Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution is a nearly shot-for-shot remake of Pokemon: The First Movie. The core plot stays intact, while hand-drawn 2D animation becomes full 3DCG.
Mewtwo is a lab-created clone of the rare Pokemon Mew. The original debuted in Japan in 1998 as scientists clone Mew's DNA to create Mewtwo, who rebels and lures trainers to an island battle. Evolution is the 22nd Pokemon film, released in Japan July 12, 2019, according to the Startattle record of the Toho release Toho release listing.
Table of Contents
- What story stays the same?
- How does the animation change?
- What was cut or added?
- Which version should you pick?
What story stays the same?
Evolution retells the same core story as the 1998 film. Mewtwo faces creation, rebellion against Giovanni, a clone army, and confrontation with Ash, Misty, and Brock. ComicBook.com describes it as nearly shot-for-shot and word-for-word.
That fidelity shapes dialogue and staging. Key confrontations land in the same order. Viewers who know the original will recognize each major beat.
How does the animation change?
The biggest change is visual. Hand-drawn 2D becomes 3DCG, with redesigned details such as Mewtwo's Giovanni-provided armor and updated battle moves and effects, according to Screen Rant comparison breakdown.
The shift is smooth but uneven in feel. CCN notes weaker human faces and less impact in scenes like Dragonite's invitation delivery. Creature movement looks cleaner, while human expression loses warmth.
What was cut or added?
The remake omits the prefacing short Pikachu's Vacation. COGconnected notes viewers get only the main Mewtwo feature without the mini-story.
Evolution also adds small script tweaks. Mewtwo gets extra moments contemplating its purpose. The after-credits scene also differs from the original's Mew flying toward mountains, according to Decider after-credits explainer.
- Original includes Pikachu's Vacation before the main feature
- Remake drops the short and starts with Mewtwo's story
- Remake adds purpose-focused lines and a new after-credits scene
Which version should you pick?
The Pokemon Company and Netflix released Evolution globally as a Netflix exclusive on Pokemon Day, February 27, 2020, according to the Pokemon Company press site global release announcement. That release serves viewers outside Japan.
New viewers can start with the current canon version on Netflix. Nintendo Insider notes fans wanting the omitted short or original 2D version must seek the 1998/1999 release separately. Choose 3DCG for convenience, 2D for the original look and short.