Opticks
Video download by Harapan Ong
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The long-awaited sequel to one of our all-time bestsellers has finally arrived.
Harapan Ong is one of the most creative card magicians in the world. He was an underground legend for years until his instant classic book Principia exposed his genius to the community. Filled with some of the most creative card magic we’ve ever seen, Principia was our best-selling magic book for nearly two years.
To this day, Principia is a perennial bestseller that we struggle to keep in print. Magicians clearly cannot get enough of Harapan Ong's card magic. So, we are thrilled to finally bring you the much-anticipated sequel—”Opticks”. Instead of a book though, Harapan has gone digital. No, he’s not an NFT…yet. But this collection of downloads is definitely the next best thing.
When Principia launched, we heard from many of you that the accompanying video performances really helped with the learning process. Harapan’s card magic is so innovative that seeing it in writing often doesn’t do it justice. So, ”Opticks” features everything you love about Harapan—entertaining, unique and amazing card magic. But, this time, in an easy-to-digest video format.
26 effects in total are jam-packed into this incredible video release, including a ton of exciting new effects, improved handlings for very hard to find underground gems from his early days, as well as updated performances and explanations for some beloved favorites.
NOTE: The limited edition "Newton Decks" and gimmick cards used for some of the effects were unfortunately lost in our warehouse. As such, "Opticks" is now an instant download only product and the price has been reduced accordingly.
Contents of "Opticks"
- Kaleidoscope Production
- Royal Explosion
- Perspective
- Followers of Christ
- Choices
- Dunbury Clues
- The Famous 8 Card Mystery
- Filter Triumph
- Percolacetion
- Prospectus
- Twisted Choices
- Solvedzinser
- Plot Twist
- Centre of Attention
- Progressive Flush
- Daley Express
- PunchBack
- SpreadShot Transpo
- Slap Me Silly
- Utterly Mental Reverse
- 3 Degrees of Separation
- Opposite Day Oil and Water
- Scattered Sandwich
- Fatty Mayo
- Forgetful Collectors
- Transpollectors
Just like with Principia, there is genuinely something for every skill level and every type of performer in “Opticks.”. Everything from complete card magic routines to snappy color changes and sleight of hand moves. This is super practical material built to slide right into your close up magic set.
Whether you’re already a member of the #HaraFam or this is your introduction to the Singapore Sensation, you will love “Opticks.”
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Customer reviews for Opticks
Phillip
Nice performance and explanation of the kaleidoscope ace production. This video is a perfect companion to the Principia book description. The not so obvious false cut aspect is a definite plus. I had planned to open my magic fellowship performance with Kaleidoscope but had a stack effect also. So I didn't perform Kaleidoscope at the fellowship... if only I had known!
All of the videos I have watched so far are excellent. Eager to dive in and master these.
I didn't read the product description closely. I thought Opticks was also a book. But I am very pleased with the videos, and since we get the physical gaffs and the custom deck that is a nice plus.
Very pleased.
All of the videos I have watched so far are excellent. Eager to dive in and master these.
I didn't read the product description closely. I thought Opticks was also a book. But I am very pleased with the videos, and since we get the physical gaffs and the custom deck that is a nice plus.
Very pleased.
Andy
I watched the videos they are fantastic. Harapan is a great teacher, as you would expect. :-)
I am looking forward to receiving the accompanying physical products.
The routines are varied with some very interesting plots plus a mixture of differing levels of skill, so something for most magi here.
Highly recommended
I am looking forward to receiving the accompanying physical products.
The routines are varied with some very interesting plots plus a mixture of differing levels of skill, so something for most magi here.
