Tom Petty’s celebrated documentary, “Somewhere You Feel Free – The Making of Wildflowers,” is set for a Blu-ray release on September 12th. This film, directed by Mary Wharton, explores the creation of Petty’s iconic 1994 album “Wildflowers” through unique 16mm footage captured between 1993 and 1995, alongside contemporary interviews with his bandmates and producer Rick Rubin.
The documentary provides an insightful glimpse into Petty’s artistic journey during a transformative period of his life as he dealt with personal changes within The Heartbreakers while working on what he originally envisioned as a double album. Due to Warner Brothers’ concerns over production costs, Petty had to reduce the tracklist from 25 songs to 15, a process that significantly shaped the album.
The upcoming Blu-ray edition will feature 30 minutes of additional content, including outtakes and four music videos. Notably, the film won the Audience Award at SXSW 2021 and had a limited theatrical release on October 20, 2021, coinciding with what would have been Petty’s birthday.
Previously available digitally—including in 4K on Petty’s official YouTube channel—this physical release adds to the legacy of “Wildflowers.” The album, which garnered triple platinum certification just nine months after its release and remains Petty’s fastest-selling work, highlights the profound impact of his creative vision, even as it faced production constraints.
In a nod to this legacy, the fall of 2020 saw the release of “Wildflowers & All The Rest,” a collection curated by Petty’s family that showcases the comprehensive recording sessions, live tracks, demos, and alternate versions.
This documentary serves as a heartfelt tribute to Tom Petty’s artistry, providing fans with deeper insights into the creative process behind one of his most beloved works.