Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night

(Sorry for using translator)

This is the best I've seen of SAO, I'm not a fan of the series but this movie left me impressed. This is like fixing a story, it doesn't necessarily have to have new things, but fix what you already have and make good characters and a better story.

The soundtrack, animation and characters are well done, here you can see that the main concept is executed throughout the movie, it's just amazing. The other one from Progressive wasn't so bad but it felt like it lacked more, but I can watch this one over and over again without disliking it. Seriously, I was very impressed.

I think this movie is a solid 8 and what I expected when I first started watching the series. 1st half of the 1st season was really rushed and made you think that the plot was kinda wasted due to the rush. But for me the pace of the movie is just fine. Can't wait for the next movie.

I believe fans of the show will appreciate the fleshed out aspect of floor 1 in this movie. Had some really good laughs and some really awesome animation. Can't wait for the next one.

Nothing else to say except: best movie in utter existence. Good animation, action, Not canon yet still amazing. Have been waiting excitingly for this to finally release in my country, and i can't wait for that day (17th of february) to come. Sword Art Online has been my favorite for a long long time and movies like these only make it better.

TLDR: yes watch it.

I made an account just to review this. I've seen all of SAO and I really think the actual aincrad (I think it's called?) stuff is the best. SPOILER - when the threat of death isn't present in the series I lose all investment. The original idea of being STUCK in a game and having to life or death the game makes the series so much more intense, immersive, and impactful. Stakes are high, tension is high.

So I was literally about to change my mind last minute and not go see this movie. I mean cmon. SAO right? Insert SAO meme here. I'm very happy I didn't listen to myself.

I went to see the movie in theaters and was immediately disappointed it was a DUB. HOWEVER!!! Whoever the voice actors were on this absolutely bodied it. Especially asunas voice. Emotions were conveyed perfectly. Hopelessness, anger, sorrow, relief, excitement. Many times DUBs lose the emotion in voice lines through translation. This was not one of those times

It was very immersive. The movie transitions flawlessly scene to scene and never made me feel like I was just waiting to get to the next part. Tons of very nicely animated action. Zero wasted time in this movie.

The music wasn't to memorable. Great for making you feel like it's a video game. They dive really deep trying to "get you in" that video game. You can see it with how they explore it in the script as well as the camera angles they use.

Originally I went to see this because I'm restless waiting for that new Jujutsu Kaiden movie to come out. But honestly this movie held its own and will be one I remember and recommend.

I been watching anime for like 20 years. This is a perfect medium to explore SAOs first floor again. Very fleshed out and to be honest, if they adapted the rest of the aincrad (again?) stuff like this...I would definitely go watch it.