Highly recommended
Garry
This comes with videos you can stream, or even download these. The deck comes in a nice presentation box, then on opening this is the cool looking newton triangle Deck Display case, then the Deck itself, which is shown in the add, the Deck has a nice mirrored back design, great for doing Fans and Reverse Fans, also great for doing the Farro Shuffle too, comes with a cool ace spades, plus within the Deck are 3 Gaff Cards matching the Deck and its back design, Also comes with a separate pack off 16 Bicycle Gaff cards too, Great video productions, nice clean back drop on the tutorials, they all start with a demo, followed by the tutorial, Harapan is an excellent teacher, you get 26 seperate video tutorial routines, Harapan goes over the tutorial routines a couple or so times on each one, breaking them down, I needed to do a rewind on a couple, The Bicycle Gaff Cards, say The Four Jokers turn Into The Four Aces Routine, and a couple like this, you could have these set up as Pocket Tricks ready to go. Not all 26 routines use the gaff cards. Been good if this came with a PDF with images off all the deck set ups for the ones using the gaff cards.
Opticks by Harapan, This is a steal off a deal for what you receive in the package.
Plus Harapan is one of my top three favorite teachers and also produce excellent video productions and amazing card magic, along with,
Paul Gordon, and
Bill Goodwin,
You can't any better than these three guys.
Opticks by Harapan, This is a steal off a deal for what you receive in the package.
Plus Harapan is one of my top three favorite teachers and also produce excellent video productions and amazing card magic, along with,
Paul Gordon, and
Bill Goodwin,
You can't any better than these three guys.
Martin
While I generally prefer books over video, Opticks is a worthy successor to Principia. The routines from Principia and the many others included in Opticks come alive on the screen. For example, I passed over Kaleidoscope Production in the book – seeing the rhythm of the ace production on video encouraged me to take a second look at learning this very visual ace production. All the effects, at least those I have so far viewed, are thoroughly and thoughtfully taught, perhaps building on Harapan’s teaching ability. Excellent selection of card material performed and taught.
Adam
I'm a big fan of Harapan's work. Principia was my favorite magic book of 2019 (released late 2018). I followed Harapan and purchased Spellcheck and The Four Treasures when they were released. So I was super excited for Optricks when it was announced. It is billed as the sequel to Principia, sadly it is not. The project is a collection of effects from Principia and other published work, with a few new effects. The packaging is top notch, the deck of cards and holder that come with the purchase are very cool. The gaffs are nothing special that any magician should not already own (or have from Principia release).
If this is your first purchase of Harapan's work I would recommend it, but only if you don't like magic books, otherwise purchase Principia and get far more then is included here.
If this is your first purchase of Harapan's work I would recommend it, but only if you don't like magic books, otherwise purchase Principia and get far more then is included here.
Daniel
TL;DR - I'm rating this only 4*s for mere nits. Overall this is a really good book-that's-not-a-book.
At first I was rather miffed at the price: $50 for a deck of cards in a box in a box in another box, plus a few standard gaffed cards?!? Oh, and the gaffs don't match the included deck? Ridiculous!
Then I watched the first half-dozen or so vids and I've changed my mind.
Several if not all of these could have been sold separately as single-trick in the $5-$10 range. Thus, if only a few of them are worthwhile, it's actually good value for dollar. Well, the good news is there are several effects that I consider worthwhile, and I suspect I won't be alone thinking this. I've already gotten a couple of tricks that I'll likely use. E.g.
- "Perspective" is a nice non-pick-a-card trick with a lot of opportunity for humorous byplay with the spectator. Nothing earth shattering, but a decent enough trick to warrant the 8-card setup.
- The Dunbury Delusion handling here is again, rather satisfying, and tho it has a 10-card setup, it can be done essentially under the spectator's nose provided you have a half-decent cull.
And remember, I haven't watched the remaining 20 or so vids, so the prospect of finding more cool stuff is essentially assured.
My only (minor) complaints? The packaging is pretty but also pretty ridiculous. But it's also right in line with current trends toward sticking a deck of cards in a box that an iPhone would be happy to occupy plus a URL for a video that could just as well been a 16pp pamphlet.
And I suspect I'll find few if any FASDIU tricks, which are my preference.
Final observation: judging from the vids, Harapan knows several attractive young ladies. Is it him or the tricks?
