Sources: Wikidata. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Pokémon: The Movie 2000 arrived in theaters from Warner Bros. in July of that year, riding the peak of Pokémania as the franchise's second theatrical feature for American audiences. Built around the legendary birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, it continued the template set by the first film, pairing Ash Ketchum's journey with a larger mythological conflict. For many young viewers of the era, it was a milestone theatrical event, cementing Pokémon's place in mainstream pop culture and giving the series a lasting cinematic footprint beyond the television episodes.
This cell brings together Professor Oak, Delia Ketchum, and Mr. Mime, the trio most associated with home and support rather than battle. Oak represents research and guidance, Delia is Ash's mother, and Mr. Mime, her household companion, became a beloved fixture for fans who enjoyed the softer, domestic side of the Pokémon world. A grouping like this likely comes from a quieter sequence, away from the legendary birds, emphasizing connection and waiting rather than conflict. Collectors prize these character pairings for their rarity, since screen time devoted to supporting figures is limited compared to Ash and his companions.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm release print of Pokémon: The Movie 2000.
Gauge
35mm layout, four perforations per frame along both edges, and the strip holds three frames.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges, rounded-rectangle holes, evenly spaced and cleanly punched, with no torn or damaged holes seen.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track of several parallel white-on-black lines runs beside the picture, with a dashed pattern along its edge; no Dolby Digital blocks are visible between the perforations.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture
Base & colour
Light blue-tinted base at the edges, with a neutral, fully saturated dye image and no fading or red shift seen.
Projection history
None seen at this size apart from a dark oval on the third frame, which is a camera reflection and not wear.
Picture
Positive image, three consecutive near-identical frames of one shot, and the animated style is consistent with the film on record.
Era check
The optical soundtrack, tinted safety-style base and saturated positive image are consistent with a 2000-era 35mm release print of this animated film.
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 000071324
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
