Richard Osterlind Mind Mysteries DVD Set

This is a Four Volume DVD set, containing some of the most hard hitting and effective magic and mentalism out there.

I'll go into each DVD and its content specifically.


Enjoy!

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Volume One, The Act:
Bank Night:
The performer displays four envelopes, and states that one envelope contains a $100 bill.
Three spectators are given free choices about Envelopes they wish to take.
After some patter, the performer reveals that his envelope is the only one with the $100 bill.
AND,
Osterlind added a kicker ending, so that everyone wins!

Method:
An ingenious method.
Will take some practice though, but it isn’t too difficult.
The presentation of this effect is what makes it work, so that will be the part that needs the most practice time.

Thoughts:
This is an excellent opener.
Everyone gets involved, nobody feels left out.
It will get an amazing reaction, and a few laughs as well.
A great routine.

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The Perfected Center Tear:
An excellent method to the classic “move”.

Method:
This idea is amazing.
It can be done completely surrounded, and is utterly undetectable.
Will take a little practice, but definitely worth it.

Thoughts:
I’ll never use the standard Center Tear again.
Once again, it is utterly undetectable.
If you’ve ever utilized this “move”, you’ll absolutely love this.
It really is perfected.

--
Radar Deck:
The performer introduces a deck of cards.
The Cards are shown to be mixed, and are given a few cuts to ensure that fact.
The performer spreads the faces of the pack in front of a few spectators, and instructs them to each merely think of a card that they see.
The performer puts the deck away, and begins to name each thought of card, and the spectator it belongs to.
Then, as a kicker, the performer names the cards that the spectator thought of before they came to their decision!

Method:
Well, this isn’t my favorite part of this effect.
But, it is definitely worth it.
It will take some set-up, and you will probably need to go get a few things.
But, once again, definitely worth it.

Thoughts:
I don’t perform this too often, but When I do, it works excellently.
I think that is works best for larger audiences, perhaps a stage, but you be the judge.
Overall, a great effect.

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Watch Routine:
The performer asks a spec. to think of any time during the day. This is a free choice, and the spec. writes it down to remember.
The performer also makes a prediction, and keeps this safe from sight.
A watch is borrowed, and given to a spectator, who is instructed to continue to turn the timer and to stop whenever they please.
After the spectator stops, the performer reveals his prediction to be the thought of time, and the watch has been stopped at the same thought of time! A true miracle!

Method:
This is great.
Seriously, it is not too difficult, and there isn’t too much you need to know.

Thoughts:
This is an amazing effect.
It plays with the minds of the spectators, and gets incredible reactions.
You’ll want to perform this immediately, and you will, with ease.
It’s a great Effect, with incredible results.

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Thought Scan:
The performer asks the audience to think of various things.
He then proceeds, through a short Q&A, to name everything thought of!

Method:
Pretty Deceptive.
If you are familiar with any Q&A routines, it should help you out.
This one will take some practice.

Thoughts:
This was really developed for a large audience.
Because of that, I have never had the pleasure of performing this.
But, I do know that it gets incredible reactions, and it looks as if you can truly read minds.

--
Magazine Test:
The performer makes a prediction on a piece of paper.
The performer then introduces a magazine.
A page is freely selected by a spectator.
The spectator is told to draw a circle on the page with his/her back turned.
The Circle is shown to be over a few words.
The spectator now chooses which word they think the circle is really around.
The performer reveals his prediction to match that word!

Method:
This is amazing. The method is so deceptive, and it is very practical.
It requires no gimmicks, and can be done with a borrowed magazine, if you think hard enough.
Will require presentation skills, and a few moves that need practice.
Not too difficult.

Thoughts:
I prefer this now over any book test.
The patter Richard introduces and suggests is amazing, and you will get the reactions desired.
An AMAZING effect.

--
Linking Finger Rings:
The performer borrows 3-4 rings.
He then proceeds to Link them, with the visual aid of a Pen.
The Rings are shown to each ring-bearer, and are held by them to prove that they are linked.
The performer takes the rings back, and magically and visually unlinks them.
The rings are handed back for examination.

