Lance was amazing.....

Now the other guy, he had a nice way of moving the sign.....

That wasn't so bad ... I think I saw David Ginn use that routine.

If anyone had a box like that, they too could do the same thing.

Stop giving that guy sugar!

Copperfield would have moved the sign by magic. A little smoke, some wind, a raised eyebrow, a mysterious hand movement, and VOILA! The sign would move 5 inches!!

And then, to top it off, he'd move it back! THAT'S entertainment!

I think the thing that bothers me is when someone walks behind the prop (which happens several times in the LB video).... it draws my eye to a part of the prop that doesn't enjoy that much attention.

Not so much overkill as over price...

I am really infatuated with this illusion. It is designed to be comical in appearance, which allows for a lighter, less serious presentation. It has a stage illusion size, but uses someone from the audience (Bill Smith says that they just can't be too "hippie"), and can be done in most non-stage settings. Seems to have good marketing potential, as you can offer to saw someone in half from a group or organzation as a sales point to close a booking. All very attractive features that I am considering.

Chris

The 2nd guy doing this illusion... I'll have what he's having, as long as it's legal.

Well, the verdict is in, my girlfriend (layperson, not assistant) asked "Why did he do that?" when the sign in the back was moved. So, not to prove a point, but just to add a little fuel to the fire.

But here's the pain in my arse for this one. How come it seems that a majority of illusionists perform Interlude in black pants with a black backdrop while I ALSO see Audience Dismember performed, a big fat black platform with a BRIGHT BACKGROUND!?!?

*head explodes*

I'll be back.

Quintana
(KEEN-tah-nah)

Yes .. very observant .. but you see, you can't always have everything perfect. Of course a black backdrop would help hide things. If you're not performing in the same theater night after night, most of the time you just have to work with what you've got.

I think this is a brilliant illusion, I'd be glad to add this to my show.

Steve

Steve,

I agree it's a wonderful illusion. The "kicker" (not the sliding backboard, but the movement of the leg box FUEL! FUEL! FUEL!) is THE PERFECT visual for performance and publicity photos. I only wish some..nay.. ALL magicians would take the time to evaluate pending conditions and limitations that come with their purchase, and how to work them out.

Steinmeyer is at no fault. This is the best way for the illusion to work. I'd just like the magicians performing this to consider the possible restrictions to this and...well...ALL of his/her illusions, to ensure the secret is UNSEEN and, as for Interlude, legs SEEN! *smile*

Quintana
(KEEN)-tah-nah

Here is yet another video of the illusion. An excerpt from the BBC Children in Need November 2003, with record producer Pete Waterman as the magician, sawing Simon Cowell in half. The incredible thing to me was the use of an overhead camera, which allowed the viewer to see straight down into the prop!

http://www.crowdstop.com/cin_simon.htm

Interesting video Starr...... I thought the overhead camera effect was great to see....
I like many aspects of this illusion as well....

I have been performing Audience Dismember for 5 years now. I must have performed it more than 500 times. Its a great comedy piece but no killer. No body has ever comented how mystified they were by it. But definitly a keeper. I would't sell it for the world. It's a deal closer when you tell a client you will saw somebody of their party in half. And as a bonus you don't have to pay an asistant.

Is this illusion discussed in any of Jim´s books?

Just found out that Bill Smith has finished my Audience Dismember, and will be showing it at MAGIC LIVE. So those of you lucky enough to attend, let me know how it looks, and......don't touch! LOL

Chris

Do you know how much is for "Audience Dismember?"

Thx.
CC

I owned the Audience Dismember and sold it. It is very heavy. It doesn't break down and you do have to watch your angles. Also the size of the person you get out of the audience is important too. It is a well built prop though.

Heavy is an understatement! LOL

My original thought was "Hey, this will be especially cool for those solo gigs where I can feature a big illusion, by myself, with an audience member". Wrong! It weighs 375lbs in the ata case!

I was amazed when I unpacked the illusion and discovered that it seemed to be 90% made of metal! The legs, the table, the sides, the top doors, etc - all metal. Weighs a ton. This thing does not break down - other than the back sign board, and the foot/head rests. So no, you will not be able to load it in the back of your suv. In fact, your onstage help better be careful as this thing could run people over! LOL

But talk about a prop made for professional daily repeated work. Wow - Bill Smith & company really do a great job. This is a prop that is built to take it - and keep on giving, night after night.

Chris