Magician's 24-Hour Water Tourture
Aug. 27 -- In the past few years, magic has gone far beyond pulling a rabbit out of a hat. Illusionist David Blaine has pulled himself out of a water-filled coffin, and then buried himself in a block of ice. But there's a new kid on the block.
"Magician of the Year" Criss Angel has repeated one of the death-defying stunts of the great Harry Houdini.
Angel honored Houdini, his idol, by staying submerged in a tank of water for 24 hours. He escaped Tuesday from the chains and contraption during ABCNEWS' Good Morning America.
Houdini first performed his water torture routine in 1913, but he didn't stay in for 24 hours. Angel said he got into the magic business because of the legend.
Angel didn't sleep or eat during his time under water. His only source of oxygen was a 3/8-inch air tube, which was pulled out of the tank at the 24th hour.
Criss Angel's magic show, "Mindfreak," is full of tricks, music and smoke. The illusionist has been described as David Copperfield-meets-Marilyn Manson, and he does his act, fittingly, at the world underground theater, in the world wrestling complex in New York City's Times Square.
ABC Family Channel will premiere Criss Angel Mindfreak, part of its 13 Nights of Halloween programming, on Oct. 20 at 9 p.m. ET.
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