Method:
Most of you with experience already know what this requires.
Those of you who don’t, will find out.
But, there is something Richard added that makes this amazing.
Truly a great addition to the method.

Thoughts:
I have only performed this once.
Now, it got great reactions, but will require practice.
It was actually quite difficult for me.
But it is great, nonetheless.

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Performances:
The performance section of this DVD is worth the price alone.
Not only is it extremely entertaining, but it will give you a great insight about how to perform, and what to use presentation and patter wise.

Teaching:
Richard is a great teacher.
He teaches you the handlings and nuances of the effects, but also gives you the history of each effect.
He does expect you to know a few things, so you may want to look into a few Beginner resources if you may be lacking experience in Mentalism.

Quality:
It was fine.
Not perfect (Like the E DVD’s), but great quality nonetheless.
It was an L&L publishing DVD, so if you own any of those, expect the same quality.

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OVERALL:
The material on these DVD’s is priceless.
All of it is practical, and gets great reactions.
Most of these are strong enough to be considered closers, and I’m sure that you could devise a routine based solely around the material on this disk.
The difficulty ranges throughout the DVD, but you should have an okay time if you have a little experience in magic/mentalism.

This is an excellent DVD, and I strongly suggest it.

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**All of the effects on this DVD require a deck of cards. During the effect descriptions, please make sure you realize a deck is usen the performance.

Volume Two, The Breakthrough Card System:

Card Calling:
The Cards are shuffled, and cut by the spectator(s).
5-10 cards are FREELY selected from the deck, and the rest of the deck is handed to an indifferent spectator. The chosen packet is shuffled by the spectator.
The performer turns his back, and sets up test conditions.
The cards are named, one by one, by the performer, as are their locations in the packet.
This continues until two cards are left.
The spectator thinks of one, and the performer reveals the thought of card, as well as the other!
(In stage situations, Jumbo Cards are used with the same effect)

Method:
Now, like all effects in this DVD, this involves a stack, which I’ll summarize later.
But, this effect is great.
The method used in finding the locations, as well as the thoughts is great, and is a real audience pleaser.

Thoughts:
I love this effect.
It gets incredible reactions, and everything is fair and unexplainable.
This effect is worth the price of the DVD.
But, there’s more….


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Two Cards In Pocket:
The deck is cut by the spectator, in their hands.
They take the top card, and the next card which they FREELY cut to. (In their hands).
One card is placed in one pocket, and on in the other.
The deck is set in the box.
The performer names the card values he feels are selected.
For the locations, the performer asks the spectator to name which card is in which pocket, and the spectator’s idea is correct! The cards are shown around.

Method:
(Uses the BCS).
This will require some presentation skills.
Other than that, it is simple.
And, some things may not work 100% of the time, but you will get the full effect no matter what.

Thoughts:
This is an amazing idea.
It will get asked for again and again, and it is great that it really gets the audience involved.


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Challenge Mind Reading:
The Spectator is given the deck to hold.
He/She is asked to think of a card viewed by them only, makes sure that card is in the middle, and puts the deck away. (All of this is done with the performers back turned).
The FREELY thought of card is named under impossible conditions.
This looks like real Mind Reading!

Method:
This is truly devious.
You will be able to perform this easily, and like all of the effects on this DVD, the presentation is the hardest part.

Thoughts:
This looks as real as it gets.
This gets full blown crazy reactions, and you will enjoy performing it.
Work out your presentation for this masterpiece.


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Corinda Effect:
The Deck is handed to the Spectator who is instructed to hold the deck under the table, out of sight from anybody. The deck is cut under the table a few times.
A Card is taken out, not seen by anybody (Under the Table), and is placed back in the deck, except in the opposite direction of the rest of the deck.
The cards are brought up, and after some thought, the performer names a card.
The cards are spread to show the one reversed is indeed the named card!

