I was watching Lance do the Audience Dismember on TV last week. I know that Jim Steinmeyer thinks everything through thoroughly, but here's my question:

Is moving the sign unnecessarily drawing attention to something that doesn't really need it? I mean, isn't the fact that you can see beneath the box enough "proof"?

I never really analyzed the trick, and could not determine the method from magazine photos (for obvious reasons.) But once I saw the moving sign, the method hit me like a ton of bricks!

What do you guys think? Is the movement really necessary?

And while we're at it, what's the point of spinning the prop? An end view of the offset legs section should not really be seen. Why do it?

Ah .. I'm sure there is a method to the madness. Not everything works .. and this illusion has a few drawbacks. Lance seems to have figured out the sight lines are also not perfect .. but the big screen seems to solve that problem. Turning the prop may be simply to buy some time .. or to reveal that there is nothing to be seen behind the sign.

I always liked the idea of sawing a member of the audience .. doesn't get any better than that. I've got the Audience Acupuncture and have been very happy it in the show.

Steve

It is welcomed in Halloween Shows for older crowds.

That was a great appearance...Lance is the best of the best. I think the illusion is good and the sign move doesn't stand-out in my mind. Lance did it well.

Is there a clip of Burton doing this?

Hi Michael,

Do a search on youtube.com under Lance Burton and I think there's a video of his version.
Hans Klok has as well a video on youtube.
Oliver.

When I first saw the clip, I was impressed that the back panel moved. But I do agree with StarrPower that it is a bit contrived. If I were to do it, I'd probably block it so that moving the sign was by accident (hit it, got caught on clothing, etc.) and then move it back into position.

Just my 2 cents.

Quintana
(KEEN)-tah-nah

"Dismember" looked pretty good on TV .... but apparently not so good in real life? "Edge" problems, perhaps?

Steve, I'm with you ... I like the idea of working with audience members for tricks like this. How does the Acupuncture hold up under less-than-ideal lighting? For example, would it fly at a banquet with people at almost-eye level, close proximity, no lighting control? Or is it best suited for stage work?

Mr. Powers .. Not every illusion is perfect .. and this one does have some drawbacks. The lighting can be a little tricky .. and it's not a close-up illusion either. Over all it's still a very cool illusion .. with someone from the audience. There aren't a whole lot of these out there .. and you rarely see one of these up for sale.

Bill does a great job with this one .. it's a very complicated illusion to build.

Steve

I saw Lance do this on TV late Nite w/ Craig Ferguson,The girl he pulled from the audience signed a slip of paper (in case of emergency) I wonder if what she really signed was a contact of secrecy,To keep her from spilling her guts not losing them...?
Maybe she has no more of a clue than i.But I found it a really cool illusion, a refreshing break from the standard.

I think the signing of the paper was a joke. I liked that he took a Polaroid of it for her as a souvenir; P&T did that with their chair suspension.

I wouldn't want to tackle building either of those ... the "Dismemeber" looks like a chore to build, too. Anyone know if it breaks down for packing?

I'd really like to see that "Acupunture" in action! Steve, if you're ever doing a public show with it, let me know (we're not too far from each other.)

Here's a clip of Lance Burton's appearance on the Late Show:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=sLQzOfGKAPU

I really enjoyed his presentation.

I think the movement actually makes the effect more convincing for the layperson. This gives the illusion that they are actually seeing straight through to the back. I've seen Lance do this live, and saw the Youtube clip, and it's a very effective illusion.

Jim

But doesn't the fact that you can see under the box to the sign already give that illusion? Why "prove" it?

I'm not convinced one way or the other; I just raised the question to see what you guys think ...

A friend of mine features this illusion in his show. The signing of the "release form" is nothing more than a comedy bit. The girl really has no awareness of what's going on.

Audiences really enjoy this one! When well-presented it is a lot of fun!

OK...and now for something completely different....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCNJBbgvi60

I doubt that anyone steals this guy's presentation...

Chris

It's BRUTAL.

Over $10,000 worth of illusions and no time spent on doing them justice. Sad.

Ah .. you might want to double that figure. The Blaney Suspension alone is over ten grand. With the way he was tossing pieces around .. these props may have been borrowed or rented.

I know I take better care of my stuff ..

Steve