With Pokémon celebrating its 20th anniversary, 2016 has seen the release of Pokémon Go, as well as re-releases of the classic Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue and Pokémon Yellow. Plus there is the upcoming release of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon for the Nintendo 3DS.
The latest Pokémon movie Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel was also released in Japan this year and will be broadcast on CITV on 19 November 2016 at 12:30pm. However, fans can relive where it began, with the release of the Pokémon Movie Collection from Manga Entertainment (Pokemon: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages is also out on DVD now).
Pokémon: The First Movie, Pokémon: The Movie 2000 and Pokémon 3; The Movie is available on Blu-ray in a special limited edition Steelbook from 14 November 2016. To celebrate the release, here are some of the greatest Pokémon moments from the first three movies. Do note, there are a few spoilers.
Mewtwo Training Montage – Pokémon: The First Movie
Our first real look at the film’s antagonist and it’s a huge step up from what we’d come to expect from the animated series. Mewtwo’s initial escape from the cloning laboratory is pretty epic (those poor scientists), but when Giovanni swoops in and promises to hone his extreme powers Mewtwo becomes something entirely more dangerous (“I am in control now”). Sending a herd of Taurus flying, defeating Gary, and even infiltrating the mind of psychic master Alakazam, Mewtwo proved to be a serious threat for Ash and co.
Ash Stands Up To Mewtwo – Pokémon: The First Movie
After an explosion in the lab, Ash emerges from the fire and smoke walking towards the stadium, with the original Pokemon that were captured to create clones following behind him. “You can’t do this. I won’t let you,” he tells Mewtwo, much to the delight of Brock and Misty. Here is Ash at his most heroic, looking as determined as ever. “It’s not going to end like this Mewtwo. I won’t let it,” adds Ash. Unfortunately, despite seeing beforehand just what Mewtwo is capable of, Ash foolishly attempts to physically punch Mewtwo. If there is a lesson to be learnt here, it’s that you should never try to punch a psychic powered clone.
Pikachu Saves Ash – Pokémon: The First Movie
The closing act of the first Pokémon movie could be split into two moments, but as one epic finale they’re combined here together. As Mew and Mewtwo engage in an explosive battle over the value of Pokémon life, a fierce gladiatorial battle between original and cloned Pokémon takes place below (notably Ash’s Pikachu refuses to fight its clone). Enough is enough for Ash. Caught in the crossfire it falls to Pikachu to save the day in one of the saddest moments of the entire franchise.
Lugia vs The Legendary Birds – Pokémon: The Movie 2000
The covetous envy of many a Pokémon Game Boy player, the legendary birds, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres proved a stern test for the beginner trainer and in this fierce battle from the second Pokémon movie they prove why. Set in the paradise of the Orange Islands south of Kanto, Ash has to restore balance to the region with three elemental orbs and the help of the Guardian of the Sea, Lugia. After enduring a tough solo battle against the legendary birds, Lugia is united with Ash as they head off for one final defining battle.
Team Rocket Become Heroes – Pokémon: The Movie 2000
As Ash skis across the snowy plain to obtain an elemental ice orb (with Charizard, Squirtle and Bulbasaur pulling him and Pikachu along), Articuno and Zapdos destroy the path in front of him. However, it’s not long before Jessie, James and Meowth of Team Rocket arrive. Using an inflatable raft and propeller from a crashed helicopter, they help transport Ash to the final orb, reasoning that if they did survive a destroyed world there would be no one left to steal from. “Though it’s way outside our usual range, we’re going to do something nice for a change,” sing Jessie and James of their rare moment where they get to be good guys.
Brock Battles Molly – Pokémon 3: The Movie
In the wake of a crystal catastrophe, Ash and his friends Brock and Misty venture to a mansion in Greenfield to save Ash’s mother, and Molly, daughter of Professor Spencer Hale. Brock took a back seat in the previous movie, helping Professor Ivy. Here he helps buy Ash some time by deciding to battle with an alternate adult Molly. During their 3-on-3 battle, Brock selects his Zubat, Vulpix and Onix against Molly’s Flaaffy, Teddiursa and Phanpy. Though he realises that this is a battle he is unlikely to win (“Her dreamed up Pokémon are tougher than real ones,” he says), the leader of Pewter Gym, proves to be a formidable opponent as he and Molly both compliment each other. Brock even considers making Molly laugh a personal victory.
Charizard vs Entei – Pokémon 3: The Movie
Fire vs Fire. One of the most sought after Pokémon versus a new antagonist. After surprising Ash by coming to his rescue, Charizard’s flamethrower must stand up against Entei’s legendary moves. Any battle that brings Charizard to his knees on the brink of destruction has to be up there as one of Pokémon’s awesome unexpected moments.
Originally published on MyM Buzz on 14 November 2016.
