Sources: Wikidata. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Pokémon: The Movie 2000 arrived from Warner Bros. and Nintendo at the height of Pokémania, the franchise's second theatrical outing after the original Mewtwo film proved animated tie-ins could command real box office. Built around the legendary birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, the story sent Ash and company island hopping through the Orange Archipelago setting, a region familiar to anyone following the television series at the time. The film cemented Pokémon as a reliable theatrical draw beyond its card game and show roots, and 35mm release prints from this run are prized by collectors who track the franchise's early cinematic footprint.
This cell draws together Ash Ketchum, Misty, Tracey Sketchit, and Pikachu at the moment they encounter the people of the Shamouti Islands, the community whose local legend and festival drive the film's central conflict. For longtime fans, this grouping represents the core traveling party of the Orange Islands era, with Tracey's presence marking a specific, time limited stretch of the anime's roster. A cell capturing this meeting reflects the story's turn from journey to purpose, as the group steps into the islanders' world and their fate.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm Kodak 2383 release print of Pokémon: The Movie 2000.
Gauge
35mm layout with four perforations per frame along both edges, and the strip holds three frames.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges, evenly spaced, with cleanly punched rounded-rectangle holes and no visible tearing.
Soundtrack
Two variable-area optical tracks run beside the picture, with a dotted data line along the outer edge and Dolby Digital blocks between the lower perforations.
Edge print
Reads 'KODAK 2383' with a code and a number, printed mirrored along the top edge, plus a small purple rectangle mark.
Base & colour
Clear base shows a pale blue tint at the edges, and the dye image looks neutral with no visible fading or colour shift.
Projection history
No scratches, splices or cue marks seen at this size; one dark oval on the third frame is a camera reflection and is ignored.
Picture
Positive colour image, three consecutive frames of one continuous shot, and the animated look is consistent with the film on record.
Era check
Kodak 2383 print stock with optical and Dolby Digital soundtracks is consistent with a 2000-era 35mm release print.
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 000071332
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
