"Divine2" by Stathi Zaf
Suggested Retail USD$24.95
Available from your favorite dealer
In a Blink: 7 Out of 10

"Divine2", Stathi Zaf's DVD, is an interesting modernization of an old idea that, coupled with a very slick handling, makes this a clever device to play with and use once you've come up with something to do with it.

I don't think it's telling tales out of school to say that this is an impression device, but an impression device with a few very key things going for it.

First, and my own personal hang-up, this is about as maintenance-free as you can ask for. There's nothing to replace as with most other such devices (except during the course of normal wear and tear, and even that piece won't take you longer than a minute to deal with). For someone who doesn't like continually replenishing props before using them, this was a welcome feature. It also makes repeating this a breeze.

Second, this is very small, sitting comfortably inside a deck of cards. Yet despite it's size, you have a very good surface area, making reading it quite easy. Visibility isn't an issue here.

Third, and I think this is Zaf's real genius here, the handling is so simple that accessing the information is all but automatic. It may appear a bit gutsy at first, but working with it for a bit reveals it's anything but. This was a slick piece of thinking by Zaf and I applaud him for it.

I have to admit I have a certain love for this device and what Zaf did with it. Normally, this isn't my type of thing -- I'm just not that big on impression devices. But "Divine2" won me over, in no small part because of that handling. However, before you go reaching for ye trusty credit card, there are some things to mention here.

The basic idea, as neat as it is, is not original with Zaf. Though the ad copy touts him as the second coming of Da Vinci, this is something whose mechanics have been discussed before and mentioned before in at least one place (a certain piece of plastic with something green inside it... and that's the only hint you get). If you're expecting something totally mind-blowing in the mechanics, don't. Appreciate the handling, though, and the thinking behind it.

Also, though Zaf does a great job of teaching the construction and use of this gimmick, he falls short in one place: where to get the real heart of the thing. With barely a mention of it, I struggled to find it in stores (only to discover the one Zaf specifically says not to use), finally giving up and reverting back to the aforementioned plastic thing. This was aggravating to say the least and should have been caught during production.

The last thing to mention is the craftwork, which I do mention only because you might be curious. Putting this together is a breeze and won't take very long at all. You may have to spend some time tracking down parts, but once you do, assembly won't take but a few moments. For those of us challenged by such things, this is quite a merciful thing indeed.

So, with all of that, "Divine2" is something I recommend for those looking for a great re-working for an old device. If you're looking for a close-up, practical, impression device, this one will fit the bill admirably.

"Divine2" by Stathi Zaf
In a Blink: 7 Out of 10

Material: 9
The method is ancient, but modernized admirably by Zaf. Although mentioned briefly in another marketed effect, the handling and presentation here is worked out thoroughly and craftily. As impression devices go, this is a good one.

Practicality: 9
The set-up is minor, the reset reasonably quick (the squeamish might like a bathroom break here), angles are extremely good, and repeating this is not a problem. It also packs small (into something you likely carry anyway), which is huge plus.

Quality of Production: 7
The production is very good, though the camera angles work against Zaf at times. You won't have much trouble here, though.

Quality of Instruction: 7
Zaf does a great job of instruction with only one flaw: a lack of detail when it comes to locating a key portion of the device. That's frustrating but, in the end, only frustrating and not debilitating.

Presentation: 8
It's all in what you do with it, of course, but Zaf's work is good enough to get you on your way. Throw some more thought behind it (and behind the "why" of things) and you'll have an impressive little device.

Shane

Available direct from your favorite dealer. Dealers, please contact Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc. toll-free at 1-800-853-7403 or visit Murphy's Magic Supplies website.