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Unreal by Bruce Bernstein

Created by: Bruce Bernstein

Unreal by Bruce Bernstein is a comprehensive compilation of mentalism tricks and routines, designed for performers who want to engage their audience with practical and entertaining mentalism. This book covers a wide range of effects suitable for various performance settings, from intimate gatherings to larger venues. It's a must-have for mentalists and magicians looking to expand their repertoire with high-quality, audience-tested material.

Where to buy

Unreal by Bruce Bernstein from Monster Magic
Monster MagicUnreal by Bruce BernsteinÂŁ58.99
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Key features

  • Compilation of Bruce Bernstein's best mentalism booklets

  • Suitable for both beginners and experienced performers

  • Includes a variety of props and methods

  • Focuses on audience experience over strict definitions of magic vs. mentalism

Pros

  • High-quality, practical routines

  • Wide range of effects for different performance settings

  • Emphasizes audience engagement and experience

  • Compilation format offers great value

Cons

  • May require additional props for some effects

  • Some routines may need adaptation for modern audiences

Effect

Unreal by Bruce Bernstein is a collection of mentalism routines designed to create powerful, baffling experiences for audiences. The effects range from mind reading and predictions to psychological illusions that leave spectators questioning reality. Each routine is crafted to be engaging and memorable, often blurring the line between magic and genuine mental phenomena.

Full Details

Unreal compiles Bruce Bernstein's best mentalism material from his earlier booklets into a single hardbound volume. The book contains a variety of routines suitable for different performance settings, from close-up to stage. Bernstein emphasizes practicality, ensuring that the effects are not only strong but also adaptable to real-world conditions. The material includes impromptu pieces as well as routines that require minimal preparation, making it accessible for performers at different skill levels.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Unreal is ideal for mentalists and magicians who want to expand their repertoire with well-tested, audience-tested routines. It’s particularly valuable for performers who appreciate psychological subtleties and strong audience interaction. If you enjoy mentalism that feels organic and unforced, this book offers a wealth of material that fits that style.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level varies across the routines, but Bernstein’s clear explanations make even the more advanced techniques manageable. Some effects rely on psychological principles rather than complex sleight of hand, making them accessible to intermediate performers. More experienced mentalists will appreciate the nuanced subtleties that elevate the material.

What Magicians Say

EruditeMagic describes Unreal as a "modern compilation of Bernstein's mentalism booklets," praising its practical and engaging routines. They note that many of the effects have been incorporated into paid performances, highlighting the book's real-world applicability. Another reviewer mentions that Bernstein’s focus on audience experience rather than rigid definitions of mentalism makes the material versatile and impactful.

If you're looking for mentalism that plays well in both intimate and larger settings, Unreal provides a strong foundation with routines that have stood the test of time.

What people are saying about Unreal

EruditeMagic says...

Bruce Bernstein's unreal is a beautiful compilation of easy-to-do card magic miracle [...] if you haven't already been introduced to Ryan's work it's a lot like John Bannon style magic in that it's not necessarily self-working but much of it is really easy to do really fooling and all of it entertaining.

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