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Michele Veteran user Taiwan 301 Posts |
I saw a new product - Newton's Nightmare - at Hocus Pocus. For me it looks like an experiment instrument rather than magic. Has anyone seen this product performed at SAM, any good routines for it, please post a review. Thanks
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mghia Veteran user Kymystical 387 Posts |
Here is my opinion. It IS a version of a science experiment using lets say "fields". I do not feel that is giving it away since they took the idea from science and that does not explain how you can do it and they can not.
Also you could find a VERSION of this for sale on-line for $15 or $18. WITH THAT BEING SAID, I think they came up with some GREAT additions to make this SCIENCE EXPERIMENT MAGICAL. First is the design of the weight(x) and the additon of the holes so all could see it move down. If their design works the same, one looking down the tube can see the SLOW MOTION moving object DOES NOT TOUCH THE SIDES. That is the freaky illusion most would miss out on but with the drilling of holes and contrast in metals, a small audience could see it slowly inching down. So I would be careful trying this for a school show that has a gadget oriented physics class since they might be wise. BUT they have designed this prop to throw off the science with one slieght and the look of the props. If you can do Bounce, no bounce balls you should be able to handle this one. So is it worth the $149? I'd say they made some nice additions and worth it if you don't want re-invent the wheel. The props should last you a life time. (Note: I have not seen this prop in action but know about the version used in physics classes. I could be totaly wrong about my comments but I doubt it. It is too much like the orginal in effect for it to be anything else.) |
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sleightofhand1 Elite user 446 Posts |
If this is what I am thinking, this can be found elsewhere for as little as 10 bucks but without the special moon rocks.
If it is the same method, which I believe it is, then I would do some searching first. |
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magicfact New user Hank Lee 38 Posts |
Hank Lee here.
Newton's Nightmare is very magical, indeed. While the effect is based on a scientific principle, the fact that the spectator drops the brass plug through the tube first and then drops it through again and it floats down the tube makes it quite magical. Also, the plug that slides quickly down the flat piece and then glides slowly down the flat piece is the exact same plug. As to the price, if you see the props you will understand. The tube is machined and anodized. The plugs are specially made of brass. It is a very classy item. I should also mention that while it is based on a scientific principle, the principle is not well known at all. You can read more about Newton's Nightmare at http://www.magicfact.com. |
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Devin Knight V.I.P. 2493 Posts |
I guess it depends on who you show it too. I think any science student or college student taking science classes is going to recognize this.
The moment I saw the ad I knew this was a demonstration of Lenz's Law. I won't go into details but a search on the net for the above law will give you enough information about how the trick is done to decide if its worth the investment. I see on some sites other people in the experiment cut holes or slits in the tube to see what effect it had on the plugs as they fell thru. Extremely well made kits for doing the above effect including TWO matching plugs (one that falls fast and one that falls slow) are available from $10 to $20. I found no less than 50 different sites selling this experiment. Tubes are available in different lengths and sizes (also available in different finishes) I'm not knocking the effect just stating that a search on the net will show you just how WELL KNOWN this principle is and how many varied kits are being sold to do it to KIDS. Interestingly many sites state THIS CAN BE SHOWN as an amazing magic trick. Hmmm who would ever have guessed? Also if you go into larger TOY stores and look in the department where they sell Chemistry Sets, you will find a special science kit that contains this experiment and 6 other similar things for about $19.95. You will also in many stores find a BLISTER PACK Lenz law tube with two plugs for $9.95. Playing around with one of these Toys might help you decide if you want to invest in a more professional model. BTW I don't consider in this post I've exposed anything. This is a WELL Known science experiment you can freely buy. I'd hate to spend $149 on this, go to a birthday party and have the birthday child say..."hey I bought one of those at TOYS R US then bring out his model from the bedroom." |
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Mike Powers Inner circle Midwest 2983 Posts |
Magicbuilder is correct. It's a demo of Lenz's law. I picked one up on ebay for $10-$14 a few weeks ago. It comes with a section of copper pipe and two ball bearings. One falls normally the other "floats" down.
