The Rise of Darkrai is the first Generation IV Pokemon movie, and the tenth Pokemon movie overall. Cartoon Network announced today that the movie will air on February 24, 2008 at 7 p.m.

It was also reported that Cartoon Network will air the movie BEFORE the theatrical premiere. "And be sure to catch the U.S. premiere of 'The Rise of Darkrai', months before it plays in theaters!". It seems obvious now that Darkrai will most likely be distributed at theatres similar to how it was released in Japan. It's extremely odd to have a television premiere before a theatrical release. The only logical conclusion is that Pokemon USA is hoping people will go to the theatre to get Darkrai.

Many have been discussing this issue and it seems very clear that most people would not go to the theatre to see a movie that can be seen on television before the theatrical release.