Make a mark if you've read this far. ;-)
At first I was rather miffed at the price: $50 for a deck of cards in a box in a box in another box, plus a few standard gaffed cards?!? Oh, and the gaffs don't match the included deck? Ridiculous!
Then I watched the first half-dozen or so vids and I've changed my mind.
Several if not all of these could have been sold separately as single-trick in the $5-$10 range. Thus, if only a few of them are worthwhile, it's actually good value for dollar. Well, the good news is there are several effects that I consider worthwhile, and I suspect I won't be alone thinking this. I've already gotten a couple of tricks that I'll likely use. E.g.
- "Perspective" is a nice non-pick-a-card trick with a lot of opportunity for humorous byplay with the spectator. Nothing earth shattering, but a decent enough trick to warrant the 8-card setup.
- The Dunbury Delusion handling here is again, rather satisfying, and tho it has a 10-card setup, it can be done essentially under the spectator's nose provided you have a half-decent cull.
And remember, I haven't watched the remaining 20 or so vids, so the prospect of finding more cool stuff is essentially assured.
My only (minor) complaints? The packaging is pretty but also pretty ridiculous. But it's also right in line with current trends toward sticking a deck of cards in a box that an iPhone would be happy to occupy plus a URL for a video that could just as well been a 16pp pamphlet.
And I suspect I'll find few if any FASDIU tricks, which are my preference.
Final observation: judging from the vids, Harapan knows several attractive young ladies. Is it him or the tricks?
Make a mark if you've read this far. ;-)
Jeffrey
I love the concept of Optics with the video lessons and accompanying cards that Mr. Ong provides. I am a fan of Harapan Ong and bought Principia when it first came out. If Harapan put something out I buy it fast before it sells out. He is a truly gifted magician and teacher and I am grateful that he is associated with Vanishing Inc. The top magic company in the world.
Mike
Harapan's done it once again. He's not only one of the best living card magicians, he's also one of the most inventive creators of new card magic material as well as one of the best teachers of card magic. He knows exactly how to explain every step of his routines in a clear and succinct manner without the excess glut. It's almost like he does this for a living.
Norman
This product is an excellent addition to principia and with the video format makes learning some things that were difficult to understand reading more digestible.The cards are excellent and I just found out they are fully marked.Absolute must if you like good solid card magic.recommend highly
Masterclassmember
Jeff L
I emailed Harapan to let him know how elegant “Kaleidoscope” was as the first effect in Opticks. This set of effects is worth every bit of the hype that it received on release. They are practical, creative and and fun! The sleights are useful, the extra gaffed cards are a bonus…
Chris
Beautiful presentation on a self working trick
Lawrence
Harapang is great. The videos are well done and easy to understand . It was a nice collection of 26 different tricks . It comes with the Newton deck and gaff cards for that deck. It also has gaffs cards for The bicycle deck both blue and red . This is a must for card magicians. There are some of the common card tricks with harapang twists and changes to them to keep them fresh.
Aaron
One of the best products in the past few years!
Jonathan
I enjoy Harapan Ong’s tricks, but I do not like his patter. I find it to be annoying and it takes away from the effect. In my opinion (and only in my opinion I suppose), he could reduce the patter and have an even better effect. For example, and maybe it’s different for laypeople, no one is going to believe that a deck of cards have magical powers or can think on their own, and such. Audiences are smarter than that. His patter, and a combination of his acting, is rather annoying for me. However, as I mentioned, I do enjoy the tricks. They are different than many tricks I’ve seen. This is only my opinion, maybe it works with you.
Masterclassmember
Adam
What a download. This guy has some snoozer dealing long process tricks, but also there’s also some real workers. Great teaching and what a fertile mind. Highly recommended.
Jay
Everything about this project is just amazing. Opticks is a game changer!! These tricks are fun, engaging, practical, and most of all they aren't too difficult if you have at least some practice with a deck of cards. I couldn't possibly recommend this more. And this isn't even mentioning the deck that comes with it. Such a beautiful and "magical" design. Opticks is perfect for all stages of skill levels from beginners that want somewhere to start or for the professionals looking for something new and fresh to add to their set. For me it's a no Brainerd 10 out of 10!!!!!
