The two black vertical lines are actually the same size. this was originally a single still frame (the first frame of the video), and from that it’s hard to see that the lines are the same height (though print this out and use a ruler and you’ll see they are). i created this quicktime to illustrate just how the illusion works. all i do in the video is slowly take away the other elements in the picture.

i never alter the lines as i erase other parts of the image. both lines are exactly the same height, but the other diagonal lines around them give the illusion of one being smaller than the other because our brains perceive the horizontal lines coming together as moving away from us into the distance, thus interpreting the “rear” black line as larger.

The best way to see these images is at higher resolutions. I am disappointed in the quality of how the videos look on-line, so I will have a larger file format for downloading on my home site.

The Cydonia Surprise anamorphic demonstrates the basic principals of the process used to illustrate what is otherwise hidden from plain view.

Using seek go to the 00.16 mark. Note that the Viking mars face is now a new alien face… in the mirror position…look at the eyes for rientatation.

Now note how details resolve in this perspective… a key to understanding how to “un-lock” the hidden images… go to 17 and note how tone changes bring out the iconographic symbols.

I got my my homegurl zuly to play this game but she barely flinch

Stare at the black dot in the center. No dirty tricks!!! For a split second, the black and white picture will appear in color

Stare at the dot no matter what happens.

I showed this video to a friend at work, and he told me Burger King was giving away smaller versions of this device to the kids, which makes me feel a little silly now. But it’s still a cool illusion if you’ve never seen it

The Hollow Face Illusion is probably one of the most amazing optical illusions we have come across. Plus this is Einstein Year. So… Grand Illusions has commissioned this particular version of the Hollow Face Illusion. The original head of Albert Einstein was created for us by the sculptor Bryan Parkes, and the manufacturing process was managed by David Burder. This is a 1.5 times life size version of Albert Einstein’s face, since the illusion works best when the head is slightly larger than life size. It is made from a very strong plastic, and is virtually unbreakable. The mask can be stood up in a window and the whole face seems to follow you as you move around the room. Truly, an amazing illusion…

This is a wonderful optical illusion. This little dragon is made out of paper – you simply cut it out and stick it together, and stand it on a table or window ledge. But when you move around, the dragon’s head seems to follow you around the room. Have a look at the video, to see what we mean

Amazing optical illusion. It looks as if the dragon is watching and following u. Interested in making one?

A woman turns to optical illusions to overcome life’s difficulties. with the very special voice of Rosie Thomas, animation by Tom Eaton