A virtual-reality pusher sells escapist clips of other people's experiences to image-addled junkies in this punishing, darkly stylish cyberpunk thriller set during the final 48 hours of 1999.

It is 1999, and urban society is little more than a vast wasteland of anarchic violence. Seedy, burnt-out ex-cop Lenny Nero caters to the sensation-seeking citizens by dealing in "clips": virtual reality sequences where the user can "re-live" the experiences of another, including robberies, rape and murder. But Lenny's life is turned upside-down when two rabid cops, who want an incriminating clip that Lenny possesses, begin to pursue him. Furthermore, Lenny, with the help of female bodyguard Mace, is desperately searching throughout the chaotic enclaves of L.A. for his ex-girlfriend Faith, who he still loves.
Everything comes to a head at a wild, tremendous -- and turbulent -- New Year's Eve party that will usher in the new millennium.

Premiered at the 52nd Venice Film Festival (Venetian Nights) held August 30 through September 9, 1995.

Shown at the New York Film Festival October 7 & 8, 1995

Released theatrically in the USA October 13, 1995.

Color by CFI; DeLuxe prints; shot in Panavision widescreen.

Additional cast: Joe Uria (Keith), Nicky Katt (Joey Corto), Michael Jace (Wade Beemer), Louise LeCavalier (Cindy 'Vita' Minh), Jim Ishida (Mr. Fumitsu), David Carrera (Duncan), Todd Graff (Tex Arcana), and Brook Susan Parker (Cecile).

Additional credits: Suzanne Geiger, Sam Hoffman, Rebecca Strickland (assistant directors), Leigh French (voice casting), Malcolm Brown (camera operator), and Banned From the Ranch Entertainment (video graphics).

10,000 people were invited to a free concert to fill the street for the climactic showdown--a scene which required 2,000 balloons, half a ton of confetti, and hundreds of fireworks.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
(unspecified) - English
Additional Release Material:
Alternate Scenes: Deleted Scenes
Behind the Scenes: Discussion of Opening POV (with Director Kathryn Bigelow)
Trailers:
1. Theatrical Trailer
2. Teaser Trailer

Ralph Fiennes: British actor, THE ENGLISH PATIENT, SCHINDLER'S LIST
Angela Bassett: American actress, WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT
Juliette Lewis: American Actress, NATURAL BORN KILLERS
Tom Sizemore: American Actor
Michael Wincott: British Supporting Actor
Vincent D'Onofrio: American actor
Glenn Plummer: Star, MENACE II SOCIETY (2003)
Richard Edson: Star, HARD SCRAMBLED (2006)

Kathryn Bigelow: Director/Screenwriter

James Cameron: Director/Screenwriter, TITANIC (1997), ALIENS (1986)
Steven-Charles Jaffe: Producer

James Cameron: Director/Screenwriter, TITANIC (1997), ALIENS (1986)
Jay Cocks: Screenwriter

Graeme Revell: Score composer

Howard E. Smith: American Editor, STRANGE DAYS (1995), TEX (1982)

"...A visionary triumph....The dazzling, era-defining STRANGE DAYS stands its moral ground..."
"...[Fiennes is] fun to watch here..."
"[A] visceral, violent distillation of America on the cusp of the 21st century..."
"...Breathtaking....Racing visuals thunderously reinforced by sonic closure..."
"...STRANGE DAYS has a dazzling atmostphere of grunge futurism..."
"...A technical tour de force for director Kathryn Bigelow and her team, who dazzlingly root this future noir in a technology that allows a viewer to revisit someone else's experience....The film is a triumph..."
"...The movie is a technical tour de force....The pacing is relentless, and the editing, by Howard Smith, creates an urgency and desperation..."