I downloaded Passing Thru, and the effect is ingenious. I have had some time
to work with it, so here's a review which includes some issues that
I have still not seen addressed.

Okay, the video is low-rent. I can live with that. Don't
forget, the effect is great.

But there are potential problems in the handling--and with the gimmick--that
I would liked to have seen addressed for the price of the download.

First, the gimmick. Yes, it is cheap, lightweight, easy to ditch, easy to
carry...all that is great. But I found it hard to find the
exact thing that puts the effect over the edge. It is an item that is
cheaply available anywhere...but you may have to tweak the gimmick to make
it more like Kevin's and to get the best results.

Next is the handling. The gimmick and effect are so terrific, and so simple
that you just want to run out and show it. But there are some problems to
deal with before you can give a convincing performance.

First of all, it matters if the bottle is wet or dry. I have spent hours
playing with this, and I can't for the life of me see what Kevin was talking
about when he refers to an issue with the cap. To me there was absolutely
no issue with the bottle cap (I used a SOBE bottle). The only differences
in handling that I found had to do with the dryness of the bottle.

The other handling problem is that there can also be a tremendous noise
issue. You really have to practice this and you will definitely have to
alter the handling to avoid it.

At this point let me remind you. I do think this is an ingenious effect--and
as a happy owner of Revolution, I am quickly becoming a fan of Kevin
Parker's work. There are solutions to Passing Thru's slight
problems--I just wish Kevin Parker would have offered some ideas on the
download.

Great trick, but you will have to fiddle around quite a bit if you want to
achieve the high level that this effect deserves to performed at.

I think I know what you're talking about when you refer to the gimmick. I decided against using it and make my gimmick from a different part of the raw material. I think that the special something part, isn't completely necessary. I don't use it and it still comes out great. I'm afraid of people seeing the coin against the "something" and then when you hand out the bottle the somethign is gone.

I agree about the video...a little shoddy but what are you going to do? Good trick

The principle used in this effect is excellent. I'm sure in the next little while, we'll be coming up with other effect using the idea.

This effect however, isn't very commercial. It's more along the lines of Healed and Sealed. Perfect for showing friends, family, people on the streets. But really not for the professional performer. Chances to perform this in a professional setting (table hopping) are pretty much going to be non-existant.

Sincerely,
Wayne Stevenson
The SpookClub

If you feel you have to do it with a Sobe bottle then yes, for sure. I've posted before that I've done it with various coins such as a dime in a beer bottle and it works quite nicely. The audience doesn't know they're missing out on a quarter in a clear Sobe bottle. They just saw a coin pass through solid glass. You'll know it wasn't as cool as it could have been but they won't.

Yes. Quite ingenious marketing from a smart fella. And in keeping with the
honesty theme, I did receive a free download for this review.

In my case, the review was carefully thought about (and written) before I found out about the free download. And, my review is not 100 % pro...what I wrote is
as accurate and honest as I could possibly be. I could just as easily have totally slammed this trick, and I have the feeling that if it was well-founded and well-written, Kevin Parker would have still given me a free download

BTW, Wayno made a great comparison with Healed and Sealed. This is one of those type of tricks...altho the prep is a lot faster and easier.

Great review jones8,
I think what you are basically saying is, it's a great trick, but you need to practice. I agree. You do need to practice timing and presentation.

I love this trick, looks so impossible. Totally worth the money,

There is one thing I really don't like though. After you download the trick, a webpage pops up that offers you a free trick by Kevin IF you submit a good review of his "passing thru". The catch here is you need to let him approve the review, then you get the trick. Personally, I think this is a bit unethical and makes all the reviews a bit suspect. I do like the trick and I did not accept the free trick for my review.
James

I think that's why jones08 states that it's an "honest" review

Exactly. I mean, I was critical of the trick, and Kevin Parker still liked the review. BTW, I got Descent as a free download. When I can figure out what I think of it, I'll try to post a review.

magicpro1, I have a solution to some of the noise problem...pm me if you want.

This is a really cool-looking illusion that you will not be able to do right away and it is noisy as hell until you fiddle around with it. The gimmick will almost assuredly need to be tweaked. The video does not deal with any of these issues. You will have to screw around a lot on your own to make this work. But the visual is very cool.

That is the condensed version of what I told you guys. Does that sound like the words of someone who was bribed? This is info I would want to know before I purchased any effect.

Am I gonna take a free effect for an honest review? *** yeah.

Personally, the visual is nice but the trick is too limiting in the type of bottle you have to use. That and you're left dirtier than Paris Hilton. Hey Kevin, do I get a free trick too? LOL!

Can someone send me the link so I can see the effect? I did a search on Kevin and it took me to "Ellusionist".

Thanks

Jim

Thank you for your answer. Now back to the Passing-thru discussion.....