Though it was the third "Patlabor" film to be released, it actually takes place between Patlabor: The Movie (1989) and Patlabor 2: The Movie (1993).
The plot is based on Patlabor manga story titled "Wasted Thirteen".
Before it became a movie, it was originally plan to be an OAV series.
The movie was originally intended for a 1996 release date.
The first Patlabor movie to not be directed by Mamoru Oshii.