Alex
VERY GOOD LOVED THE PRESSNTASON
Sterling
Excellent production value and clearly explained
Harold
Fascinating, concise without being overly technical. This was great!
Jonathan
I have just purchased Opticks, and the effects and routines covered did not let me down. Opticks is great because it is for all skill levels, meaning that there is something here for beginners or more advanced learners.
Philip
Very little work to get a very very nice effect..Especially like the false cut angle
Walter
Very well done! Video instructions are excellent. Something for all levels from beginners to experts. Highly recommend!
Owen
Smoothly displayed and elegantly explained. I'll have to start working on this one.
Josh
Harapan does it again! This "book" is such a solid contribution to card magic! Harapan's work is so practical and just makes sense. So many card tricks seem to be for other magicians and this material can really amazing laymen. Simple plots that just make sense. Great job Harapan!!
Gerald
This is a comprehensive 26 card trick collection from one of the best card magicians in the world! It is so much value and for some who are not good with books, seeing harapan perform and explain in videos might bring down the difficulty of learning the tricks.
andy
This product is an excellent addition to any magic library. The tricks are great for beginners and advanced card workers. This is a great tool for an introduction to the use of gaff cards and as advertised, it comes with everything you will need for each effect . The video download is segmented up into individual tricks, so you don't have to search for time stamps which is super convenient. It's worth every penny.
Masterclassmember
Jorge
Optricks takes great material from Principia as well as new work from Harapan and presents them in full tutorials. Whereas the video portion that accompanied Principia consisted of just performances, Optricks offers complete filmed tutorials! Newtons deck is amazing and the gaff pack features some super interesting cards! 5/5 for me!!
Branden
This series from Harapan Ong is unreal! I'm so happy I purchased Opticks!!
Seung
Most people thought this was a follow up book to Principia. But this is a greatly shot video project fearturing Harapan's unique card magic. The video contains live performances and instructions. A lot are incredibly clever and some are incredibly visual. However, almost all of the routines require setup or gimmicks (provided; but also easily repleaceable). Due to this, I can see myself only performing one or two routines from this project to spectators or including only one into my set. But I also don't see why the giant packaging for a deck of cards and several gaffed cards were needed (the VI orders don't come with a password, instead the instructions are automatically in your account). There are no knuckle busting moves and most intermediate card workers can perform the routines and there is something for everyone. There are a lot of good spins on classics. But just know beforehand that most won't be FASDIU. I see this project like adding spices to an existing set, add one or two that fits you. I would opt for Harapan's books first before this project ex. Principia to understand his thinking and approach to magic first.
Orlando
I really enjoy these types of routines. This something you won't get from any book. Transpositions have been around for ages. The creativity behind this and the rest of his work is superb. I love visual card word and this def is worth it.
TED
Great presentation
Skye
If you crave card magic that feels contemporary and fresh, Harapan Ong brings the goods with Opticks, his follow-up to his exceptional book Principia. While some pieces here will be familiar to those who own that book already, there's also plenty of new stuff to sink your teeth into, and most of it is well within grasp for the intermediate card magician. Original plots and novel takes on well-trodden territory are plentiful here, from transpositions to sandwich effects to ace cutting sequences and beyond.
Michael
As an intermediate card magician this was an amazing tutorial! I loved his explanations and intuitive teaching. The tricks were just delightful and I would recommend it for anyone looking to step up their magic! Vanishing Inc sells some amazing things and this is one of them!
Ka Kuen Kirito
Great download!!Great Tricks Also!! Brilliant ??
Masterclassmember
Michael
I'm loving this course so far! There are a few flourishes and sleights I probably won't use but I know how to work around them and the end results are really great. Thank you for this awesome course!
