Movie:
Pokemon 3: The Movie was originally released theatrically earlier this year and arrived on DVD in late August. Both the movie and the short film, Pikachu & Pichu, involve a great deal of Pokemon from the recent Game Boy games – Gold, Silver, & Crystal. The TV series is now entering its fourth season in the United States, with more movies undoubtedly on the way.

When her father, Professor Hale, disappears while searching for the Unown, Molly wishes for his return. The Unown, a mysterious race of Pokemon who have kidnapped her father, have the ability to read thoughts and make wishes become reality. Sensing her sadness, they begin to make Molly's wishes come true – her house becomes a crystal fortress guarded by Entei, a legendary Pokemon who Molly sees as her father. Knowing she's desperate for a mother, Entei kidnaps Ash's mom. Now Ash, Misty, and Brock must get into the fortress and find a way to stop the Unown in order to save his mother.

While I hadn't seen any of the Pokemon TV series or the previous movies, I have played both Game Boy games and I figured I'd give this new movie a chance, as it looked interesting. The movie itself is a mix of traditional animated and CGI, which looks great. The film, though, will likely remain a mystery to anyone unfamiliar with the Pokemon universe and at times, seems like a huge commercial for the variety of Nintendo games (especially the short film). Children interested in Pokemon, however, will certainly enjoy the film as it incorporates a great number of both old and new Pokemon along with a decent storyline.

Picture:
Pokemon 3 is presented in 1.33:1 full screen, which is cropped from its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The transfer is sharp throughout, with vibrant colors that practically leap off the screen. There are a few specks and smaller marks throughout, but these are easily overlooked.

Sound:
Pokemon 3 is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 in English and French. The surrounds are almost constantly active throughout the film, and sound terrific. Dialogue throughout is crisp and clean with no distortion that I could detect. Optional subtitles are available in English and French.

Extras:
The main extra on the disc is the commentary with English Adaptation Director/Co-writer Michael Haigney and Producer/Co-writer Norman Grossfeld. Both are highly knowledgeable about the film and TV series and enthusiastically discuss the differences between the Japanese and US versions of the film, connections to the TV show, background stories of the characters, information about the Pokemon, and more. Next is a three-minute making of "To Know the Unknown" music video, featuring interviews with the members of Innosense, who performed the song. There is also the teaser trailer for Pokemon 3, the Japanese trailer for Pokemon 4, the Johto Pokerap, and a few text facts about the Unown.

Also, included in the package is a limited Pokemon card, featuring the Unown, and an Unown decoder.

Summary:
Though I wish Warner had decided to present the film in widescreen, the main target audience for the film probably won't mind too much that it isn't. Fans of Pokemon should check the film out, and the DVD is worth at least a rent for the great commentary track. Rent it.