It’s not about beating it but about enhancing it. I think this video is pertinent.
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Dr. Feynman, of course, had a point, but I don’t agree that it applies here. To me, the main difference is in following the rules of the experience. You wouldn’t have had a slow-motion recording available to you if you were watching the performance directly. Why resort to it now? That is the primary objection I have. I’ve always appreciated Penn and Teller revealing the magic sauce in their trick – because they did it in a way that did not detract from the experience of the trick. You can watch the explanation and go right back and re-watch the trick.
There is also the question of intent: The performer’s intent is to deceive you. The audience’s intent is, ultimately, to be deceived. The trick disassembler’s intent is to remove that veil of deceit. I hope no one’s going to argue that flowers have an intent to not have anyone examine their cellular structure.
I consider a magic performance to be akin to a chess game: It’s a great deal of fun to play against someone close to your level. It’s also enjoyable and educational to play against someone far above your level. But resorting to slow-motion video, multiple camera angles, and so on, is like sneaking an extra handful of queens onto the board. Sure, you’ll probably win. But will you have fun?
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