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Bananafish Elite user Simon Shaw, Suffolk, England 415 Posts |
Cosmos, by Greg Rostami
$20 from RostamiMagic The hype This is ye another "Out of this Wolrld" effect, an effect that most of you will already know. It is billed as the Holy Grail of OOTW effects, so the question is, is this just hype or a realistic claim? One of the criticisms about this effect that I have read on these (and other) forums is that the demo wasn't a realistic reflection of how the effect plays. For me this wasn't a problem for reasons I will explain later. The Effect The main effect is designed to be performed to at least two spectators. There is talk of a recent scientific paper that shows that under competitive situations the human subconscious has the ability to absorb far more than was previously thought possibly. A deck of cards is borrowed, and given several shuffles by the magician. The two spectators are then asked to take out one black card and one red card each as these cards are to be used as markers. The two marker cards are then placed in front of each spectator, and the cards are shuffled again and are shown to be completely mixed up. I should add here that the last time they are shuffled, they are shuffled by the spectators in what seems the fairest of "test condition" ways. The magician explains that this is a competition, the idea being for each of teh two spectators to guess whether a dealt card is black or red and to place the card face down against their appropriate black or red marker card. The spectators can choose to stop at any point and the remaining cards can be seen to be completely mixed, whereas when the spectators cards are finally turned over, it will of course be seen that they BOTH guessed with 100% accuracy! To say that this effect (and indeed any OOTW effect) is one of the strongest card tricks that can ever be performed, is an understatement of tremendous magnitude. I doubt there are any here that will disagree with that. This effect IS a closer. The Review Like many of the members here, I already know Paul Curry’s amazing OOTW effect. Also like many members I know of several impromptu versions that I am very happy with. So why buy this one? Perhaps the best way to answer this very fair question is to list some of the pro’s and cons of COSMOS. 1. This effect can be done with a borrowed deck, shuffled deck. This really adds a lot to the OOTW plot for me, but I have to say that I already had an impromptu version that can be done in this way. However Greg’s method was new to me and having now performed COSMOS a couple of times I have to say that I like it. It does honestly play that much fairer to me. 2. Not all the cards need to be used Again, one of the drawbacks of the original version was the time it takes to play out making it not particularly suitable for a table hopping environment. This version can be played much quicker and is (IMO) an excellent closer. I do appreciate that Michael Ammar also teaches an excellent version that doesn’t use all the cards on one of his ETMCM DVD's, but on the whole I have to say I still prefer this version. 3. It requires at least two spectators Reading reviews on other forums and comments made here at the Café, I see that for many this is a disadvantage of COSMOS. However for me I see it as a bonus point. If performing at tables getting two people actively involved is a big plus. In saying that, if you do consider it a disadvantage then it can be fairly easily adapted so that the magician can play the part of one of the spectators. In fact I have been following a thread on another forum where it seems that Greg has a variation of COSMOS in the pipeline that plays with just one Spectator. The spectator is is competition with the Magician, and at the end of it - the magicians cards are still all mixed up, but the spectators are all 100% separated. I am not sure if this is true (Maybe Mr. Rostami can elaborate), but just think how much fun you could have with that storyline! 4. There is no difficult sleight of hand Absolutely true. There is of course the one move, and to be honest you don't even have to do that as Greg also describes Paul Curry’s original method. But with the built in misdirection that is suggested the move does go by unnoticed. 5. The magician can be completely surrounded The impromptu version of this that I already knew would have been difficult to do completely surrounded, so for me this is a plus point. So all in all I would say a big thumbs up to Cosmos. $20 in the UK at today’s exchange rate is pretty danged good. It's not bad in the US either though, so whether you know OOTW already or not – I would say that this is a value for money item. Difficulty. 2/5 1=Even I can do it, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used, 4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only) It is easy. It's not 100% self working as there are a couple of moments where you need your wits, but definitely something anyone could master. Even someone completely new to card magic. Rating. Effect/item: 10/10, Quality of goods: 10/10, Value for money: 10/10 if you are new to OOTW effects 9/10 if you don’t yet know an impromptu version 8/10 if you do know an impromptu version Comparisons. There are some great OOTW effects already out there, some impromptu, some with some nasty moves, some with gimmicked decks, but remember that they are all, from the spectators point of view, the same effect. IMHO, COSMOS is as good as any and better than most. Is it the holy grail? Possibly. Possibly not. It is the one I will be using from now on though. I would say though that it is not a magician fooler. After all – 99% of magicians know the principle behind OOTW. If you want a magician fooler, then I suggest you buy Dean Dill's "New World". However, if you are more concerned about fooling laypeople (don’t you just hate that term?) then I suggest you buy COSMOS. The Video Demo I mentioned at the beginning about criticisms of the demo. One criticism about the video is that it appears that only one spectator is involved. Well you now know different. It uses two. The second criticism was that the effect demo'd was actually for one of the variants that didn't use a borrowed deck. Well that made me smile. Yes – strictly speaking they are correct – the demo was for the alternative version, but you know what, if Greg had actually videoed the main impromptu effect you still would have seen the same effect. The spec shuffles the cards before they are pulled off the top by the magician for separating. That was just all a big fuss over nothing as far as I am concerned. Summary. As well as the Basic effect, you do also get taught a slightly less impromptu method. Well it is impromptu, but it can't be done with a borrowed deck of cards. Really though. How often do we need to borrow a deck of cards? There are also a couple of very good bonus effects, one of them being an excellent kicker ending for the COSMOS. I know what you are thinking, how the dickens can you add a kicker to an OOTW effect – it's already too strong! but I tell you, this really would add something to the effect if you were using it as a closer at tables. Bottom Line. If you want to perform an OOTW effect then this is excellent value for money. Yes even if you already know how other OOTW effects work. For me this version combines all the best points of the others, plus it's own special features. I like the idea of playing to two spectators, but I also really would love to hear more about the one on one version where the magician gets it all wrong, but the spectator gets it all correct, as for me that sounds like bringing the OOTW plot in to a totally new dimension! All in all I recommend this product very highly indeed, and I look forward to seeing other material that Greg brings out. |
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mattisdx Inner circle 1614 Posts |
Now that's a real review !!! thanks
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Kevvy Special user 702 Posts |
Nice review!
