Pokémon: The Movie 2000 arrived in theaters courtesy of Warner Bros. and Nintendo/4Kids as the franchise's second theatrical feature, riding the crest of Pokémania's peak in the West. Released in the summer of 2000, it capitalized on the first film's success and the still-booming popularity of the trading card game, television series, and merchandise empire. For a certain generation, this was event cinema, with lines around the block and promotional tie-ins everywhere. The movie's marketing push, including its trailer, played a significant role in sustaining that momentum.
This cell preserves a frame from that trailer, specifically the title card paired with Pikachu, the franchise's defining mascot and arguably the most recognizable character in modern pop culture. Trailer and title card cells hold particular appeal for collectors because they mark the film's first public presentation, the moment audiences were formally introduced to the feature. Pairing that introductory text with Pikachu reflects how thoroughly the character was used to anchor the franchise's identity in promotional material. For collectors of Pokémon ephemera, a piece tying mascot to marketing is a natural cornerstone.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm release trailer print of Pokémon: The Movie 2000, 2000.
Gauge
35mm: four perforations per frame along both edges; the strip holds two full picture frames plus a partial title-card frame at the left.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges, rounded-rectangle holes, evenly spaced and cleanly punched, with no torn or missing holes seen.
Soundtrack
Two variable-area optical tracks run along the lower edge, and the Dolby Digital data blocks sit in the gaps between the lower perforations; no DTS or SDDS visible.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture
Base & colour
Light blue-tinted base at the edges with a neutral clear look, and the dye image looks bright and unfaded.
Projection history
Fine white specks across the black title-card frame; no lines, scratches, cue marks or splices seen at this size.
Picture
Positive image; the two Pikachu frames are consecutive and near-identical, followed by a Pokémon The Movie 2000 logo card, which matches the film on record.
Era check
Optical tracks plus Dolby Digital data between the perforations fit a 2000-era 35mm release print, and the Pokémon The Movie 2000 logo supports the trailer on record.
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 000071290
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
