Directed by Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Chuck Workman, Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles explores the artistic and private life of Orson Welles, taking the viewer on a wild journey through his accomplished career in theatre and radio, and in film and television – both in Hollywood and in Europe.

Featuring new interviews with Welles authorities including Simon Callow and Peter Bogdanovich, and illustrated with a wealth of archival material and film extracts, Magician reveals a pioneering, uncompromising artist who, although misunderstood in his own time, is now rightfully lauded as a master of his art.

Following its recent UK cinema opening, Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles comes to DVD on 24th August 2015 from the BFI at the RRP of £19.99.

Special features will include:

• Original theatrical trailer

• A Conversation with Director Chuck Workman (2014, 9 mins): film scholar Annette Insdorf interviews the award winning director

• A Personal Appreciation of Orson Welles by Simon Callow (2015, 31 mins): an insightful interview with the acclaimed actor and Welles biographer

• Illustrated booklet with a new essay and full film credits

The BFI has been marking Orson Welles’ centenary year with a two-month retrospective season at BFI Southbank (1 July – 31 August) and the release in selected cinemas UK-wide of Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles and Touch of Evil (1958). Also released on DVD on 24th August is the 1955 TV series Around the World with Orson Welles.