How do magicians like chris angel do the white death buried alive trick?

Answer 1

Like all of Criss' tricks there is an enormous amount of preplanning. The coffin is reinforced. The hole was dug 3 feet lower than what we were able to see. There was a 6x4 foot reinforced area that was dug to the side below the coffin. The side of the coffin has a break away panel. When the coffin is completely covered Criss acts as if he is trying to break the reinforced glass. He never breaks through. The cameras are cut in post production. After the camera is cut he opens the side of the coffin and pulls a hidden lever. The lever pulls the drop panels below him that hold the coffin. The coffin drops 3 feet creating the illusion that the hole has caved in and crushed him. Criss then rolls out of the coffin through the side of the coffin's break away side panel. He waits inside the reinforced area adjacent the coffin. He has warming devices here as well as an oxygen tank, mask and waterproof transmitter so he can communicate with his crew above. Criss waits for 45 minutes and begins his dig. The snow is loose so it isn't hard to move. He uses thermal gloves and digging scoops to move the snow. He uses a board to lodge above his head so the snow does not cave in before it is supposed to. One minute before the hour is up, Criss removes his gloves and stashes everything beneath him. He listens for a verbal cue from the crew above and he sticks his hand through the snow. Miracle.