Sword Art Online - The Movie: Progressive - Aria of a starless Night

I'm one of the dudes that took a break at the end of Gun Gale Online. Nothing to be heard out of SAO, after that time. For me, at least. I'm the kind of guy that forgets, so I heard Progressive coming to teathers in 2023 and I was like, "ok, I want to see this" and went to Aria of Starless Night. As a fact, I just left the movie hall 20 minutes ago. One thing that I will most probably not forget is the sensation. Sensation that one gets when you watch the first of the many episodes from a series, sensation when you get when you finish the series or the sensation as of the memory of what you had been watching. In 2014 when I think I first watched the series, I felt it. Felt it all the way, as a reminder of how good it was. Felt it at Gun Gale Online then pause.. long pause. Forgot about the thing. Present moment, and I felt it again watching Aria of a Starless Night. 10/10. If you know, you know!

I'm so glad I did!

Maybe it's different with the sub but there were glaring errors with the audio- and even some worse ones with the animation that I just couldn't get past. Scenes were completely altered in some cases. For scenes that were already done in the original series I don't see a reason why they couldn't match up. I'll watch the next part when it comes out just because my husband wants to - but I'm not expecting anything short of more irritation. Other than that issue I'm giving 7/10 stars just because I'm a fan of SAO and the art was still lovely. If they changed anything else I don't think I would be rating it as highly.

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.

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.

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.