Pokémon movie catches release date

[06.24.99] » Pokémon's world domination continues this November with the release of Pokémon The Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back. Details and photos included.

   As reported back in March, Warner Brothers recently signed on to release the Pokémon movie in North America and other parts of the world, a move which subsequently sent hundreds of thousands of over-excited children to hospitals shortly after being announced. Now, the studio has revealed that the film will be released to theaters on November 12, 1999 -- a Friday, of course. Distribution throughout the remainder of the world, excluding Asia, will then follow.

   Additionally, the movie is now officially titled "Pokémon The Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back." Mewtwo, a bio-engineered Pokémon, attempts to wreak havoc upon Ash's quest to become the world's greatest Pokémon trainer by genetically engineering a strain of viscious, powerful Super-Pokémon. (Photos available below.) The movie will also new Pokémon for the first time -- monsters that have not yet appeared in the Game Boy Pokémon, nor the animated TV show (but who will appear in the Gold and Silver editions). A new musical score is also being composed for the worldwide release of the Pokémon movie.

   But what self-respecting foray into the multi-billion dollar Pokémon industry would be complete without a healthy chunk devoted to the electric mouse himself, Pikachu? Before Mewtwo Strikes Back even begins, a 22 minute long film titled "Pikachu's Vacation" will precede the main feature, and will introduce an additional four new Pokémon. How can one resist? The film was the fourth-highest grossing film in Japan last year, and will almost undoubtably be a hit in the Hollywood box office this November as well.