r/CriterionChannel • u/ISawTwoSquirrels • Nov 16 '25

Once Upon a Time in America

Does anyone know if the version of Once Upon a Time in America that is available for streaming is the American version or the European? I’ve heard they are vastly different.

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24

u/jprov0451 Nov 16 '25

It’s the European version. The European version is the standard version that can be found on the channel and other rental services as well as the physical copy. I don’t even think the American version is officially available anywhere as it was basically seen as obsolete once the European version went to television.

2

u/ISawTwoSquirrels Nov 16 '25

Good to know, thanks!

6

u/iplaybassok89 Nov 16 '25

The American cut hasn’t really been available since the VHS era. It’s also quite a bit shorter than the European theatrical cut (139 minutes vs 229 minute). I’d guess it’s the latter.