Synopsis

In a brutal 22nd-century metropolis, Judges combine police, courtroom, and executioner powers to impose order. The uncompromising Judge Dredd is framed for murder by Rico, a renegade Judge and his genetically created brother. Stripped of his authority and sent to a prison colony, Dredd uncovers a conspiracy tied to the Janus Project and returns to Mega-City One to confront Rico before the city falls under his control.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film is based on the British comic-book character created by writer John Wagner and artist Carlos Ezquerra for 2000 AD.

• Six months were spent constructing the sets at Shepperton Studios, including a large outdoor section representing Mega-City One. The production also relied on matte paintings and computer-generated effects to extend the city vertically.

• The futuristic City Cabs were developed with Land Rover. Their designs were based on modified Land Rover vehicles, turning product placement into part of the film's visual world.

• Production designer Nigel Phelps received his first feature-film assignment as sole production designer on the project. He had previously worked as an art director on Batman.

• The theatrical version was recut repeatedly after receiving an NC-17 rating from the MPAA. Several violent scenes were shortened or removed, including material involving the ABC Warrior robot and Dredd's confrontation with clone Judges.

• The film's tonal problems reflected a creative disagreement during production. The original concept was darker and more satirical, while later changes emphasized humor and a broader action-adventure approach.

• The Cure recorded "Dredd Song" for the end credits. The track later appeared on the band's Join the Dots: B-Sides & Rarities 1978-2001 collection.

• Although the film was poorly received by critics and considered a box-office disappointment, its sets, costumes, vehicles, practical effects, and visual design have continued to attract praise.

• The production generated several tie-in publications, including a full novelization, a junior novelization, and a DC Comics graphic novel adaptation.