However, the English-language version received generally negative reviews from film critics, with much of the criticism pointed at the poorly dubbed voice acting and its inclusion of an anti-violence message. In Japan, the film received positive reviews, with praise directed at the film's emotional impact and exploration of ethical topics such as cloning, genetic modification, and existentialism. The English-language adaptation was released in North America on November 10, 1999, by Warner Bros. The events of the film take place during the first season of Pokémon: Indigo League.
Overseas, the prologue can only be seen as a bonus short in DVD versions of Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns. The film primarily consists of three segments: Pikachu's Vacation, a 21-minute feature focusing on the series mascot Pikachu Origin of Mewtwo, the 10-minute prologue added to the extended version of the film and Mewtwo Strikes Back, the main 75-minute film feature.
In addition to an added prologue, the updated version included new animation and CGI graphics. On July 8, 1999, an extended version of the film aired on Japanese television. The film was first released in Japan on July 18, 1998. It is the first theatrical release in the Pokémon franchise.
Pokémon: The First Movie is a 1998 Japanese anime fantasy adventure film directed by Kunihiko Yuyama.
