Sources: Wikidata · OpenAlex. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Pokémon: The First Movie arrived from Warner Bros. and Nintendo in the fall of 1999, riding the crest of a cultural phenomenon that had swept American television and toy aisles alike. Adapted from the Japanese animated feature, it introduced Mewtwo to Western audiences and proved that the franchise could command a theatrical run rather than remain confined to Saturday mornings. For a generation of children, it was often a first trip to the cinema, making the release a genuine milestone in the crossover of Japanese pop culture into mainstream American entertainment.
This cell centers on Pikachu, the mascot whose likeness anchors the entire franchise and remains the most sought-after presence in any Pokémon film reel. The moment named here, Pikachu crying, points to one of the picture's more emotionally weighted passages, a beat that stood apart from the series' usual lighter tone and gave the character unexpected depth. For collectors, a piece tied to this specific emotional register carries added resonance, offering a tangible link to the scene most remembered by audiences who grew up with the film.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of Pokémon: The First Movie (1999).
Gauge
35mm, confirmed by four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds four frames.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges; spacing appears even and the punched edges appear clean with no torn or missing perforations visible.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track is visible running along the bottom edge beside the perforations, appearing as two bilateral variable-area tracks with a visible audio waveform pattern.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture at sufficient resolution to read any key numbers or manufacturer text.
Base & colour
The base appears with a slight cool-blue tint consistent with a safety acetate or polyester stock; the dye image reads as warm yellow-dominant with no obvious red shift or fading.
Projection history
No visible splices, cue marks, or heavy scratching are apparent; the image area appears clean.
Picture
Positive colour image; all four frames appear to be consecutive frames from a single continuous shot, and the animated character depicted is consistent with the Pokémon franchise as recorded.
Era check
The bilateral variable-area optical soundtrack, positive colour print on a safety base, and overall stock appearance are all consistent with a 1999 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
