Similarly, Rica Matsumoto (voice of Satoshi) performed the song "Mezase Pokémon Master: 20th Anniversary" for the Japanese version of the film. Matsumoto's original "Mezase Pokémon Master" song was the first opening theme song for the first Pokémon television anime series.
The film will screen in the United States, United Kingdom, and other international markets outside of Asia on Sunday, November 5 at 12:55 p.m. and Monday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. local times. Exact dates and times may vary by country. Fathom Events confirmed that both screenings will be English-dubbed.
The film will then have additional screenings in the United States on Saturday, November 11 at 12:55 p.m. local time and Tuesday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. local time. The added screenings are due to high ticket sales and sold-out screenings.
Those who purchase tickets for the November 5 and 6 screenings (not the November 11 and 14 screenings) will receive a new Pokémon card featuring Pikachu wearing Ash's hat, as well as a QR code to unlock an in-game event in the upcoming Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon games. The QR code will also unlock Pikachu wearing Ash's hat in the game.
The Pokémon Company describes the film's story:
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! is an origin story highlighting Ash and Pikachu's first meeting and their adventures as they search for the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh. The iconic pair encounter familiar faces along the way, new characters including Trainers Verity and Sorrel, and even a mysterious new Mythical Pokémon, Marshadow. Challenges and epic Pokémon battles abound in this unique new story about the beginning of one of the most beloved friendships in popular culture.
The film had its world premiere at the Japan Expo 2017 event in Paris on July 6. The movie then opened in Japan on July 15 and earned 516 million yen (about US$4.61 million) in its first two days to rank at #1 at the box office.
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