The Sword Art Online Progressive movie series currently consists of two films: Aria of a Starless Night, which runs for approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes (97 minutes), and Scherzo of Deep Night, clocking in at about 1 hour and 41 minutes (101 minutes). These durations offer a concentrated retelling of the Aincrad arc, focusing primarily on Asuna’s perspective alongside Kirito.
A Closer Look at the Running Times
Understanding the specific lengths of each Sword Art Online Progressive movie is crucial for planning your viewing experience. Let’s break down each film individually:
Aria of a Starless Night (Movie 1)
The first Progressive movie, Aria of a Starless Night, provides Asuna’s origin story within the Aincrad game. Its runtime of 97 minutes efficiently covers her initial experiences, struggles, and budding partnership with Kirito. This streamlined narrative sets the stage for the subsequent films.
Scherzo of Deep Night (Movie 2)
Scherzo of Deep Night, the second installment, delves deeper into the intricacies of the Aincrad storyline. With a runtime of 101 minutes, it offers a slightly extended experience, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of the challenges faced by Kirito and Asuna as they navigate the treacherous floors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Progressive Movies
To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Sword Art Online Progressive movies and their relation to the original series, here are twelve frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Are the Progressive movies a reboot of the original Sword Art Online Aincrad arc?
While the Progressive movies retell the Aincrad arc, they aren’t a complete reboot. They offer a more detailed and nuanced perspective, particularly from Asuna’s point of view, and focus on exploring the Aincrad floors in greater depth. Think of it as an expanded and refined version of the original narrative, filling in gaps and providing more context.
FAQ 2: Do I need to watch the original Sword Art Online anime before watching the Progressive movies?
It’s generally recommended to watch at least the Aincrad arc of the original Sword Art Online anime before diving into the Progressive movies. This provides a foundational understanding of the world, characters, and core plot. While the Progressive movies offer an alternative entry point, prior knowledge enhances the viewing experience.
FAQ 3: Will the Progressive movies cover all 100 floors of Aincrad?
The Progressive movies are based on the Sword Art Online: Progressive light novels, which aim to chronicle Kirito and Asuna’s journey through all 100 floors of Aincrad. However, with only two movies released thus far and the light novel series still ongoing, it’s uncertain whether the movies will eventually adapt the entire Aincrad story. Future installments are necessary to reach that goal.
FAQ 4: Are there significant differences between the Progressive movies and the original anime’s Aincrad arc?
Yes, there are several key differences. The Progressive movies focus more on Asuna’s perspective, offer a more detailed exploration of the early floors, and introduce new characters and plot elements not present in the original anime. The pacing is also different, with a greater emphasis on slow-burn character development and world-building.
FAQ 5: How do the Progressive movies compare to the Sword Art Online: Progressive light novels?
The movies are generally faithful adaptations of the light novels, although some content is inevitably condensed or omitted for the sake of pacing and runtime. However, the core story and character arcs remain largely consistent. Reading the light novels provides an even more in-depth experience and fills in any gaps left by the movies.
FAQ 6: Are the Progressive movies canon?
Yes, the Progressive movies are considered canon within the Sword Art Online universe. They provide an alternative and expanded perspective on the Aincrad arc, coexisting with the original anime series. They don’t contradict the original timeline but rather enrich and enhance it.
FAQ 7: Where can I watch the Sword Art Online Progressive movies?
The Sword Art Online Progressive movies have been released in theaters internationally and are often available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and possibly Netflix depending on your region. Check your local streaming services for availability. DVD and Blu-ray releases are also available for purchase.
FAQ 8: Are there any post-credit scenes in the Progressive movies?
It is advisable to stay after the credits of both Aria of a Starless Night and Scherzo of Deep Night. While not always substantial, post-credit scenes can offer hints about future installments or provide additional character moments.
FAQ 9: Are more Sword Art Online Progressive movies planned?
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding future Sword Art Online Progressive movies beyond Scherzo of Deep Night. However, given the popularity of the series and the ongoing nature of the light novels, it’s highly likely that more films will be produced in the future. Fans are eagerly awaiting news of a third movie.
FAQ 10: Are the Progressive movies suitable for all ages?
The Sword Art Online Progressive movies, like the original anime, contain themes of violence, virtual reality, and some suggestive content. While not excessively graphic, they are generally considered more suitable for teenagers and older audiences. Parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers.
FAQ 11: What is the best order to watch the Sword Art Online series, including the Progressive movies?
A common viewing order is:
- Sword Art Online (Aincrad Arc)
- Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night
- Sword Art Online Progressive: Scherzo of Deep Night
- Sword Art Online (Fairy Dance Arc and beyond)
This order allows you to establish a foundation with the original series before delving into the expanded Progressive narrative. However, watching the Progressive movies after the initial Aincrad arc is crucial to avoid spoilers and appreciate the nuances of the retelling. Ultimately, the choice is up to the individual viewer.
FAQ 12: How do the Progressive movies affect the overall Sword Art Online timeline?
The Progressive movies primarily enhance the Aincrad arc, providing a deeper understanding of Kirito and Asuna’s early relationship and the challenges they faced. They don’t drastically alter the overall timeline of Sword Art Online but rather enrich and expand upon it, offering a more comprehensive perspective on the events within Aincrad. The subsequent arcs of Sword Art Online remain unaffected by the details unveiled in the Progressive series.