all of the special effects were achieved during the recording, rather than editing. the visual effect of mercury's face cascading away (during the echoed lines "magnifico" and "let me go") was accomplished by pointing the camera at a monitor, giving visual feedback, a glare analogous to audio feedback. the honeycomb illusion was created using a shaped lens. the video was edited within five hours because it was due to be broadcast the same week in which it was taped. the video was sent to the bbc as soon as it was completed and aired for the first time on "top of the pops" in november 1975.