Synopsis

In the early 22nd century, the medical rescue ship Nightingale 229 responds to a distress signal from a distant mining station. The crew discovers a mysterious survivor carrying a valuable and potentially dangerous object. As tensions rise aboard the ship, the rescuers face violent conflict, hidden motives, and a cosmic threat connected to an approaching supernova.

Factoids & Trivia

• The project began in the late 1980s under the title "Dead Star." Its early concept involved alien artifacts and was envisioned as a relatively inexpensive science-fiction horror film.

• H.R. Giger created early concept artwork for the original version of the project. The story was later substantially reworked into the rescue mission featured in the finished film.

• The production became notably troubled. The movie changed shape during development, its budget was reportedly reduced during filming, and extensive visual-effects work was cut after costs became an issue.

• The film's released director credit uses the pseudonym "Thomas Lee." This was chosen instead of "Alan Smithee," which had become widely recognized as a sign that a director had disowned a movie.

• Francis Ford Coppola was brought in during post-production to supervise another major re-edit at American Zoetrope. The finished theatrical cut therefore differed substantially from the version associated with the original production.

• A late-added ending includes new computer dialogue concerning the future effects of the supernova and a pregnancy revelation. Earlier versions reportedly ended on a more ominous note.

• The film was released in January 2000 after substantial delays. Made on a reported budget of $60 million to $90 million, it earned approximately $14.8 million worldwide and became a major box-office disappointment.