Method:
No, the table is not gimmicked. It can be a borrowed table.
It is an easy effect, and the spectator does all of the work.
You could consider it, “Spectator Working”.

Thoughts:
Once again, I love this effect.
It gets great reactions, and may be a favorite to some because the spectator does all of the work, under a table. It is truly amazing.


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Blackjack Demonstration:
During a gambling demonstration, the performer not only knows the values of the cards of the audience, but explains the way to play the hands given to the spectators!

Method:
This one actually requires a little more thought than the others.
Yet, it is still relatively simple.

Thoughts:
This isn’t my favorite on the DVD, but it is still excellent.
It works quite well with crowds who like to play card games.
It is pretty good, not the best.

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The Stack:
This is by far, the most ingenious stack I’ve ever come across.
Forget the Si Stebbins, if you are serious about your stacks, get the BCS.
It is undetectable. No scientist or mathematician will be able to figure it out.
You could give the deck to a spectator to keep, and they’ll never find out the secret.
But, a little mental practice is required.
It’s nothing impossible though.
You can practice while in the Car, while watching TV, or on an airplane, and you don’t need cards.
This is an INCREDIBLE stack.

Performances:
Once again, this is such a helpful section of the DVD.
It’s entertaining, informative, and just a good thing to watch.
You won’t be disappointed here.

Teaching:
Like I’ve said before, Richard is a great teacher.
Jim Sisti helps a tad, and it is quite informative.
The presentation details are given, as are the Stack details.
The Deck, while stacked, is displayed on the screen so you too can set-up your BCS with ease.
Teaching is great.

Quality:
Not perfect, but still great.
Just like all L&L DVD’s.

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OVERALL:
“In this volume of Richard Osterlind's landmark video series, he shares perhaps his greatest contribution to magic and mentalism-the Breakthrough Card System, considered by many to be the most ingenious playing card stack ever devised. The spectators could look at the cards for hours and never discover its devilish secret and, for the first time, Richard Osterlind, along with host Jim Sisti, shares twenty years of effects, performance tips, ideas and shortcuts with his inspired creation.
Everything about this DVD is excellent.
There is really nothing to complain about.
Even if, for some crazy reason, you don’t like the stack, you can still use the ideas given with your preferred stack. It’s an amazing DVD.

HIGHLY recommended.


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Volume Three, Assorted Mysteries:


Sweet and Lower:
The performer brings out a pack of sugar. The pack is signed by a spectator.
The pack is ripped up, and the contents poured into an empty fist.
After some magic, the pack is shown to be fully restored, with the signature!

Method:
This requires something that I’m sure almost all of us have.
But, this is quite simple.
It takes a little practice, but is fairly easy.

Thoughts:
This is very quick, and very visual.
It’s an attention grabber.
Not my favorite, but good.


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Change of Mind:
The performer is able to predict the amount of change any audience member will remove from their pockets with ease. A true feat displaying your mental abilities.

Method:
It requires a gimmick, yes.
But, the gimmick is easy to make, especially with Osterlind’s instructions.
With the gimmick the routine itself will require practice, but is fairly simple.

Thoughts:
I haven’t performed this yet.
Although I have made the gimmick, I just haven’t gotten the chance.
But, I can easily see how this would get incredible reactions.


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Spoon Bending:
A slow, visual, and stunning Spoon Bending routine that will be sure to shock the audience and convince them that you indeed have extraordinary mind powers!

Method:
Those of you familiar with Metal Bending techniques will not only find this easier, but will be surprised by Osterlind’s creativity. He uses techniques I’ve never before seen, and they are fairly simple, yet very effective.

Thoughts:
This is an excellent Metal Bending Routine.
If you have a favorite, you’ll definitely want to use some aspects of Richard’s performance in your routine. It is truly great.


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Radio Sum Total:
The audience develops a problem to a mathematical solution already on display!
(A version of a Larry Becker effect)

Method:
Well, not much to say here.
It’s quite easy, and if you like it, can be performed with ease as well.

