The classical limit of the quantum Wigner distribution function is found to
be either the classically defined Wigner distribution function or a perfec
tly localized phase space distribution of interacting classical particles/o
ptical rays. In the first case the negative values of the Wigner distributi
on function are shown to be due to the nonlocal character of the wave field
and are not a signature of the non-classical quantum states. The second ca
se shows that the hidden assumption of interacting particles/rays, not expl
icit in the quantum formulation, is a consequence of the nonlocal character
of the quantum wavefunction.