a 'labour of love' for many years - and not just yet another modern-day brainfart inflicted upon the community, for which others are sometimes guilty!

However, maybe I'm just 'Old Skool', set in my ways and prefer the older methods of achieving an effect.

[jason156]

Just to add that (sorry I was too slow to amend the above) I'm surprised that Don didn't get a spectator to hold either the glass or cased pack, from whence their card will rise from - It takes minimal handling. That is always a massive 'Wow" moment, when using a Devano.

I agree that it's a very amazing moment to allow the spectator to hold the glass or withdraw the card from the deck themselves, but perhaps Mr. Alan felt it was a bit too risky. I noticed that on both the first and third card to rise that he had to help it along slightly, by toying with the tip of the hanky with the first card, and by swinging the pack a little for the third card. Perhaps this was just a limitation of his particularly gimmick. Is it possible that he reasoned that if the spectator had complete control of the cards in the glass that it might lend suspicion that it was somehow a "trick" deck? I personally thought his routine was very well constructed

[BarryAllen]

Just to add that (sorry I was too slow to amend the above) I'm surprised that Don didn't get a spectator to hold either the glass or cased pack, from whence their card will rise from - It takes minimal handling. That is always a massive 'Wow" moment, when using a Devano.

I agree that it's a very amazing moment to allow the spectator to hold the glass or withdraw the card from the deck themselves, but perhaps Mr. Alan felt it was a bit too risky. I noticed that on both the first and third card to rise that he had to help it along slightly, by toying with the tip of the hanky with the first card, and by swinging the pack a little for the third card. Perhaps this was just a limitation of his particularly gimmick. Is it possible that he reasoned that if the spectator had complete control of the cards in the glass that it might lend suspicion that it was somehow a "trick" deck? I personally thought his routine was very well constructed

Don was obviously a seasoned, experienced pro - who could undoubtedly think on his feet and improvise. To this end, when the first card did indeed require a little assistance, possibly he didn't want to take any chance of any subsequent potential problem being outside of his full control?

There's every possibility that the heat of those 1960's studio lights caused some degree of unwanted card warping - hence the initial problem.

Earlier today, I re-read a manuscript of Don's routine. He did apparently sometimes give the spectator the glass to hold - having seen the advice of how best to use this handling, within Harry Stanley's 'Gen' magazine.

The swinging of the card case was how he always handled the third card. I've always had the 3rd card rise whilst within the glass, held by the specrator. In my humble opinion, you end with the strongest reveal. Then again, what do I know - as Don Alan was a truly brilliant perforner.

[Richard Kaufman]

Goshman did a great routine with the Devano deck.

[BarryAllen]

Goshman did a great routine with the Devano deck.

Didn't he just!
https://youtu.be/jzwD4qBAm6s?si=8y2Ao1aCj9ZnlQZ_

Al's Nudist Deck routine wasn't too shappy either.
https://youtu.be/bJBiCuaI9sw?feature=shared

[Brad Henderson]

I have a Devino style deck purchased from Goshman complete with glass and original shipping box

[Chris Aguilar]

John Cornelius had a wonderful take (not Devano) on (multiple) rising cards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZdMSrcck44

Deck is 100% ungaffed. And the actual gaff is super cheap and easy to make.

[Brad Jeffers]

An interesting difference in Goshman's handling and Don Alan's is that Goshman does the silk covered rise for the second card after already having done the visible rise for the first card.

Don Alan does just the opposite ...

The silk covered rise is first, and then comes the visible rise for the second card.

It seems to me that the Don Alan sequencing is much better.

[BarryAllen]

I have a Devino style deck purchased from Goshman complete with glass and original shipping box

That's quite a rarity you've got there then Brad.

According to the routine outlined within the excellent book 'Magic By Gosh' (authored by Pat Page):
"The deck Albert used was made by a local craftsman. For many years, the craftsman made them in commercial quantities and Albert sold them at lectures and conventions. One day, the manufacturer got a job editing porno films - and gave up forever making trick decks."

The glass is actually an important element - the pack having to sit upright - but ideally completely flat along the inside bottom of the glass. The glass itself also preferably needs to be straight-sided. Any bevelling may sometimes cause the card to rise skew-whiff (to use some British slang). This is evident during the Don Alan clip. It took me some time (and experimenting) to find a nice crystal-cut glass that was large enough - which I also use for a 'Coins to Glass' routine. It's probably the most expensive prop within my cheap act!

Brad - agreed. I prefer Don's sequence. That said, both routines are excellent. So much entertainment value obtained from a trick pack that many have purchased - but possibly failed to see the true commercial potential within.

[Ian Kendall]

If we're taking brief detours into Devano land; in Braindump I detailed my routine for Dean's Box, based on the Davenport's spirit cabinet. At one point I had two cards selected, and the deck was placed in a glass in the box. The door was closed, and a few seconds later, when it was opened, the first card had risen from the deck. The deck was replaced, and this time, with the door open, the spectators saw the 'spirits' lift the cards themselves...