Crown Grading
Tap to enlarge
FILM NOTES
Pokémon: The First Movie arrived in 1999 as Warner Bros. and Nintendo's bid to translate a global gaming and television phenomenon into a theatrical event. Backed by an enormous merchandising push, the film introduced American audiences to Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon whose existential struggle gave the franchise an unusually dark, almost philosophical center amid the bright commercial spectacle. The trailer campaign preceding release built anticipation across a fan base already primed by the card game and cartoon series, making these promotional strips valuable time capsules of that crossover moment.
This cell preserves a close-up of Mewtwo with glowing eyes, a signature visual cue tied to the character's psychic abilities and simmering anger toward its creators. Mewtwo remains among the most sought Pokémon subjects for collectors, prized as the film's central antagonist turned tragic figure. A trailer cell like this one exists purely to sell anticipation, isolating a single striking moment meant to signal power and menace before audiences ever saw the full feature. Owning it means holding a fragment of that advance promise, a glimpse offered to draw viewers toward the theater.
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of Pokémon: The First Movie Trailer (1999)
- Gauge
- 35mm, four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds five frames
- Perforations
- Four per frame on both edges, evenly spaced, cleanly punched with no torn or deformed holes visible
- Soundtrack
- A variable-area optical track is visible along the lower edge, with a Dolby Digital data block pattern discernible between the lower perforations; DTS and SDDS tracks not visible in this capture
- Edge print
- Not visible in this capture at sufficient resolution to read any key numbers or manufacturer text
- Base & colour
- Base shows a slight blue-green tint consistent with a safety estar-type stock; dye image appears neutral with strong blue saturation in the picture area
- Projection history
- Light longitudinal scratches visible along the picture area consistent with a projected print; no splices or cue marks seen
- Picture
- Positive image; frames run consecutively as a single continuous shot; the vivid blue graphic element is consistent with the animated title card imagery associated with the film on record
- Era check
- The combination of Dolby Digital inter-perforation data blocks alongside a variable-area optical track is consistent with a 1999 theatrical release print format used for wide US distribution at that time