However, I never understood why it is assumed that Cosmos is designed for 2 spectators. Sure, Greg is performing for 2 spectators in the demo, but it seems to me that anyone that has performed OOTW should instantly realize that it can also be performed for one spec. As you stated, the magician can play the part of one of the specs. In fact, I allow the spec to decide whether my cards will go in either my red or black pile of cards. |
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Greg Rostami V.I.P. Skynet will become self-aware in 2895 Posts |
Hi Simon,
Wow, what an amazing review! I can not thank you enough for your kind words about COSMOS. Simon, like you, I am VERY excited about the 1x1 version where the magician gets his cards all random. As I've mentioned in a previous thread, it has ALWAYS been something that I've tried to accomplish . . . I was really surprised that the answer to this riddle was SO simple. And YES, this 1x1 version of COSMOS WILL be on the DVD. Hi kevvy, Quote: I really like your version as well, in fact I included your 1x1 version on the DVD as well.
However, I never understood why it is assumed that Cosmos is designed for 2 spectators. Sure, Greg is performing for 2 spectators in the demo, but it seems to me that anyone that has performed OOTW should instantly realize that it can also be performed for one spec. As you stated, the magician can play the part of one of the specs. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Andy Martin for his great review of COSMOS on his site at: http://www.martinsmagic.com/?html=full&a......s=isnew# Over the last month, it's been an honor to have such great feedback from some of the minds in magic that I admire the most. http://www.rostamimagic.com/noflash/reviews.html thank you friends, Greg Rostami |
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calexa Inner circle Germany 1635 Posts |
Now that's what I call a review!
Magixx
Optimists have more fun.....
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GEMINI Regular user WA, USA 193 Posts |
Thank you, Simon!
Very rarely one comes across an honest and well written review - A review which is fair to both parties. - Sam |
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weepinwil Inner circle USA 3838 Posts |
Thanks
"Til Death us do part!" - Weepin Willie
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roya Loyal user Seattle 211 Posts |
Still waiting for the 1X1 version from Greg...
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Greg Rostami V.I.P. Skynet will become self-aware in 2895 Posts |
Hi Roy,
I have not forgotten about you. The new DVD has 2 versions of 1x1 COSMOS. When the DVD comes out I will make a new DL that will have all of these additions included. That DL will be free to my previous customers. It's almost done . . . cheers, Greg |
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Markymark Inner circle 1724 Posts |
I'm looking forward to the d.v.d.Security is laudable but am I the only one who
is unable to view the D.L.?
''In memory of a once fluid man,crammed and distorted by the classical mess'' -Bruce Lee
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Bananafish Elite user Simon Shaw, Suffolk, England 415 Posts |
Thanks everyone for the nice comments with regard the review - it is always encouraging to get positive feedback like that. It makes writing them very worthwhile.
Quote:
I'm looking forward to the d.v.d.Security is laudable but am I the only one who is unable to view the D.L.? I can't talk for anyone else - but I could view both dowloads perfectly well. Have you tried emailing Greg? |
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roya Loyal user Seattle 211 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-05-13 13:53, Greg Rostami wrote: Thanks Greg! |
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thehawk Inner circle 2275 Posts |
When will the dvd be out?
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Kjellstrom Inner circle Sweden, Scandinavia, Europe 5238 Posts |
The basic idea for Cosmos (Out of this world) is very similar as this effekt: "Wünschen Sie schwarz oder rot?" (Do you want black or red?) in the old german book: "Das große illustrierte Spielbuch", year 1900, page 544, by Theodor Rulemann. The concept is truly very old...
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pennjarr Regular user 110 Posts |
Thank you for an excellent review,
Just for clarity, a DVD version will be coming out soon, but for those who have already bought the DL from you, they will recieve another download with the 1 on 1 version. am I correct? |
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Greg Rostami V.I.P. Skynet will become self-aware in 2895 Posts |
Yes pennjarr, there will be another DL with the updates.
take care, Greg Rostami |
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discjockey Elite user 451 Posts |
How will the free download from previous costomers work?
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Greg Rostami V.I.P. Skynet will become self-aware in 2895 Posts |
Hi discjockey,
I am going to email all of my customers a link to the new updated video files. take care, Greg Rostami |
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Justin N. Miller Inner circle 2457 Posts |
Greg,
Looking forward to it my man! Justin Miller |
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mormonyoyoman Inner circle I dug 5,000 postholes, but I have only 2440 Posts |
Anyone heard if the new 1x1 version is up yet?
*jeep! --Chet
#ShareGoodness #ldsconf
--Grandpa Chet |
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