Motion Pictures
March 2, 2000
Ash, Pikachu And the Entire Pokémon Universe Return For A Spectacular, All-New Adventure In Kids WB! Presents “Pokémon the Movie 2000,” Opening July 21
(March 2, 2000 – Burbank, CA) - Building on the record-breaking opening of “Pokémon the First Movie,” Warner Bros. Pictures is gearing up for the July 21 release of the latest animated adventure from the Pokémon universe, Kids’ WB! Presents “Pokémon the Movie 2000.” The announcement was made today by Brad A. Ball, President of Domestic Theatrical Marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures.
The sequel to last fall’s hit movie is an exciting adventure about a terrible force that arrives on earth and throws the Pokémon universe horribly out of balance. The only one who stands a chance of stopping it before all Pokémon are annihilated is young trainer Ash Ketchum … but it will take all his courage and strength to become the hero he was destined to be. In “Pokémon the Movie 2000,” Ash sets out to prove that one person can make all the difference when he embarks on the greatest Pokémon adventure yet … saving the world.
"Pokémon the Movie 2000" will see the debut of six new Pokémon, including Lugia, a legendary Pokémon that plays a key role in helping Ash restore balance to the world. Warner Bros. is once again collaborating with Nintendo of America, which controls the Pokémon franchise, which it acquired from the original creators in Japan, in all territories outside of Asia, and 4Kids Entertainment, whose production company handles the adaptation of the original Japanese release.
“Releasing ‘Pokémon the Movie 2000’ this summer is an exciting prospect for all of us,” Ball said. “All the Pokémon, from Pikachu to Meowth, have become embedded in the American vernacular and the phenomenon continues to grow across the world. We are equally delighted with the values that continue to be emphasized in the Pokémon films, those of friendship, loyalty and doing what’s right. We hope this film in particular will encourage all kids to try to make a difference.”
Wizards of the Coast, the publishers of the popular Pokémon Trading Card Game, is partnering with Warner Bros. to help celebrate the film’s release. The company will create all-new special edition trading card game cards, which will be playable with the trading card game, to be handed out to moviegoers with the price of admission, as long as supplies last.
Ball continued: “The first movie made a tremendous impact on our business, adding new dimensions to the overall Pokémon phenomenon and literally changing the landscape of family entertainment marketing and promotional possibilities. We are happy to continue to be in business with Nintendo and Wizards of the Coast, which supported the first film with tremendous creativity and commitment, and hope to soon announce major promotions with partners from the fast food, packaged goods and retail industries.”
Kids’ WB! Presents a 4Kids Entertainment Production, “Pokémon the Movie 2000,” produced by Norman J. Grossfeld, President of 4Kids Productions. Grossfeld and Michael Haigney adapted the film from its original Japanese production. The American director is Michael Haigney, along with Japanese director Kunihiko Yuyama. The film is distributed by Warner Bros. Family Entertainment, a Time Warner Entertainment Company. # # #