(Streaming video is created from a playlist comprised of several live clips)
In the seventies, it was Doug Henning who captivated television audiences with his magic. He brought to the world a child-like innocence, creating a sense of wonder and magical passion. Next, David Copperfield filled our screens with stage illusions larger than life, incorporated with strong theater and inspirational mellow-drama. More than a decade after Copperfield graced us with his presence, along came Magic Man, David Blaine. While the focus was on strong in-your-face close-up magic, the emphasis was on audience reaction, something never choreographed in a made-for-television magic show. Absolute brilliance in simplicity! Without the flair that most magicians force upon their audiences, the persona of an almost withdrawn from society figure, has created and recreated some of the most powerful magic that stunned the world when television audiences tuned in to see Blaine's first TV special.
Not much to my surprise, many magicians do not give credit to David Blaine for making the art magic and illusion as sexy as it has become today. They simply don't get it. Performance Art and Street Theater seems to have completely bypassed most current day magicians. Bringing back the old vaudeville-styled publicity stunts to a modern audience has gained Blaine more exposure than every working magician currently living, combined. David's Houdini-like approach to his magic stylings, from his relationship with his mother, to newspaper headlines around the world, have made him a strong presence that will not be forgotten soon. Blaine's monotone vocalism and simple manner of patter have become common ground for the magic hobbyists and many imitators, most notably the magician who ran a series of self-produced magic shows on a cable network who's name escapes me.
Sears & Roebuck became a household name because they targeted their wares to an audience that was middle America. Blaine's no dummy when it comes to marketing. Certain ethnic groups and cultures respond differently to magic; action and reaction. The action of laying witness to a very impossible feat of magic will cause a reaction. Selecting the most significant reaction and capturing that reaction again I must state, absolute brilliance!
Continuing with tradition, on May 8th, David will stun the world with another death-defying feat. The new special, "David Blaine: Drowned Alive" will air live from New York's Lincoln Center on ABC.
Learn the Magic
How does David do what he does? While much of what Blaine does cannot be explained, there are some close-up illusions that are marketed magic effects. See them here!
On Monday, May 8th, at 8PM on ABC-TV, David's 4th television special will air for two hours. Immediately after the special, return to this page for something very special. While we're not at liberty to reveal what this something special is, we can tell you, you'll like it!
Daily Video Pics Learn the Magic David Blaine Site
