Just thoght I'd put this question out there for some interesting replies: Which illusion in your opinion has the best shock value? By shock value I mean the moment the magic happens, it is so astounding that it takes your breath away (i.e. the rip of the cloth in Copperfield's Cocoon, the tweet of the whistle when the magician reappears in the back of the house, when the first hand goes through in Interlude) Thanks!
-Nick

The most impressive illusion that I have seen live in quite awhile is the vanish above the audience in Copperfields' Portal Illusion, even though you know its' coming before it happens, WOW. Its' the speed.

Another would be the car production in the lottery routine, WOW again.

Blair

Even though this isn't grand illusion when you plunge the needle through your arm.

Ben

If you never saw it, and it is presented right, the Impaling can be very shocking.

For a more drawn-out shock, the Richardi sawing is probably up there.

Again, the most shocking ones are usually the first time you see it happen, especially for the lay person.

Impaled is good!

Blair

I'll always remember the time a woman screamed when I took the drop on the Impaled. That puts it at the top of my "shock" list.

Ms.M

The impaled did used to get a great reaction when I used it. What is the effect of Copperfields portal he never comes to the uk and TV doesn't show his specials either??