Original subtitles

Illusion, the art of tricking the brain, distorting the senses, challenging

perception. You can't trust what you see, even with your own eyes, because

brain can be misled. Meet the Masters of Illusion.

I'm Dean Cain, and I want to challenge what you think is real and what you

is illusion.

Does the brain always see what the eye sees, or does it play games with you?

Case in point, look at this. Is one tabletop a different shape than the

Well, don't believe what you see. They are both the same.

It is your brain that created the difference.

We invite you...

To watch these masters of illusion.

There are no camera tricks. These performances take place in real time

live audience.

You see what they see.

Nothing has been edited out.

Are your eyes and brain fast enough for them?

Our first performer is known for his lightning speed.

Watch closely and see if you can catch him in the act.

Here is Jan Rubin.

What happens when you bring together a master illusionist and a piano genius?

Well, our next performers are just that. Take a look as Jarrett and Raja

transform fantasy into reality.

something really special to show you.

It's right over here.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. You'll be fine. I don't do this. Off with the jacket.

You'll be good. This is crazy. We need you.

This is insane.

Can we talk? You'll be fine.

No, no, no, no, no.

I want to go back. It's fine.

No, you don't!

Well, what you always do. Play the piano.

Watch out.

Like this. Why not? I'm cut in half. That's why not. Oh, you'll be fine.

me.

Whoa.

I did it. How did you do that?

That was crazy. How did you do that?

I'll need to be all right.

There you go.

Up next, Big Laughs with Michael Finney.

Michael Finney's magic is up close and in your face.

But can you stop laughing long enough to see how he does it? This gentleman

sitting on the third row, right on the aisle, you'd be easily accessible.

What is your name, sir?

You could have done it from your chair, but as long as you're coming up here,

here, take my hand, take my hand. How you doing?

I'm fine. I think you've been waiting all your life for this one moment,

you?

Your first name again is? Jay. Jay, pick a deck.

If you had a choice, which one would you take?

There you go.

Take your thumb, flip the top of the box, turn the box open, and let the

fall out. That's your deck. You do it with your deck.

And take your time. We're in no hurry.

Yeah, yeah. Thanks for ripping my box, Jay.

I probably didn't need it tomorrow.

Now, I want you to randomly select any card in the deck or you may search

through and find out your favorite card. It makes no difference to me. Just find

that as quick as you can.

Have you got the card?

Let me have the rest of the deck. Keep the card you have chosen.

I will turn my back, show that card to the audience. Don't let me see it.

Now, stick it into this deck anywhere at random.

a lot of you are saying, that's ridiculous.

I only do it for the cheap laughs, and you folks have been very gracious.

So now that I have you just whipped up into a frenzy, what do you say we

continue on in this carnival -like atmosphere?

All right, select any card out of the deck.

Once again, look at it, memorize it, show it to the audience, don't let me

it. All right, place it on top. All you have to do is recognize your card when

you see it again. Think you can do that? Yes, I can.

Tell me when you see it again.

Just holler out when you think you see it there, Jay.

It's close, right there.

All right, Jay's only been doing card tricks a few moments. Now I'm sure we're

all hoping for the best. Was that it?

No. Too bad, not my trick.

This effect now has a part it never had before.

Step over here, put your feet together and your hands down to your sides. Take

the cards into your right hand fingertips. Hold them firmly and press

the top of your forehead.

Let's be realistic here, Jay.

Now, what I'm going to do is wave my hand across the front of your eyes and

my fingers. Your eyes will shut and you will go into a deep trance.

Here we go.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, this requires complete silence. What I'm about to do

is read Jay's mind. Jay, are you concentrating on the card? Yes, I am.

eyes are shut? Yes. I'm starting to get an impression.

I'm having a hard time reading your mind, Jay. Please keep your eyes shut.

We're going to bring the cards down like this.

We're going to bring this hand up here on the deck.

When I snap my fingers, your eyes will open. You will awaken from your trance,

concentrating on this deck of cards.

Thumb me through them one at a time until you find your card. Open your

Thumb through there. Show me the card. This was the big one, right, Jay?

All right. Just show me what the little one was. Do you remember you went by

that first batch kind of fast, Jay?

That's not it right there, huh?

I'll be darned.

Was that it right there, Jay?

Jay, was that it?

No? Keep looking.

It's got to be in there somewhere.

I thought this was the big one, right?

Keep looking. Look.

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I dropped one, Jay. Is that it?

keep looking. Keep looking.

How about this one right here?

Not it.

That was terrific.

Is this it?

Yes, that's it.

Everybody give Jay a big round of applause.

Up next, Nathan Burton has a big surprise for you. And later, Spencer

versus the Jaws of Death.

Our next illusionist brings with him an empty box.

Simple enough, right?

Well, think again.

Pay close attention and don't blink because we won't cut away.

Here is Nathan Burton.

Thank you very much.

Now, Masters of Illusions asked me to bring my favorite illusion, and it's a

empty box.

Yes, it is. And let's take a look. Here we go.

But there's one thing missing from this trick.

The showgirls!

Give it up for the lovely ladies!

Michael Grandinetti is a master of now you see it, now you don't. His

performance challenges you to figure out not where, but how.

Thank you for watching.

Well known in over 50 countries, he has performed for presidents and won

multiple World Magic Awards.

This is Jonathan Pendragon.

Get ready to get wild with Rob Lake.

Up next, the danger is real and time is running out.

Spencer Horseman faces off with the jaws of death.

This is a length of three -quarter inch rope. It takes exactly two minutes to

burn through.

Spencer Horseman must free himself from a straitjacket before the rope burns

away and a thousand pounds of flaming metal come crashing down on him. The

danger is real.

Injuries and deaths have happened before.

Can Spencer escape before time runs out? Good evening.

Harry Houdini is considered to be one of the greatest escape artists that ever

lived.

So, a hundred years ago, Houdini created a number of escapes that are still

known and famous to this day. First and foremost being the straight jacket

escape. I'm going to attempt to do the same thing for you here this evening

a little bit of a twist.

A straight jacket is essentially a canvas bag that's been reinforced. There

five buckles that go down the back, a sixth on the sleeve. The last strap here

is the cruel and unusual part.

The arms crisscross in front of the body, one elbow locks onto the other

and these go around the back. My modern twist to this classic escape is the

device hanging behind me.

My own creation called the jaws of death, which are held open with just a

of rope, and a moment will be lit on fire.

Once it is, I'll have less than two minutes to free myself and then jump to

safety. If I don't, I'm crushed.

Wish me luck.

So there you have it. The impossible made real. Can you figure out how they

it? I can't. Remember, these are the best in the world. These are the

masters of illusion.

Until next time, I'm Dean Cain.