The Rat Pack

The Rat Pack is more than a card trick, it's a pain-defying test of your speed, skill and nerve.
The S.A.T. for indoor daredevils. Ed Marlo on "Fear Factor". It's a sensational feat of card magic only attempted by the very best...or the very stupid.

The plot is a familiar one - the chosen signed card is lost in the deck and the magician offers to find it.
But this time, something is very different.
This time, the audience sits on the edges of their seats, eyes riveted on the deck, inescapably bound by the tension in the air.
Nobody talks, nobody breathes, until the performer succeeds, or doesn't. 

What makes this card trick so gripping? As the realtors say; "location, location, location". In this case, the location of the deck. 
You see, the deck is sitting in a fully armed Rat Trap.
Just like the ones from the hardware store - because It is one from a hardware store! And, as everyone in the room knows, one false move and a solid steel bar crushes anything between it and the deck of cards.
Faster than the eye can follow. In approximately .047 seconds! (in case you're interested) 

Against those odds, the magician claims he can, with just one hand, riffle quickly through the deck, locate the chosen card, and remove it, all before the killing bar of the trap brings a premature end to the evening's entertainment. 

Make no mistake.
The selected card really is in the deck, and you really do pull it out just before the killing bar smashes everything else. 
This part is not a trick. 

It's a simple stunt performed under high pressure. No acting ability required here.
The tension is real because the drama is real, as is the potential for injury. 

The rat trap used is almost exactly the way it comes from the store. In fact, we do not include one with the DVD, as it would just raise the cost of the effect.
You are shown a simple alteration that makes the trap extremely sensitive to any movement of the cards. 

There are no gimmicks. No shells, magnets, threads, or subtle verbal manipulation techniques involved.
But, there is also no guarantee for your safety - ordinary rat traps do not come with such a guarantee, sorry. 

• If loud sudden noises frighten you, you are not going to like the audience reaction. They will appreciate the very real danger you're facing, and repay you in the end.
• If you do trade shows, this effect is simple, yet stupidly spectacular enough to stop traffic.
• If you do corporate speaking, you'll find you have everyone's complete attention just before you reach into the trap - it's message time.
• If you perform on the street, this effect guarantees you'll gather a crowd.
• Those of you who work behind a bar or in night clubs already recognize the potential here. - Great for tough crowds - nobody heckles The Rat Pack.
• And yes, it's completely examinable and you can perform this bad boy close-up and surrounded!

So, the only real question left here is: - Are you a man or a mouse? 

______________________________ 

WHAT THE PROS SAY: 

"The Rat Pack is a powerful bit of performance. It connects to audiences on a deep level. It is very dangerous and there is something very sexy about that. If you can't get applause with this routine, you should get out of magic! Thank you Curtis, for making this available to the rest of us. I give The Rat Pack - two bruised thumbs up!" - Todd Robbins 

"Wham! Curtis Kam´s Rat Pack is a trick that hits them hard. It has everything--Danger, Suspense, and a great climax! You can bet your audience will remember your performance" - Paul Green 

"...but unless your audience is stoned, comatose or comprised entirely of Vulcans, this effect will almost certainly command their attention. Moreover, Curtis has designed and refined an entertaining presentation leading up to the climax that provides just enough build without peaking prematurely" - David Acer /Mylovelyassistant.com 

"The production values are awesome--the best I have ever seen on a magic dvd. The trick is a winner, and one that will appeal to many" - Whit Haydn 

"If you like an element of danger (although with practice you really minimize the real danger), this routine can be a reputation builder...."His hands are so fast...." - Carl Andrews 

"Probably the most professionally produced magic DVD I have ever seen! The Rat Pack Rocks!" - Peter Loughran 

"In my humble Opinion I feel Steve Brooks will be raising the bar to the way we all buy magic. Quality, precision, professional, user friendly, service, and every other aspect. Steve is probably one of the most methodical people I know in this business and he floored even me with this incredible project. I knew it would look great, but I had no idea it would be this spectacular. From The DVD menus, intros and graphics to the special collectors gift inside and the insert - all of it is PHENOMINAL. Great Job Steve! (and this is his first DVD Project!) Also congrats to Curtis for being the first DVD release under the new Magic Bakery name. Congrats again everyone - an Amazing job" - Reed McClintock 

"This is not strictly comedy though the presentations involve the required one-liners that make this a bit more fun. The real punch comes from the situation which is so blatantly dangerous the jokes almost seem surreal. The production values here are truly professional caliber. No sound drops, no video glitches, no lighting problems...even the navigation system is slick and straightforward. This is an example of how to make a DVD production" - Shane at Online-Visions.com 

__________________________________ 

WARNING: This DVD shows how one professional approached some truly dangerous stunts. We do not suggest that you attempt to duplicate anything shown, and we assume no liability for any of the consequences if you do. We have no idea who you are, or how careful you will be. If, however, you do decide to try this, read the following: 

SECOND WARNING: No matter how careful you are, chances are you'll still get your fingers crushed in the trap at least once. Everybody does. The danger is real. That's why the thrill is real. Even in practice. 

FINAL WARNING: Buying this DVD does NOT give you the right to perform any of the stunts demonstrated. Purchasers may perform this material only upon the express condition that they assume all risk of harm to person or property that may result. Otherwise, all performance and duplication rights are reserved by Curtis Kam and The Magic Bakery. Copyright 2004 The Magic Bakery. All rights reserved. Victor is a registered trademark of Woodstream Corporation. 69 N. Locust St., Lititz, Pa.