David Blaine Lives Another Day After "Dive of Death"

On Wednesday night, a crowd of onlookers gathered in New York City's Central Park to watch 35-year-old magician/illusionist David Blaine complete his 60-hour upside down feat, followed by what was billed to be the "Dive of Death." The unfolding events were broadcast on ABC's 2-hour special titled "David Blaine: Dive of Death."

David's latest death defying spectacle began on Monday when he suspended himself upside down, with plans of hanging around for a total of 60 hours, using a harness and cables attached to a metal frame standing 44 feet tall. On-site medics and doctors warned that remaining upside down for such an extended period of time would lead to a risk of permanent blindness and stroke. Despite the risk David continued with his stunt, taking regular breaks to drink a little water, use the restroom, and receive medical check-ups. Meanwhile many fans and onlookers weren't so convinced by the claims of risk when they saw David taking his regular breaks in the upright position. Nonetheless, David completed his 60 hours on Wednesday night as both onlookers in Central Park and viewers at home watched in anticipation. Once upright, David appeared to be in pretty good shape for someone who just spent a cumulative 60 hours upside down, but he wasn't done yet.

Shortly after re-establishing himself in the normal upright position, David was lifted to the top of the metal frame from which he had hung in preparation for his "Dive of Death". He stood there smiling and waving at fans as the booming announcer's voice built up the anticipation level for this death defying dive, and warned viewers to not try any of these stunts at home. Then the moment came, the announcer asked David if he was ready, and then David proceeded to leap off of the 44ft tall metal frame. A "Dive of Death"? More like a bungee jump. An attached cable was clearly visible as David dangled awkwardly in the air for a few moments before being pulled up, slowly but surely, into the dark night sky. The crowd, and surely those at home, looked on in confusion as the booming announcer's voice feigned amazement that David had "disappeared into the atmosphere".

Thursday morning David appeared on ABC's "Live with Regis and Kelly" where he admitted that he was disappointed in the stunt, claiming that the stunt didn't go down as planned due to the broadcast's 15-minute overage caused by President Bush's speech on the economy. The overage which put them up against uncooperative wind that led producers to put their foot down on the originally planned stunt. Apparently David was supposed to jump and then be whisked away quickly holding on to balloons.

On the bright side, viewers were shown a video of David successfully catching a .22 calibre bullet in a metal cup in his mouth.

So David Blaine's latest stunt is receiving mixed reviews, and has fallen flat with many fans. It will be interesting to see what crazy stunt he comes up with next in an attempt to redeem himself.