Trivia

The "Slow-Mo Duck" illusion has been performed again in the international version of Copperfield: Tornado of Fire (2001).

The "Escape From Death" escape makes a really wide use of the original motion pictures score composed and conducted by Bill Conti for The Right Stuff (1983).

On March 11th, 1984, David Copperfield was doing a rehearsal of the "Escape From Death" escape, which, however, went wrong and caused him even physical problems. He was handcuffed and shackled to a structure immersed in a tank full of water, and he should have been free within 3 minutes, but unfortunately the chains got tangled up, and handcuffs prevented him from freeing himself from the tangle. This uncomfortable condition also caused him to bang against the walls of the tank, forcing his assistants to intervene to pull him out, an operation that succeeded after about 1 minute. He was in a state of hyperventilation and shock, and the paramedics present just to intervene in case of some accident brought him to a Burbank hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with abrasions and pulled tendons in the arms and legs, a condition that forced Copperfield to use a wheelchair for about 2 weeks and then walk with a cane until complete healing. This incident, however, did not prevent him to complete this TV special and to broadcast it on CBS respecting the scheduled date, April 6th.

The "Escape From Death" escape is the longest illusion included in this TV special: it reaches the length of 8:16 minutes. The measured time also takes into account the initial explanation and preparation.