National Film Vault

FILM NOTES

Released in 2000, Pokemon: The Movie 2000 arrived at the height of the franchise's global surge, when the animated series and trading cards had turned Pokemon into a defining phenomenon of the era. As the second theatrical film, it carried forward the blend of adventure and heartfelt storytelling that drew both younger audiences and their families to theaters. For many, it remains a nostalgic touchstone from a moment when Pokemon felt genuinely everywhere.

Lugia stands among the most striking legendary creatures to appear on screen, and this film gave the character a memorable, elemental presence. Owning a physical 35mm cell tied to Lugia means holding an actual frame that once passed through a projector, a tangible piece of the film itself rather than a reproduction.