Thoughts:
This isn’t the greatest in my opinion.
This is mainly due to the fact that it is so much better on the radio and with a Large audience.
But, it does seem to get good reactions, so you may enjoy it immensely.


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Uncanny:
A Spectator is asked to think of a Card.
The performer pulls out a Card, and holds it between his fingertips.
Without moving at all, the card slowly begins to turn itself face up, revealing the thought of card!

Method:
This is a very easy idea.
It is quite simple, and looks as good as it sounds.
Richard also explains a simple visual “force”.

Thoughts:
This is very visual.
This same concept can be applied to many effect regarding cards, and it is an excellent revelation.
It is impromptu, and can be done with a borrowed deck of wanted.
The visual force taught is also very useful in other situations.


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Lottery Effect:
The performer writes down a prediction.
Three spectators are asked to name any three numbers.
The three numbers match the prediction!
You can cheat the Lottery system! (Not really)

Method:
Very easy.
Not a new concept, but it is really just a good idea.

Thoughts:
Like I said, not necessarily original, but the creativity of the idea is.
The presentation can be adapted for any age group needed.


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Cell Phone Effect:
The performer writes down a prediction.
An audience member uses their phone to call anyone they wish.
The called person is asked, by the spectator, to name any number.
The named number matches the prediction!

Method:
Uses the same principle as the “Lottery Effect”, and is also very simple.
Won’t take much practice except presentation wise.


Thoughts:
This is a real stunner.
The fact that they called anyone they wished, a loved one, a friend, etc., really hits hard.
A great idea.


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The Nail Writer:
Richard Osterlind explains his handling and gives additional tips for using and performing practically with this ingenious tool.

(No Method)

Thoughts:
This is such a valuable part of this DVD.
Richard explains some familiar and some new writing techniques for this tool.
It is very helpful, and will definitely be of use any time that you wish to use this device.


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Bill in Cigarette:
A Bill is presented, and is signed by a spectator.
The Bill is ripped up, and now is seen to have vanished.
A cigarette is borrowed, and inside, the signed, restored Bill is found in pristine condition.

Method:
This is a very easy routine to perform.
You will need to practice a few things, and it can take a knack to do some things, but it will be fairly simple.

Thoughts:
This is a great effect for a mentalist or a magician.
IT hits hard, and the fact that it is signed makes a big difference.
This is a practical, hard hitting effect you’ll enjoy performing.


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Performances:
Once again, very helpful and entertaining.
Although, some of the material on this DVD would be awesome to experience first hand, but you’re learning it, so it makes no difference. A great section.

Teaching:
With various “moves” and theories in this DVD, Richard does a great job going over every nuance of each effect. He explains all details, but you still will need to know a few things before learning material.

Quality:
Exactly the same as the first two.
Good, but not perfect.
Nothing to worry about here.

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OVERALL:
This is an excellent DVD.
Along with all of the amazing effects and routines you will learn, you will understand Richard’s viewpoint of the Swami Gimmick, and how it is used.
The material here is very valuable, and is lethal entertainment.

Once again, a GREAT buy.


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Volume Four, More Assorted Mysteries:


Glass of Water Production:
An empty bag is brought out.
The bag is shown completely empty at the start.
Two spectators hold either side of the bag, and with some magic, the performer reaches inside and pulls out an entirely full glass of water!

Method:
This is a very clever method.
It will take some practice, but it should be worth it.

Thoughts:
I haven’t performed this.
But, I can tell you that this is perfect for stage and some Close-Up situations.
If you ever need a glass of water, here is how to get it out.


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Imp Pad:
An ingenious and astonishing way to retrieve any information that you need to know.
This is such a great device, you’ll be sure to love it!

Method:
Osterlind explains in full detail how to make a pad of the like.
It is fairly simple once you have the pad.
Nothing to worry about.

Thoughts:
Like much material, this could be great on larger audiences.
It is still a stunner, but isn’t my favorite personally.


