Tim Thomerson is a 23rd-century cop who goes back in time to capture his arch-nemesis who is planning to change the past in order to control the future with his psychically controlled zombie henchmen, the trancers of the title. Blade Runner French connects with The Terminator in a nail-biting quickie from minor cult director Charles Band. Thomerson gives a wonderfully high-flying Dirty Harry-goes-cyber-punk portrayal and 1997 best actress Oscar winner Helen Hunt makes an early appearance as his innocent sidekick in present day LA.

Angel City trooper Jack Deth is sent back in time from 2247 to 1985 L.A. to inhabit the body of his ancestor. Deth's assignment is to find his archenemy, Whistler, who turns people into zombies, before the fiend is able to kill all the ancestors of the future's governing council.