Where to start with Gregg Araki‘s “Nowhere“? The culminating film of the director’s “Apocalypse” trilogy, the movie has always been hard to track down for various reasons. For one, it never received a proper DVD release, only VHS and Laserdisc. But it’s also the most hedonistic of Araki’s early work, with the MPAA and Fine Line Features (the film’s distributor) demanding that Araki cut out explicit sequences after its 1997 premiere at Sundance.
But that was before the trippy Gen-X classic got a 4K restoration. Along with a screening at Beyond Fest in LA, “Nowhere” in all its uncut glory is playing select theaters in NYC/LA in the lead-up to the restoration’s home video release from Strand Releasing. Strand starts the tour of its restoration today, so check the listings here to see if Araki’s film plays near you.
For those who haven’t seen “Nowhere,” Araki describes the film as “”Beverly Hills 90210” on acid”: a black comedy starring an ensemble cast on the brink of Hollywood stardom. The film centers on James Duval‘s Dark Smith, his girlfriend Mel (Rachel True), and her lesbian girlfriend (Kathleen Robertson) as they plan a massive party that leads to drug trips, sexual exploration, alien abductions, and so much more.
A big part of the charm of “Nowhere” is the amount of familiar faces who show up onscreen. Beyond Duval, True, and Roberton, there’s Christina Applegate, Ryan Phillippe, Heather Graham, Mena Suvari, Chiara Mastroianni, Debi Mazar, and Nathan Bexton. Denise Richards, Shannen Doherty, Rose McGowan, Scott Caan, and John Ritter show up, too.
There’s also the film’s soundtrack, featuring classic ’90s bands like Radiohead, Slowdive, Hole, Sonic Youth, Massive Attack, Portishead, Nine Inch Nails, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and more. Araki’s film really is a time capsule of LA in the mid-late ’90s, so the chance to see it uncut is a treat for the director’s fans.
Araki shared a statement about the new release of “Nowhere” with IndieWire to promote the film. “Due to circumstances beyond my control, “Nowhere” was never properly distributed on DVD in the U.S. — just VHS (!) and I guess, laserdisc (?!),” Araki said. “So, for the past 20 or so years, every time I appeared for a panel or Q&A, fans have been asking if/when “Nowhere” will get a proper release. Well, I’m thrilled to say that day is finally here!” With Strand’s help, Araki said he “created a brand new 4K remaster of “Nowhere,” color-timed from camera original 35mm negative at Roundabout Entertainment with totally remixed sound done at Monkeyland Audio. In addition, we have also restored footage removed prior to the film’s original theatrical release.”
According to Araki, “this remastered edition marks the first time the original, uncensored Director’s Cut has been available since” its Sundance 1997 premiere. So, again, this new release of “Nowhere” is special for fans of Araki’s aesthetic. Check out a trailer for the film’s 4k restoration below, and stay tuned for a release date for Strand’s home video release.