Jess
I'm going to write this review on this particular book but first I want to sincerely thank Josh and Andi for making the books they publish available as ebooks. I'm in my 70's and at a stage in my life where I'm liquidating my personal Magic Library because my wife warns me that I won't be taking it with me. As a result I've avoided buying any new physical books. Now I can experience the joy of new material at a very fair price. During their current Black Friday Sale, I've purchased eight ebooks to explore.
This brings me to the Opticks ebook/ videos. The ebook is presented as 26 tricks taught via video performances. Harapan has done a splendid job of presenting his card magic ideas to our community. The tricks are varied and I'm enjoying the paths he's taken. If you enjoy card magic as much as I do, you'll enjoy this offering from Harapan, too.
This brings me to the Opticks ebook/ videos. The ebook is presented as 26 tricks taught via video performances. Harapan has done a splendid job of presenting his card magic ideas to our community. The tricks are varied and I'm enjoying the paths he's taken. If you enjoy card magic as much as I do, you'll enjoy this offering from Harapan, too.
Marc
Kaleidoscope Production by Harapang Ong is an elegant way for producing four of a kind, for instance four aces. As it may be done after some shuffles and some false cuts, it can deserve as an opener before using the faour aces you have produce for an other trick. It is clever, easy to reset and easy to perform. It could be an interesting way to produce four cards you want in your every day magic performances.
Community questions about Opticks
Have a question about this product? It's possible others do too. Ask here and other Vanishing Inc. Magic customers will be able to respond with assistance! Alternatively, email us and we can help too.
Charles W asks: Can somebody tell me what gimmick cards you will need? Is it double backers and split index cards or is it something more intricate?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Hey, Please email us at wizards@vanishingincmagic.com and this is something we can discuss with you
David asks: The optics video is one continuous movie. Is there an index of times available that indicate the position of each effect in the video to enable quick and easy navigation?
- 1. Garry responds:They're are 26 individual video explanations and combined with the full tutorial, And each video has its own named title.
Walter asks: So the tricks are awesome but they are individual and most are stacks. so how can u perform multiple tricks without switching in numerous decks?..
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:This is not meant as one full routine. As mentioned, each trick is its own piece that you can add to your routines but they are not all meant to be performed together.
David asks: My bicycle double sided ace card got ruined during a performance at a bar and was wondering if there was a way to pick up just a few of those cards in case it ever happens again.
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Hit up our Support Wizards - wizards@vanishingincmagic.com and we'll see if we can help.
Tom asks: Is it possible to order more of the Newton decks separately that come with Opticks.
- 1. Jim responds:Not at this time.
Derek asks: Hi! I got an email that said the packaging was "a mechanical marvel that doubles as a display case." What is it a display case for? Decks of cards? If so, how many can it display? If not, what? Thank you! Derek
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:The case displays the deck of cards that comes with it. There is only room for one deck.
Gustavo asks: There's 26 effects in this download...how many are repeats from his original Principia book?
- 1. Harapan (creator) responds:Hi! Harapan here. There are seven of the best tricks from Principia that I've included in here. These are what I'd call the "essential" tricks from Principia - if you had to learn only seven tricks from Principia, these are the seven. And I've put all of them on video for you learn easily. Hope that clears things up!
Jordan asks: Does the pack of cards come with the gimmicked cards? And if so are those printed for bicycle. Thanks.
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:You get the custom Newton deck, and the gaffed cards needed for some of the effects yes. And yes, they are printed for bikes.
Gareth asks: Just a quick question, how much crossover is there in material from principia and opticks? Thanks in advance
- 1. Harapan (creator) responds:Hi! Harapan here. There are in fact some tricks that are from Principia that are also in Opticks. There are seven tricks from Principia, and one trick from Principia, but with a much, much better and improved handling.
- 2. S. Leslie responds:None that I am aware of.
Amit asks: Are all the tricks in Principia included in this release ?
- 1. Oliver responds:No
- 2. Craig responds:I believe 8 are from Principia.
10 questions
