There's so much wrong about some posts made in this thread.
I won't get involved into this, but I'll clarify some grave misconceptions.
1. Amaterasu is not a close range technique. The databook page somebody quoted here refers to Tensha Fuin: Amaterasu, the technique Itachi used to seal it into Sasuke's eyes. That technique only works at close range, obviously. But Amaterasu itself is a close to far range technique, as stated in the first or second databook.
2. It does appear, and it does not travel. That's not just implied by the SFX: Appearing, but can be clearly seen. Of course, after it appeared it travels, that's why it moved to the Samurai, that's why it moved from the roof of the Uchiha building to the forest. That much should be obvious. Obviously the flames do not disappear if they miss, that's why they're moving forward after they have appeared.
3. It does not take any preparation time. There are plenty of techniques that took some time to be prepared the first time, but can now be used nearly instantly. A good example would be Kamui. It was shown that Amaterasu can be used instantly when Itachi and Sasuke used it against Kidomaru's web.
4. Ordinary Kawarimi no Jutsu will not help against Amaterasu. Who had that ridiculous idea? With ordinary Kawarami one can switch the position with any kind of object, but obviously doing so wouldn't get rid of the flames. Sasuke used a special version, that only he, Orochimaru and Kabuto can use, since it's based on Orochimaru's rebirth technique. Bee used a unique version as well, since he's a Jinchuuriki and was transformed into Hachibi at that point. On top of that there were two main factors enabling him to do so. The first one is that Sasuke had to protect Karin, otherwise he wouldn't even have cut off that tentacle. The second one is that Sasuke didn't intend to kill Bee, that's why he extinguished the flames.
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So, of one doesn't have amazing reflexes or sensing abilities and speed on Raikage's Raiton no Yoroi v2 level, he cannot dodge Amaterasu. If one doesn't have any kind of advanced absorbing or repulsion technique, can use a rebirth technique or extinguish them, they cannot get off the flames after being hit. It's not just instantly and nearly impossible to dodge, it's also deadly in itself. It kills a multiplying dog that cannot be killed by ordinary means. It burns a hole into the stomach of a toad whose stomach was said to be fire-resistant. It disabled a Bijuu, and not just any Bijuu, but the second strongest. Not even self-healing on Tsunade's level will help against those flames, since they burn for seven days or until the target is completely annihilated.
Of course, it's overrated by some people, but it's more underrated than overrated.
If requested, I'll provide the appropriate pictures to back up my points.