(Editor’s note 12/22/2023: Longtime Wellesnetter Roy D. Raush informed us that American: An Odyssey to 1947 is now available on the ad-supported service Tubi with no subscription fee.)
By RAY KELLY
American: An Odyssey to 1947, Danny Wu’s acclaimed documentary on Orson Welles and U.S. politics of the 1930s and ’40s, is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video or purchase on DVD.
Streaming information can be found at amazon.com/American-Odyssey-1947-Orson-Welles/dp/B0CMCGYJH2. It is free with Prime membership.
“It’s a huge deal in terms of not only exposure but accessibility. Prime Video is one of the biggest streaming platforms, and I’m glad the film won’t be stuck behind a paywall. I’m also very excited for the film to be showcased to people who aren’t necessarily familiar with Welles’ story,” Wu said. “Our film has had a great run in terms of festivals, theatrical, and I hope we can keep that momentum going as the film hits streaming.”
Gravitas Ventures arranged for a DVD release in North America earlier this fall, said Wu, adding he is at work on a deluxe physical media release. It will be packaged with bonus features.
The DVD, which is Region 1, is available for sale at amazon.com/dp/B0C7X3DH2X.
Written, directed and produced by Wu, the documentary centers on Welles’ politics and the changing landscape of U.S. politics from FDR’s New Deal in the early 1930s to the Hollywood Blacklist of the late ’40s. American features a collection of stories leading to the year 1947, one of which delving into Welles’ crusade to bring to justice the police officer who blinded Black serviceman Isaac Woodard. In addition to talking to Woodard’s relatives, Wu interviewed film scholars and authors Simon Callow, Harlon Lebo, Richard France, Catherine Benamou, Todd Tarbox, James Naremore, and the late Robert Carringer.
The film has had a successful festival tour, including an international premiere at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, It’s All True International Documentary Festival in Brazil, and Austin Film Festival. The respected Westdoc Online recently included it in its list of the Great Feature Documentaries of 2023.
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