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, R-rated reboot of the Marvel vigilante mythos, starring Thomas Jane as Frank Castle. Released during a transitional era for comic-book adaptations, before the genre tilted toward franchise spectacle, the film leaned into revenge-thriller conventions and practical stunt work. It carved out a cult following for its unrepentant tone and its fidelity to the character's origins as a grief-driven ex-Marine turned one-man army against organized crime.
This cell centers on Frank Castle behind the wheel of his Pontiac GTO, caught in a bridge burnout, a moment that distills his character into pure kinetic aggression. The GTO itself is a recognizable piece of Punisher iconography, tying the vigilante to muscle-car Americana and vengeance-as-momentum. Collectors prize Castle material for his singular focus and the way each frame reinforces his transformation from soldier to weapon. A bridge setting suggests transition, escape, or confrontation, themes central to his arc, making this a strong representative piece from the production.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of The Punisher (2004).
Gauge
35mm, confirmed by four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds three frames.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges; spacing appears even and the punched edges appear clean.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track is visible running along one edge beside the picture area, with what appears to be a Dolby Digital data-block strip in the inter-perforation zone on the same edge.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture.
Base & colour
Base shows a slight cyan-green tint consistent with a colour print stock; dye image appears neutral with no obvious red shift or fading.
Projection history
Light vertical scratching is visible across the frame area, consistent with a projected print.
Picture
Positive colour image; the three frames appear to be consecutive frames from a single shot and the visual content is consistent with a live-action theatrical release matching the film on record.
Era check
The combination of a variable-area optical track with Dolby Digital data blocks in the perforation gaps is consistent with a theatrical release print from the early 2000s, matching the 2004 release date 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 000064376
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
