Sources: Wikidata · OpenAlex. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Lilo & Stitch arrived from Walt Disney Feature Animation in 2002, a hand-painted watercolor throwback at a moment when the studio was leaning hard into computer animation. Set in Hawaii and built around themes of family, "ohana," and belonging, it became a sleeper success, spawning sequels, a television series, and a lasting merchandise empire. Its warmth and offbeat humor, paired with a genuine emotional core, helped it stand apart from Disney's more traditional princess fare and cemented its place as a modern classic among collectors of early 2000s animation history.
This cell centers on Stitch, the genetically engineered alien whose destructive nature is softened through his bond with Lilo, making him one of Disney's most beloved and widely merchandised characters. Surfing is one of Stitch's defining activities in the film, tying him to the Hawaiian setting and to the joy and mischief that define his character once he begins to embrace island life. A surfing moment speaks directly to his integration into Lilo's world, a small piece of the larger story of belonging. For collectors, this represents a slice of animation history tied to a beloved character in one of his signature activities.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of Lilo & Stitch (2002).
Gauge
35mm, confirmed by four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds three frames.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges, evenly spaced; punched edges appear clean with no torn or missing perforations visible.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical soundtrack track is visible running along one edge beside the picture area, appearing as a single-track variable-area format; Dolby Digital pixel blocks are not clearly distinguishable, and DTS or SDDS tracks are not visible in this capture.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture at sufficient resolution to read manufacturer codes or key numbers.
Base & colour
Base shows a light cyan-blue tint consistent with a colour print stock; dye image appears saturated and not visibly faded or red-shifted.
Projection history
Faint longitudinal lines are visible running the length of the strip, consistent with projection wear; no splices or cue marks are seen.
Picture
Positive colour image; all three frames appear to be consecutive frames from a single continuous shot, consistent with a release print of Lilo & Stitch (2002).
Era check
The cyan-tinted base, variable-area optical soundtrack, and colour dye saturation are all consistent with a theatrical release print from the early 2000s production period of the film on record.
Read from the original intake capture shown below. Observations only — film is authenticated, not graded.
This original motion picture film element has been examined and authenticated by Crown Grading in partnership with National Film Vault, and encapsulated for archival preservation.
Why so little survivesRelease prints were leased to theaters, not sold. When the run ended they went back to the distributor to be destroyed, and most were. What collectors hold today came from the prints that escaped that order, and no new 35mm prints of these films are being struck.
CROWN SERIAL 000063462
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
