Pokémon 3: The Movie arrived in 2001 as the third theatrical entry in the franchise, distributed in the West by Warner Bros. after Pikachu's Vacation and the original movie had already proven the series could draw audiences beyond the television show. Promotional trailer reels like this one circulated to theaters as part of the marketing push, built from clips meant to build anticipation ahead of release. These reels are scarce today since most were returned, destroyed, or lost after their theatrical run, making any surviving 35mm fragment a window into how the film was sold to the public rather than how it ultimately played.
This cell preserves a moment of Phanpy attacking, with Wooper also present, from the promotional reel. Phanpy, the small elephant-like Pokémon, has long appealed to collectors for its approachable, rounded design, and seeing it in an active, attacking pose adds a dynamic quality distinct from calmer character shots. Paired with Wooper, the scene suggests one of the brief Pokémon encounters trailers used to showcase variety and energy. As a trailer cell rather than a finished film frame, it represents the raw promotional material crafted to entice early audiences into theaters.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm positive release trailer print of Pokémon 3: The Movie (2001).
Gauge
35mm, four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds three full frames.
Perforations
Four per frame along both edges, evenly spaced and cleanly punched, with rounded-rectangle holes and no visible tears or torn edges.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track runs beside the picture; the Dolby Digital data blocks and other digital tracks are not visible in the gaps between perforations in this capture.
Edge print
A small number reading "57" appears at the lower edge; no manufacturer text or "SAFETY FILM" print is legible in this capture.
Base & colour
Clear base with a pale blue-green tint at the edges; the dye image looks saturated, with no obvious fading or red shift.
Projection history
No lines, scratches, cue marks or splices seen at this size.
Picture
Positive image; the three frames run consecutively as one continuous shot, and they match an animated trailer of the film on record.
Era check
Consistent with a 2001 release print: 35mm positive stock with an optical analogue track, plus the possibility of digital data blocks, fits a theatrical trailer of that period.
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 000071108
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
