It seems like almost every kid has a phase where they pretend to be their favorite heroes from movies, comics, games, etc. In many cases, they'll try to re-enact some of the big moments from all those movies they watch enough times for their parents to research whether they can get a restraining order against Disney. But what if those kids kept playing pretend as they grew into adults? Further, what if their favorite scenes to recreate were the ones where Batman disappears like a restaurant server when it's time for the check?

That's where VFX studio Corridor Digital comes in. The YouTube-based team has effectively made a career out of turning childhood pretend time into a professionally produced art form. Taking a step beyond digital methods like their reproduction of Terminator 2's groundbreaking effects, this time they decided to go entirely low-tech and practical as they attempted to discover how feasible one of Batman's go-to moves actually is.

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Long-time fans of DC's dark knight are likely familiar with a famous bit of illusion he often employs to the shock (and occasionally frustration) of those unfortunate enough to engage him in conversation. Essentially, rather than saying "thanks, goodbye" like a slightly less eccentric type, he'll often end exchanges of information by vanishing as soon as his unlucky target turns the other way for a second. As humorous as it sounds, it's become a staple of the character, and Corridor Digital wanted to know whether the move was possible to pull off in real life.

So, with some guidance from fellow VFX artist and filmmaker Freddie Wong, the experiment began when Corridor's Niko challenged fellow team member Jake to prove it could work. It turned out that the big trick to it was all in the concept of misdirection, not unlike various techniques employed by real-life stage magicians. Misdirecting his targets by making them think he wanted them to look for an envelope, Jake ducked behind the natural clutter of the environment as soon as their attention was elsewhere, resulting in some rather hilarious reactions.

To the delight of Niko, Jake pulled the stunt on several other members of the Corridor Crew, each falling for the ruse and becoming truly bewildered at his disappearance. The stream of these confused friends all being caught off guard with genuine surprise one after another is incredibly entertaining to watch, particularly given how it's all low-tech and satisfyingly reminiscent of childhood playtime. In the end, Niko had to concede defeat, admitting that Batman's disappearing act is technically possible to pull off, though the movies and shows may have exaggerated certain aspects.

It's an oddly comforting video, focusing entirely on practical effects with the kind of seriousness only a kid could have backed by the resources of a bunch of adults with enviable careers. Maybe next time they could cover how a fat cat like Garfield can walk on his hind legs. That's way more magical than Batman hiding behind a dumpster.

The Batman is scheduled to be released in theaters on March 4, 2022​​​​​​.

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Source: Corridor Crew/YouTube