Pokémon: The First Movie arrived in theaters in November 1999, brought to American audiences by Warner Bros. and Nintendo's licensing machine at the height of Pokémania. Adapted from the Japanese feature Mewtwo Strikes Back, it introduced a generation to Pokémon on the big screen, pairing the franchise's television momentum with a theatrical push, tie-in merchandise, and a marketing campaign that made the trailer itself a cultural artifact. The film's success cemented Pokémon as a dominant force in late-90s American entertainment and opened the door for the franchise's continued cinematic run.
This cell preserves a moment from that original trailer, centered on Mewtwo, the genetically engineered Pokémon whose creation and inner conflict drive the film's narrative. Mewtwo's introduction to Western audiences carried weight: here was a villain built on themes of identity and purpose, a notable departure from the lighter tone of the television series. A trailer cell like this one circulated as promotional material meant to build anticipation ahead of release, making it a document of how the character was first presented to moviegoers rather than a frame from the finished feature itself. Collectors value these early Mewtwo pieces as artifacts of that introduction.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm Dolby Digital release trailer print of Pokémon: The First Movie (1999).
Gauge
35mm layout, four perforations per frame along both edges, with three frames visible on the strip.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges, evenly spaced and cleanly punched, with rounded-rectangle holes and no torn or missing ones seen.
Soundtrack
A two-track variable-area optical track runs beside the picture, and Dolby Digital data blocks sit in the gaps between the lower-edge perforations.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture
Base & colour
Light blue-tinted base with a neutral to cool dye image, and no red shift or fading seen.
Projection history
None seen at this size; no scratches, cue marks or splices are visible on these three frames.
Picture
Positive image, three consecutive frames of one shot with near-identical content; a cartoon-style animated figure fits the animated film on record.
Era check
A variable-area optical track with Dolby Digital blocks between perforations is consistent with a 1999 35mm release or trailer print of this animated feature.
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 in partnership with National Film Vault, 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.
CROWN SERIAL 000069815
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
