This is the first episode of a three-episode arc where Ash catches each of Kanto's starter Pokémon.
This is one of the few times a knife, in this case a hunting knife, is seen in the anime.
In the dub when Melanie asked Ash if he thought Bulbasaur would be a good addition to his team, Ash replied, "Boy, would he ever!" Melanie also says Ash will "take great care of him." Bulbasaur's gender wasn't stated in the original version.
The exchange between Ash and Misty at the bridge is altered: In the dub version, Ash is losing confidence, and Misty encourages him, whereas in the original version Ash says Misty is far too heavy, and Misty berates him for implying that she's fat and says she doesn't weigh that much.
When the tornado forms, James "winds up" as if he were a left-handed thrower, despite usually being shown throwing with his right hand.