I have one that I used in my physics classes that is about 6 feet long and 2.5 inches in diameter. The "weight" that floats down is huge and weighs nearly a kilogram. It falls very slowly and doesn't touch the sides. Check on ebay or check here! where kits are sold for $12.95 and up. You can paint the copper tube to look like a magic wand.... Mike
Mike Powers
http://www.mallofmagic.com |
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Devin Knight V.I.P. 2493 Posts |
Ok since you posted a link here is one for one of the SLOTTED tubes so the audience can see the plug drop.
http://www.shawmagnets.com/eduelectromagstext.html Bottom line is: Most high school science teachers have a version of this to show their students. The cutouts in the tube ISN'T a new idea. Various companies offer slotted tubes and tubes with holes so the class can see the weight drop. Some people won't recognize the principle, but a lot of them will. I'd be afraid to bring out something that many, many kids will have seen done by their science teacher. Although the addition of a MOONROCK is a clever idea, it will not overcome the fact that a lot of people are going to realize you are still using the Lenz Law Tube experiment. No matter how clever the presentation a lot of people aren't going to be fooled. Having some loud mouth person yell out ..oh that's just a M----- we did that in science class isn't going to be the reaction you were hoping for. |
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only4card New user 99 Posts |
I don't think anyone will be fooled by this prop. Yesterday my son bought one from Toyland and the price is $19.95
But Hank Lee's price is $149 !!!!!!!!!! |
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Chris Gold New user 83 Posts |
Hello,
Well, well, well I see we have people posting again about a product that they DON'T have. I own the effect, and am telling you it's much different than what these guys are saying. I find it humorous that people post reviews based on speculation rather than facts. The rest of you should spend the $12.95 for the piece of plastic junk that you'll use in your act. Do to the fact that this product is made by Wellington is all that needs to be said. They make great magic. The rest of you should read what the word, REVIEW means!
Chris Gold
TS Entertainment INC Hollywood, CA |
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Michele Veteran user Taiwan 301 Posts |
Hello Chris,
Finally I can find someone who owns it and posts here. Thank you What do you think about this trick? Do any routine comes with the set ? You said this product is made by Wellington, is that Wellington Enterprises? I alway go to their site looking for custom illusions but I don't find this product there? Would you mind posting more reviews about this product. Thanks in advance |
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JoJo41 New user Honolulu, HI 46 Posts |
I have to say that I just got back from SAM in Vegas and saw NN demonstrated and it sure seemed to fool EVERYONE, including some BIG names you'd recognize in a second, along with my little name!
It definitely IS a Wellington Enterprises product, so I had every reason to expect that the quality would be right up there. For myself, I would rate it as one of the highlights of my visit to the SAM Convention, and there weren't all that many highlights, candidly. I didn't purchase one on the spot because at the time my act was pretty much locked down as to the material and effects I was doing. (I tend to be pretty cautious when it comes to spending. I'm sure that's why I haven't been "stung" too often.) Anyway, yesterday, after musing on just what a great gadget NN was and how it fooled me, I placed an order online with Hocus Pocus. (I first saw the thing on their web site. According to my experience, they're pretty good about having stuff they advertise.) I'd have to rate Newton's Nightmare as a nice little effect, a stumper. It got MY attention! I'm actually kind of surprised there's even a little controversy about it. |
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mghia Veteran user Kymystical 387 Posts |
Chris Gold-
What is wrong with what most are saying? Now now, I am not asking you what the $149 does or not do secret wise since you say it is different. Just what is so wrong about what we are saying? It is NOT based on Lenz's law? The other versions plastic junk? Mine is copper and the effect is the same. What is the name WELLINGTON? Why should that be enough? I have been in magic most of my life and never have heard of them. That does not mean they are not a top-notch company, but I am being honest when I say I have never heard of them. Now Chris, you would not be trying to throw people off topic by making a false post would you? back atcha With all I said let me say- 1. When I was a kid I never saw this effect. The assumption that MOST will know this is probably inflated. Maybe most who have seen it in a physics class will have something triggered in their mind but there is a stumper if you do the it properly since they do not see two plugs as in the science version. 2. I assumed the slots were original. I was wrong about that. This makes me wonder if the manufacturer just rebaged an existing item or reinvented the wheel. 3. Remember that it probably fooled so many magicians because they are the EASIEST to fool as a whole! AND most probably are older than when these tubes became more available for sale. Read that last part again. Younger people might be seeing it more because there are more types of tubes being marketed. 