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., riding the Pokémon franchise's explosive debut on these shores. Produced by Shogakukan and OLM in Japan and localized for Western audiences, it was a cultural event that brought the pocket monsters phenomenon from television screens to the multiplex, grossing well beyond expectations and cementing Pokémon as a dominant force in late-nineties American pop culture. For a generation of young viewers, it marked their first cinematic exposure to the franchise.
This cell centers on Mewtwo, the genetically engineered Pokémon whose creation and existential struggle form the emotional backbone of the film. As the movie's central figure, Mewtwo represents a departure from the more lighthearted tone typical of the franchise, exploring themes of identity and purpose. Collectors seek cells featuring this character because Mewtwo remains the story's defining presence, the figure around whom the entire narrative pivots. A 35mm cell isolating this character offers a tangible artifact from the film's theatrical run, a physical fragment of the print that carried Mewtwo's story to audiences in cinemas nationwide.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of Pokémon: The First Movie (1999/1999).
Gauge
35mm; the strip shows one frame with four perforations visible on each edge.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges; spacing appears even and the punched edges look clean.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track with two tracks is visible below the picture area, alongside what appears to be a Dolby Digital data block region between the perforations on the lower edge.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture.
Base & colour
The clear base carries a warm amber cast in the image area; dye saturation appears intact with no obvious fading.
Projection history
No visible scratches, splice marks, or cue marks are apparent in this capture.
Picture
Positive colour image; a single consecutive frame is shown, and the animated character visible is consistent with the Pokémon franchise as recorded.
Era check
The dual variable-area optical track combined with Dolby Digital data blocks between perforations is consistent with a 1999–1999 theatrical release print, when that combined soundtrack format 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
