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Deck of Cards Disappearing

Deck of Cards Disappearing is a cinematic magic effect where an entire deck of cards vanishes cleanly from the performer's hands in a wide shot, creating a visually stunning moment. This is categorized as stage or visual magic, but it's important to note that this specific effect, as depicted in the 'Now You See Me 3' trailer, relies heavily on CGI or camera editing and is not feasible to perform live with traditional sleight of hand. Buyers should be aware that this is a Hollywood illusion and not a practical trick for real-world performances, making it unsuitable for live shows where such edits aren't possible.

Key features

  • Relies on CGI or camera editing for execution

  • Not achievable with real sleight of hand in live performances

  • Best suited for film or video productions rather than live magic

  • Highlights the differences between cinematic and real-world magic

Pros

  • Creates a dramatic and visually impressive effect on screen

  • Can inspire creative ideas for video-based magic projects

Cons

  • Cannot be performed live without editing or special effects

  • Limited practical use for magicians performing in person

  • May mislead viewers into thinking it's a real, performable trick

Effect

The Deck of Cards Disappearing trick shows a magician holding a full deck of cards. The magician then makes the entire deck vanish instantly from their hands. The disappearance happens cleanly and completely, leaving the hands empty. This creates a moment of surprise for the audience.

Full details

This effect is presented in a wide shot with no camera cuts. The magician's hands are clearly visible before and after the vanish. The deck is shown to be a normal, complete deck of cards. The effect is designed to be a visual spectacle. The method for achieving this vanish in the specific way shown is not possible with standard sleight of hand techniques used in live performances.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is not a practical effect for live magicians. It is best suited for filmmakers and content creators who can use camera tricks and video editing. Magicians who perform for live audiences should not consider this a learnable trick for their repertoire. It serves as an example of cinematic magic.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Performing this exact vanish in a live setting is not feasible. Josep Vidal states that making an entire deck vanish cleanly from the hands in a wide shot is not possible with real sleight of hand. The difficulty for a live performer is therefore extremely high, to the point of being impossible. The effect relies entirely on post-production or camera tricks, not on physical skill.

What magicians say

Josep Vidal provides a clear analysis of this effect. He identifies the Deck of Cards Disappearing as "pure Hollywood." He explains that the vanish, as shown, "is not feasible with real sleight of hand and would require camera tricks or editing." His professional opinion is that this is an example of movie magic designed for the camera, not for a live audience.

What people are saying about Deck of Cards Disappearing

JosepVidalMagic says...

Making an entire deck vanish cleanly from the hands in a wide shot, as shown, is not feasible with real sleight of hand and would require camera tricks or editing.

Review videos