Product Details

• Actors: David Copperfield
• Directors: David Copperfield
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English, Spanish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Standing Room Only
• DVD Release Date: April 27, 2004
• Run Time: 130 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0001KNDTE
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #140,695 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In the magical realm of David Copperfield's Illusion, seemingly anything is possible. Essentially a "greatest hits" compilation of jaw-dropping illusions from Copperfield's 20-year legacy of highly rated CBS TV specials, this delightful DVD is guaranteed to entertain even the most skeptical critic of Copperfield's glitzy, Vegas-styled stage shows. The master magician is open to ridicule with his GQ looks, Versace wardrobe, atrociously dated hairstyles, and flamboyant posing, but he's the first to admit it, and his crowd-pleasing showmanship is merely the entertaining warm-up for a magic show unparalleled in the history of illusion arts. Featuring Copperfield's former fiancée Claudia Schiffer as a reporter who interviews Copperfield about his life and career, the CBS special 15 Years of Magic provides the bulk of this program, along with a variety of additional tricks and sleight-of-hand mastery.

The best-known illusions are all here (e.g., disappearance of the Statue of Liberty, walking through the Great Wall of China, the imploding building, the vanishing airplane), along with glimpses of artifacts (further detailed in the bonus features) from Copperfield's extensive, one-of-a-kind museum of magic tricks, automatons, and precious historical documents. And while Copperfield's commentary track necessarily avoids any explanation of how his illusions work, he gives generous credit to other illusionists who contributed their copyrighted work to these shows while explaining the logistical circumstances surrounding each illusion. He's also self-deprecating despite an obviously healthy ego, and the clip from Late Night with Conan O'Brien--in which a faux Copperfield performs ridiculous non-tricks on the streets of Manhattan--is a real hoot. Of course, any cynic could dismiss Copperfield's work as the product of precision engineering and rigorous rehearsal, but one simple fact remains: Not a single one of his marvelously staged illusions fails to delight and astonish. It's no mistake that the song "Young at Heart" is prominently featured; Copperfield invites us to embrace a childlike sense of wonder, making us partners in the act of defying everyday reality. Simply put, it's pure magic. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description

David Copperfield - the performer the NYT calls "Our Era's Giant of Magic" brings you two decades of his spellbinding career. The Master of Illusion takes you on a guided tour of his magic and his mind. Witness the epic illusions that redefined his art; The Disappearance of the Statue of Liberty, Walking Through the Great Wall of China, The Imploding Building, The Vanishing Airplane, and much more. Included are illusions featured in his Broadway show "Dreams and Nightmares" and Flying, the signature effect that took him seven years to develop.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST DVD OF IT'S KIND! March 11, 2004

By A Customer

Format:DVD

If i could give this 6 stars, I would. Hands down, this is the best Magic/Illusion DVD ever. It has all of David Copperfield's most incredible illusions. I've had the pleasure of seeing him live a few times, and nothing sums up his career better than this DVD. Not only does it feature his greatest illusions, it also has a ton of extras. It has audio commentary by the man himself, television trailers, facts on Copperfield, a tour of his museum, and much more. It all adds up to over 2 hours of bonus features. You can't beat that with a stick. Whether you are a fan of Copperfield or just love illusions and magic, this is the DVD for you.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Totally Awesome December 4, 2004

By Laura De Giorgio TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is art of magic and illusion at its very best - unparalleled - creative, daring, heartwarming. The majority of this DVD presents 15 years of David's stunning grand illusion - disappearing Statue of Libery, vanishing a train, vanishing an airplane, walking through a Great Wall in China, levitating, flying, and much more ... even the viewers disappear and reappear. There is also some sleight-of-hand magic and a lot of extras - including a brief visit to David's Museum of Magic.

Among his many brilliant ideas and hard work, I was delighted that he has also initiated a "Project Magic" - intended to teach simple magic tricks and help develop dexterity in people who are disabled as adjunct to their treatments not only to help with their therapy, but also to help enhance their self-esteem.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars DAVID COPPERFIELD ON DVD!!!!! August 17, 2005

By weareallone

Format:DVD

WOW! This 2-HOUR PLUS DVD showcases over 20years of the best magic the world has ever seen! Jam-packed with Special Features included a FEATURE LENGTH audio commentary by Copperfield Himself! Do not miss this!

David Copperfield has appeared in 18 televised specials since 1977. He has done one every year until 1995, with his 18th one in 2001. He has vanished a jet airplane and the Statue of Liberty, and walked throught the Great Wall of China. He's escaped being chained underwater, escaped from alcatraz, has survived a tornado of fire and going over niagara falls! In "Illusion", experience the best of the best! Funny, astonishing, entertaining, and awe-inspiring!

David has never released any of his 20 year magic history on any video or DVD. This is the first official release. Hopefully his first 18 1-hour specials will be realeased in a box-set soon! There are some TV specials found on e-bay from Singapore but in poor quality VCD. However this "Illusion" DVD has crystal-clear audio an video!

Copperfield uses no camera tricks, and does all illusions filmed live in front of a live audience (up to 10,000 spectators!). Copperfield today still goes strong, performing over 550 times a year in his worldwide tours! Up to 3 times every day! You will see here exactly what you would if you were watching live at one of his shows!

Track Listing: 1:Intro by Claudia Schiffer, 2:Orient Express vanish, 3:Fires of Passion (burning rope over burning spikes escape), 4:Graffitti Wall (Predicting Random-Drawn words/objects), 5:Cocoon (Metamorphosis), 6:MONTAGE #1: 15 Years of Magic, 7:David's History & Jet Airplane Vanish, 8:New Illusion/Preview, 9:Death Saw escape, 10:Brazilian Water Levitation, 11:[funny moment]/preview, 12:Statue of Liverty vanish, 13:MONTAGE #2: Slight of hand clips, 14:[trips on stair]/pt. 2, 15:MONTAGE #3: Romantic magic clips, 16:interactive flying (move your finger around the screen to experience the magic at home!), 17:[funny moment]/preview, 18:walking through the Great Wall of China, 19:Building Implosion escape, 20:Flying, 21:MONTAGE #4: Closing Credits, 22:Four Aces card trick, 23:Barclay House (haunted house illusion), 24:Snow

Also between each illusion, Claudia Schiffer interviews David leading up to the next illusion.

10 out of 10 stars! a MUST BUY! If you would like to collect or trade the original 20 years of TV specials on DVD contact me. Simply search Amazon users for "weareallone" to find me.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Full Length Commentary by David Copperfield, Television Trailers, "clone-on o'brien" Conan O'Brien spoof, Secret Artifacts From International Museum & Library of the Conjuring Arts, Biography and other Copperfacts, Awards and Honors, Languages, Dolby Digital Surround Sound.

In conclusion, enjoy Great Magic and an indepth look into the mind of Copperfield. The insightful feature length commentary makes this DVD a must have! A++ 100/100%