ARCANE PLAYING CARDS RELEASED

Ellusionist has upped the ante with the release of a new custom deck of playing cards: The Arcane deck. Just in time for the holidays, the unique, seductive Arcane deck will make a great gift for magicians and card players alike. Arcane is the first in Ellusionist's new line of Signature playing cards. This deck features a dark, cryptic theme featuring glyphs written on ribbons of parchment.

"This deck has been five years in the making," said Jason Brumbalow, general manager of Ellusionist. "We wanted to get everything right with this deck, to make sure it met the highest expectations of the pickiest card lovers."

Printed by the U.S. Playing Card Company, the Arcane deck sets new standards for playing cards. Featured within each deck are classic Ellusionist innovations combined with incredible new features:

A simultaneous release of black and white versions. Buyers can choose the color that suits their style, or stock up on both to perform double-deck tricks or multi-colored flourishes and displays. Card players and poker-night hosts will want one of each to keep their games on pace.

An all-new, compelling back design. No angels or bicycles here. Only dark, cryptic glyphs that speak mysteries. The backs make fans, spreads and other flourishes look like works of art.

Newly-designed face cards match the glyphed, smoky backs. Each court card features traditional faces, but a different, Arcane-styled outfit.

High-resolution printing for incredible gradients and smoke effects.

A finish that reacts to ultraviolet light. The finish makes the cards handle like a dream and appear illuminated by powered lights when under a UV light.

A tuck case with wraparound design. This is the first card box of its kind.

The most important feature is the heart of the Arcane deck: The card stock upon which it is printed. Ellusionist's Aurora stock is exclusive to the company, and is regarded by magicians, card workers and even employees of the U.S. Playing Card Co. to be the finest stock available.

Ellusionist at forefront of new magic movement

Magic has evolved since the days of rabbits in hats, tuxedos and cheesy, unrealistic props. Thanks to performers of street and card magic such as David Blaine and Criss Angel, magic has become less hokey and a lot more powerful and astounding. It is now commonplace for young magicians to learn the art and present it with a trendy, modern style. Also pushing the movement is the art of flourishing (also known as "Xtreme Card Manipulation" or "cardistry"). Card flourishers and manipulators are performing non-magical yet incredibly intricate displays, patterns and stunts with a simple deck of cards.

Ellusionist has been at the forefront of this new magic movement, thanks to the company's online magic tricks instruction and superior props. Of all the items the company markets, its line of custom playing cards is one of the most popular. Previous decks include the Bicycle Black Tiger, Bicycle Ghost and Bicycle Shadow Masters. Each one of those decks featured a variation of the traditional Rider back.

The Arcane deck represents a mix of traditional features in past decks, combined with the new innovations listed above.

"We have discerning customers who have very precise demands for cards," Brumbalow said. "It's no secret that magicians love their cards. But performing magicians with regular gigs are absolutely counting on their cards to be perfect. We made Arcanes with them in mind, but anyone who likes cards will love this deck."