Ripped & Restored

Torn and restored card is a great effect and, if done well, should look like real magic. Becuase of this, many talented magicians have worked out many clever ways of achieving the effect.
So what would happen if I told you there is a version of this effect that apparently tears and visibly restores a signed card, requires little (if any) set-up and a fraction of the effort compared to other similar methods? Is the effect as strong? Is there a compromise to the illusion? Will it cost me a fortune?

Well, it is nearly all good news! Such a version of the trick, does exist thanks to a lovely handling by Yves Doumergue. Not only is it relatively easy (compared to other T & R effects) it is also a visually pleasing version of the trick.

Ripped and Restored is a good quality, easy to follow DVD from Meir Yedid's My Magic range and features Yves Doumerge performing three effects (the main being the T & R) and then full explanations of each effect with Laurent Beretta (who ensures that Yves' broken English is clear and fully understood).

The instructions are well filmed and easy to follow and each routine can be learnt after just a few viewings. Mastering the routines however will require practice - but the handling is solid and logical and after tearing up a pack of cards you will no doubt feel confident and be competent enough to show off your new miracle.

So are there any negatives? Well, yes and no. I thought that each restoration (all four corners do appear to fuse together) was magical and I liked the fact that no duplicate card was required, the signature genuinely can fill up half the card (so it can be clearly seen) and set up takes less than 10 seconds. My only niggle is that handling could possibly be sharper and the last corner (although perfectly restored at the end) does have a bit of a bluff element.

Compared to other T & R routines it is simple to learn and is a solid routine but possibly doesn't quite have the crispness of the very similar Torn by Daniel Garcia, or the classtic feel of Guy Hollingworth's Reformation.