Sources: Wikidata · OpenAlex. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Pokémon: The First Movie arrived in November 1999 from Warner Bros. and Nintendo's Pokémon USA/4Kids partnership, riding the peak of Pokémania in North America. Adapting the Japanese anime feature Mewtwo Strikes Back, it introduced American audiences to the franchise's mythology of cloned Pokémon and questions of identity, wrapped around the theatrical short Pikachu's Vacation. It became a box office phenomenon, cementing Pokémon's transition from handheld game to global media empire, and remains a touchstone for a generation raised on the original 151.
This 35mm cell preserves a frame of Bulbasaur, one of the three original starter Pokémon and among the most recognized characters in the franchise's history. Bulbasaur's presence in the film reflects its status as an anime mainstay, appearing in ensemble and background material throughout the original series. A single frame like this represents a physical fragment of that release print, a tactile artifact from the movie's theatrical run rather than a still or reproduction. For collectors, it stands as tangible film history tied to one of animation's most enduring characters.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of Pokémon: The First Movie (1999/1999).
Gauge
35mm, confirmed by four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds one frame fully visible with partial frames above and below.
Perforations
Four per frame on each edge; spacing appears even; perforation edges appear cleanly punched with no visible torn or deformed holes.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track is visible running along one edge below the picture area, with what appears to be a Dolby Digital data block pattern visible in the inter-perforation gaps on the same edge, consistent with a dual-format optical release print.
Edge print
Not fully legible in this capture; no manufacturer key numbers or SAFETY FILM text can be clearly read at this resolution.
Base & colour
Base appears neutral to very slightly warm; dye image shows strong, saturated colour with no visible fading or red shift.
Projection history
No visible scratches, splice marks, or cue marks seen in this capture.
Picture
Positive colour image; the single fully visible frame shows end-credit text reading 'production management Larry Juris for TAJ Productions' and 'associate producer Kathy Borland', consistent with the credits sequence of the film on record.
Era check
The combination of a variable-area optical track with Dolby Digital inter-perforation data blocks is consistent with a 1999-1999 theatrical release print, when that dual-format configuration was standard.
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, 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.
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