4. I want to be clear that I make a living from altering science principles to look like magic. I choose not to expose the science behind it and why I did not reveal what it was called. I understand more than anything that saying it is a science demo means very little and can be just as strong as any magic effect if performed correctly. There is a pro out there spinning a glass of water sitting in a hoop over his head and magicians like this so much they want to do it. For some reason they never tried it as a kid. This demonstration as well as countless others are there for the taking. It is funny how many magicians still want to copy a guy who revives a dead item and say, well it is a book so I can do it too. Oh but that is another debate. 5. My post was to explain that it might not go over as strong for all groups and not always viewed as MAGIC. This will matter little if you have a fun presentation. You probably will have a majority who never have seen it. Remember, there is far MORE people who never even make it into a physics class than who do. BUT I could be wrong. Maybe it has become a standard even in grammar schools. I am not a student so do not know. 6. The other reason for my post was to question if the EFFECT justifies the cost. You need to ask yourself if the effect of a plug sliding down a tube in slow motion is worth $150 or is there an alternative like the block that goes down the string? It just may be worth it to you. 7. Remember that if you do it right, even if they know the science, they will not know how the plug can move down slow at one moment and then fast the other. That is the magic part. In my years of selling variations of effects. There are two groups of magicians. One group wants the least expensive version or wants the source to buy things in bulk and then there are the ones that do not want to do any of the research work and will pay for the time and effort one has put into making the presentation for a magician and has gathered all needed supplies. There are very few in –between. I guess for me, now that I hear magicians were buying it up in SAM, and then I would want to stay way from the effect many will be doing. BUT that is not what most magicians do. They see the reaction was hot and want it just because they know if magicians love it, so will most audiences. Oh, Two more thoughts- Don’t worry if this is sold in a smaller version in Toys r Us. Don't forget that a plastic TT is in just about every kit, and yet pros use it successfully all the time. You can buy more expensive tips but the cheap tips still work. Sometimes you pay more for the routine than the prop. AND as I have said before, if they can see only one plug, anyone owning or knowing the other versions will wonder why he or she do not see two brass plugs as in their home version. Smug physics teachers will raise an eyebrow (if you do it well) when they also do not see TWO items. |
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slydini62 Special user 939 Posts |
mghia
I purchased NN and I can say it is one of the best purchases I've made in a while. I have performed it a number of times already and I'm getting awesome reponses!! I hope no-one else buys it so I can be the only one to use it! Magically Slydini |
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rmoraleta Special user Philippines 767 Posts |
It looks like a Science experiment.
The brass plugs are not alike. The gimmick one is smoother and rounded at the corners. |
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Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
I own 2 versions of the Newton's Nightmare, one is the original BIG one from Wellington (and if you haven't heard of Wellington...well..nevermind) and one is from a guy who makes 'em himself. His was sold LONG before I ever saw one being made by Bill at Wellington. If you're of the idea that some kid at a birthday party would say, "hey...I have one of those", then you should also leave the following out of your birthday party performances:
any type of coloring book any lota (vase/bottle/jar) device any thumb tip effect anything with a D'lite anything made by Adams any Tenyo anything with magnets anything ever included in any magic set anytime If you're also worried about that, I hate that I spent any money with Wellington on their Guardian of the Grave, since it was once a Magic Works/Milton Bradley product. If we're also looking at things of this sort (just a copper tube and a magnet)...shouldn't we also include any effect that simply uses a styrofoam disposable plate as a major part of the effect? Steve Thomas |
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GeorgeG Special user Thousand Oaks, CA 977 Posts |
Richard Gerlitz released his version, Mystic Tubes of Sea-Ling, recently, but what stands out on this one is the neat presentation that goes with the TWO, not one, brass tubes to accomplish this "scientific" experiment. Hey, isn't most of magic based on some scientific principle anyway, be it optical, magnetic, etc.
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bg Veteran user Indy 313 Posts |
I bought the inexpesive (15 bucks I think) at a magic shop in Gatlinburg and this has fooled every single person who I've done this with.
There are a million patter possibilities and it's something the spec is involved with. Great trick for 15 bucks! Brian |
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tdowell Inner circle 1050 Posts |
I bought the Gerlitz version. Very well made. It uses ball berings instead of cheap looking plugs. Recommended.
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rmoraleta Special user Philippines 767 Posts |
A customer told me that it would be better if the tube was a plastic transparent. It would enhance the effect according to him.
My question is - will it work with plastic? |
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Jordini Inner circle 2765 Posts |
I love mine. I would not work with plastic.
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