National Film Vault

FILM NOTES

Released in 1999, Pokémon: The First Movie arrived at the height of a global phenomenon that had swept through television, trading cards, and video games. For countless young fans, it marked the franchise's leap to the big screen, a moment when a beloved animated world felt larger and more cinematic than ever. Its theatrical run remains a touchstone of late-1990s pop culture, remembered as much for the excitement surrounding it as for the film itself.

This particular cell comes from the trailer's "Calling All Trainers" segment, the rallying cry that invited audiences into the adventure. Holding a genuine 35mm frame from that promotional moment connects you directly to how the film was first introduced to the world.