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Marked Coin In Bottle:
The performer borrows a coin, and has it marked by a spectator for further identification.
A Glass bottle is introduced, and is shown to the audience in full detail.
The coin is shown on top of the bottle, and is shown not to fit in the the bottle, but with one shake, the coin visibly passes through the bottle.
The coin, with the mark on it, is seen inside the bottle by the audience.
The bottle MUST be broken in order to retrieve the coin.

Method:
This is very creative.
However,
It requires extensive set-up.
You will need to buy a few materials, and work.

Thoughts:
I have not been able to set this up, but if I had,
I know I would be performing this.
It is very stunning, and the glass bottle factor makes it so much more impressive.


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Signed Torn and Restored Post-It Note:
A post-it note is taken out, and signed by a spectator.
The note is instantly ripped into pieces.
The performer takes the pieces, and with some magic, restores them fully,
with the signature still intact.


Method:
This is a very simple yet deceptive method.
I’m sure it can be applied to other objects too.
A great method.

Thoughts:
This is a very nice effect.
It is pleasing, and is very stunning.
Quite simple as well, but will take some practice.


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Spike Bending:
Metal Spikes are handed out to the audience for examination.
The Spikes are then bent in such a manner that the performer must have some extraordinary mind abilities!

Method:
Knowledge of metal bending will aid you slightly, but there are a lot of new things to know.
It will take practice, but will be worth it.

Thoughts:
This is perfect for stage and very large audience performances.
They are bigger than cutlery, so visibility is perfect.
A great stage mentalism piece.


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S.O.S Pseudo-Psychometry Bag:
Five spectators drop personal items into a black cloth bag without the performer knowing which person the items belong to. The performer returns each item to its proper owner while giving a psychometric reading for each person!

Method:
Not too easy, and some experience with mentalism makes this easier.
It will be easier to learn than it is to perform.
Not extremely difficult though.

Thoughts:
This hits the spectators hard.
It gives them something to think about, and it is a joy to perform.
A nice routine.


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Signed Torn and Restored Newspaper:
The spectator picks a page on a newspaper. They are given a FREE choice.
The selected piece is signed, and immediately ripped into pieces.
With the help of some magical powers, the pieces are restored with the signature.
An astounding feat!

Method:
The method is simply brilliant.
It leaves you completely clean, and you have nothing to worry about.
An ingenious method.

Thoughts:
This is an amazing effect.
It is so great, and it will stun the audience.
This can be a reputation maker.


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Performances:
The performances are specifically helpful in this DVD.
If you didn’t appreciate them before, you will now for sure.

Teaching:
Richard still teaches with excellence.
Everything is explained along with history and little nuances that will bring your performance into the realm of professional and impossible.

Quality:
Once again, great quality from L&L.


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OVERALL:
This DVD has some serious material.
The material may take some time to master, and may take some time to set-up, but if done properly, it will seal your reputation as an entertainer.

Like the rest of the Series, HIGHLY recommended.


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Hope this review helps!

-cody-

Thanks, Cody. Normally, I'd suggest you use the Search feature -- you'd have found a thread or two in which this series was reviewed. But we can never have enough reviews about Osterlind goodies, can we? I take it that you're unfamiliar with the Mind Mysteries guidebooks, or the other three Mind Mysteries DVDs?

*jeep!
--Granpa Chet (a hopeless Osterholic)

I figured it had been reviewed many times, but, I also said to myself, Why Not?

The Guidebook, I recently purchased after I wrote this review.
Maybe I'll review it later.

As for the Latter Mind Mysteries, I do not own them. (Very Unfortunate).
Thanks though!

-cody-

Thanks for the great review Cody!

Iain.

Thanks a lot I just ordered Vol 1 these reviews makes me get more excited.I cant wait

Great review Cody and his dvds are great value.

Wow! What dedication to the Café. Thanks for posting such a lengthy review! Kudos!!!

I got all 7 DVDs under a bunch of my other "to do list," I am tempted to dig out volume 4. Nah I can wait. How long does the coin in bottle take to set up? Is it the same time every time, or quicker the more you do it?