There are great films that remain impossible to find on physical media, particularly among the 20th Century titles. As JoBlo’s Chris Bumbray points out, “Young Frankenstein” is out of print, while “Cocoon” has yet to receive US release. However, one “lost” title might finally be making the jump back into existence.
Kathryn Bigelow’s “Strange Days” has remained largely unavailable on physical media, with only an old DVD edition to its name (which I own!). But according to Bill Hunt at The Digital Bits, Disney is finally set to release the film on 4K Blu-ray, possibly as early as this fall.
A major commercial bust upon its 1995 release, Bigelow’s film is set in Los Angeles on the then-futuristic eve of the millennium and stars Ralph Fiennes as an ex-cop who deals in an electronic device that allows users to experience other people’s memories and sensations. Suddenly, he comes across a snuff recording, and sets out to uncover the truth behind the crime with the help of his bodyguard, played by Angela Bassett.
What makes “Strange Days” so good is how completely it throws you into its world. It’s grimy, sweaty, paranoid and kind of sleazy, but it never feels fake. Bigelow makes Los Angeles feel like it’s constantly on the verge of falling apart, and the whole idea of recording and selling other people’s experiences feels weirdly ahead of its time. Fiennes is great as this washed-up guy who can’t let go of the past, while Angela Bassett basically walks into the movie and owns every scene she’s in. It’s a strange combination of sci-fi, crime, romance and political thriller, but somehow all of it works.
More than anything, “Strange Days” has an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate. It feels dirty and dangerous and alive. Much credit to Bigelow who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Jay Cocks and, surprise, James Cameron. Her career would eventually lead to the twin peaks of “The Hurt Locker” and “Zero Dark Thirty,” but “Strange Days” — along with “Near Dark” and “Point Break” — was already proof of her ability to stage atmosphere and kinetic action better than most of the big boys ever could.
“Strange Days” has since been reevaluated in certain circles. Yet despite its growing reputation, the film has remained frustratingly difficult to find on physical media. After years of hiding, a major restoration and wider release could give the film the second life it deserves.
The man doesn't stop. James Gunn has confirmed he's already hard at work writing his next film, even as ‘Man of Tomorrow’ makes its way toward theaters next summer.