Sources: Wikidata · OpenAlex. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Pokémon: The First Movie arrived in North American theaters in November 1999 through Warner Bros., distributed on behalf of Nintendo and the Pokémon Company as the franchise's cinematic debut. It rode the crest of a global phenomenon, translating the television series and trading card craze into a feature-length event. For a young collectible property, this was a defining moment, proving that Pokémon could command box office attention and cultural weight beyond its television roots, cementing its place in late-1990s pop culture history.
This cell centers on Mewtwo, the genetically engineered Pokémon whose creation and inner conflict drive the film's narrative. As the movie's central figure, Mewtwo remains one of the most sought-after characters in Pokémon collecting, representing themes of identity and power that set this film apart from typical franchise entries. A single reel frame isolates the character without surrounding context, offering collectors a direct artifact tied to the film's most enduring figure rather than a scene of dialogue or supporting cast.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm colour theatrical release print of Pokémon: The First Movie.
Gauge
35mm, confirmed by four perforations per frame visible on both edges; the strip holds one frame.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges; spacing appears even and the punched corners are rounded and cleanly cut.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track is visible below the picture area, appearing as two bilateral variable-area waveforms consistent with a stereo optical track; Dolby Digital pixel blocks are not clearly distinguishable at this size.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture.
Base & colour
The base shows a blue-cyan tint overall; the dye image reads in cool blue and violet tones consistent with a colour print stock.
Projection history
No visible scratches, splice marks, or cue marks are seen in this capture.
Picture
Positive colour image; a single frame is present and the animated character depicted is consistent with the Pokémon franchise film on record.
Era check
The bilateral variable-area optical soundtrack, colour positive print stock with cyan base tint, and rounded KS-type perforations are all consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print from the late 1990s.
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
