I got "The Phantom" (of Harry Houdini) about 3 weeks ago and like it to a point. I wish it came with the gaffs complete as it becomes an art project for anyone purchasing it. I misapplied something and bent one of the gaffs, plus I got the picture of Harry splattered with that "something" making it look bad. Okay, I'm a bit of a klutz - but again, I wish it was prepared completely for me. I removed the pic from the frame a few times and some of the metal holders snapped. Easy fix as I replaced them with a few from old picture frames. The gimmick works beautifully - better than expected. The video is cute and rather funny, complete with several optional routines. The gaffs are included to do those routines, but you had better stick with one of routines you like as it is not so easy to change them out (In my opinion). Personally, I don't wish to do lots of setup before a trick. You are stuck with one card type reveal and one celebrity type reveal. There is a write-in prediction offered. I had a hard time lining up some pieces so I did not give away the trick method. Still working on ideas.

Back to the video instructions. You are told how to use and perform the trick, but no hint of doing the forces required. You need to force either a card, person's name or a celebrity. The plastic "glass" can get scratched easily and even without messing with the effect a lot, the plastic shows imperfections/scratches when light hits it. I ordered a piece of Corning ultrathin cut glass (Not a standard US size) to see if it will work. It reportedly is scratch resistant and somewhat flexible. It's also very expensive $48. I'm just not happy with the clear plastic, but I get the fact that the "unbreakable" idea is pretty sound. I already have a protective case that holds the frame so breakage is not a concern for me. When the glass comes in, I'll report if it works.

I've decided to set this up with the celebrity effect. My force is using Celebrity Dead Ass which I already own. I'll only use the card deck from CDA and have The Phantom as the reveal.

I like this a lot, but with all the experimenting and artwork failures, I think I need to buy another one because mine looks pretty bad now and unprofessional.

So overall - I love this! Once I buy another one, and not make the same mistakes in my art project, this will be my 2024 addition to my show.

Even though it has the wrong year Houdini died? Supposed to be 1926!

Nice catch. I never thought to check the dates!