Sources: Wikidata · OpenAlex · Library of Congress. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
The Punisher (2004) arrived from Lionsgate as a gritty relaunch of Marvel's vigilante anti-hero, distinct from earlier attempts to bring Frank Castle to screen. Starring Thomas Jane in the lead role, the film leaned into hard-boiled revenge cinema rather than traditional superhero spectacle, positioning itself alongside the era's grittier comic adaptations. It found its audience among fans who valued its unpolished, punishing tone over glossier franchise fare, and remains a touchstone for a certain strain of early-2000s comic book cinema before the genre's tone shifted decisively toward the polished ensemble blockbuster model.
This cell comes from the album title card, the kind of frame used to introduce the feature proper, often paired with soundtrack or score branding tied to the picture's release. Album title cards like this one are prized by collectors for marking the transition point between marketing and narrative, a physical artifact of how the studio packaged Frank Castle's story for audiences. It captures the moment of introduction itself, the threshold where mood and branding meet before the character's descent into vengeance truly begins.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of The Punisher (2004).
Gauge
35mm, four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds three frames.
Perforations
Four per frame on each edge, evenly spaced and cleanly punched with no torn or deformed holes visible.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track is visible running along one edge beside the picture area; Dolby Digital data blocks appear present in the inter-perforation gaps on the same edge, consistent with a dual-format optical release print.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture at sufficient resolution to quote alphanumeric key numbers or stock codes.
Base & colour
Base appears clear with a neutral to very slightly warm tint; the dye image reads as a strong, well-saturated positive with no visible fading or colour shift.
Projection history
No splices, cue marks or prominent scratches are visible in this capture.
Picture
Positive image; all three frames carry identical title-card artwork, confirming a repeated title sequence rather than consecutive action frames; the title 'THE PUNISHER' and listed artists match the film on record.
Era check
The combination of a variable-area optical track with Dolby Digital inter-perforation data blocks is standard for a 2004 theatrical release print, consistent with the recorded title.
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 000064363
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
