Sources: Wikidata · OpenAlex. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Pokémon: The First Movie arrived in American theaters in November 1999 through Warner Bros., distributing the Japanese production for Nintendo and Pikachu Project '98. It rode the crest of Pokémania at its absolute peak in the West, when the trading cards, the Game Boy titles, and the television series had already converted a generation into devoted followers. The film's box office success proved that the franchise could command the big screen, not just handheld devices and Saturday mornings. It remains a touchstone for collectors of nineties pop culture and animation ephemera, a marker of a moment when a pocket monster became a household name worldwide.
This cell centers on Pikachu, the franchise's mascot and its most recognizable ambassador, a figure whose image alone drives demand across every format of memorabilia. The moment named here, Pikachu crying, points to one of the film's emotional high notes, a scene where the story leans away from spectacle and into feeling. For collectors, that kind of beat matters because it shows the character carrying real weight in the narrative, not just serving as a marketing figure. Holding a 35mm cell from this sequence connects directly to that pivotal, quieter piece of the movie's legacy.
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 visible on both edges; the strip holds one frame fully visible with partial frames at top and bottom.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges; spacing appears even; perforation edges appear cleanly punched with no visible tearing or distortion.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track is visible running along one edge beside the picture area, appearing as a two-track variable-area format; a blue dye stripe is also visible adjacent to the track area.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture at sufficient resolution to read any key numbers or manufacturer codes.
Base & colour
Base appears clear with a slight cool-neutral tint; the dye image shows strong yellow and orange saturation consistent with an intact colour print.
Projection history
Vertical fine lines are visible running through the picture area, consistent with projection wear; no splices or cue marks are visible in this capture.
Picture
Positive colour image; the single main frame shows animated character artwork consistent with a theatrical release print of Pokémon: The First Movie.
Era check
The variable-area optical soundtrack, clear polyester-type base, and colour dye structure are all consistent with a 1999 North American theatrical release print of this 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, 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
