Pepper's Ghost

I have a goal to one day make a Pepper's Ghost illusion of my own. I did a TON of research in preperation until the research became an obsession on its own, so here's that!

It surprises me just how little this illusion is made these days using the analog form. It's not expensive to make in a medium to small scale, and just takes some careful adjusting of sight lines. I think at this point, many people associate it entirely with Disney, and that makes me irrationally sad. Why should they have the monopoly on cool effects? Especially ones that were already a century old when Haunted Mansion was built? My point being, people associate it with these huge expensive projects, when in reality it's a very simple process. It deserves to be demistified.

Time to really dig, as Adam Savage says, "through the bottom of the rabbit hole". Sit back, put on your Pepper's Ghost themed album, and let's do some searching.

Published Writings
Online Resources

Online Summaries & Instructions

Hobbyist Recreations (Digital):

Hobbyist Recreations (Physical):

TV & Movies

Movie Examples:

Harry Kellar's "Blue Room Illusion":

Theme Parks

Not Disney

Disney

Haunted Mansion photos show, better than anywhere else, how well the reflection travels depending on your angle of viewing (as long as you can control the sightlines that is). Photos from the ballroom floor, eye-level with the animatronics, show the illusions still lining up perfectly.

The "Girl to Gorilla" Illusion: Content warning: often contains offensive depictions of indigenous groups

Haunted Mansion Photos

Lights-on

Other promo

Arcade Cabinets

Note: the arcade cabinets are the first example I've found of the effect using black light! I had considered black light to be a good option to produce a stronger glow from the subject - and am surprised that I don't see it more often. But, I suppose, considering the lack of physical subjects in general, no one has bothered to use black light on their tiny educational models. This would be worth experimenting with. The black light paints and lights would be more pricey, but since we're working with such a small footprint (similar to the cabinets) the reduction in light spillage may be worth it!

Second note: I love the evolution from turn-of-the-century sideshow tricks and carnival games to electromechanical arcade cabinets of the 60's and early 70's. Even if live theater uses of the illusion are my focus.

The other day, I got to see two of these in person at an antique store!!! They aren't functional :( but I poked around a little and was able to see the mirror inside. I really hope to get to play one someday.