DVD Corner

Accel World Set 1 Blu-ray Review

“Accel World” is a hit-and-miss anime series.

In the first 12 episodes of “Accel World,” viewers are transported to a technologically advanced society in the year 2046. Right off the bat, we meet the main character of the series (Haruyuki) who is a wimpy, short, chubby teen that is constantly bullied by fellow students. Wanting to get away from reality, Haruyuki escapes into a virtual fantastical world where he resembles a pig. While in game, Haruyuki meets a fellow classmate by the name of Kuroyukihime and, to his surprise, she not only befriends him but introduces him to the Brain Burst program which allows users to accelerate their brainwaves in order to freeze time so to speak. While in the game, users (known as Burst Linkers in the game) fight for Burst Points in order to level up. Obviously, there’s more to Brain Burst and Haruyuki and  Kuroyukihime’s place in the game, but I don’t want to spoil everything.

Throughout the first 12 episodes, viewers can expect to see stories about Haruyuki’s friend Chiyuri, more information about Brain Burst, Burst Linkers fighting, Haruyuki’s avatar The Silver Crow, a love triangle between Haru, Kuroyukihime and Chiyuri, Kuroyukihime’s avatar Black Lotus avatar, drama involving Takumu (Haru’s alleged friend), Kuroyukihime’s Burst Linker history, a mysterious girl named Tomoko/Yuniko, Chrome Disaster (a special armor), Kuroyukihime being a target, and the Yellow Legion.

Despite being exposition heavy, the first episode of “Accel World” really grabs your attention as the series delves into meaty ideas and themes about connections, reality, friendship, teenage life, technology, and virtual reality. As the series unfolds, however, those ideas become drowned out by the Brain Burst program rules and the numerous Burst Linker fights. While the concept of the Brain Burst world is intriguing on paper, it becomes bothersome when it starts to feel more like a video game than a series. It’s particularly hard for me to care about the fights on screen when the more intimate character moments are so much more rewarding. Now, had “Accel World” done something more along the lines of say ‘Tron” where there was a happy medium of action, character, and ideas, I would have been more invested. As is, I find “Accel World” frustrating in that I like what the show has to say at times, but am less interested when a subject such as Burst Points is taking precedence on screen.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: Widescreen 1080p. How does it look? The series looks much more refined on Blu-ray as the colors really pop in this hi-def format.

Audio Tracks: English and Japanese Stereo. How do the tracks sound? The English dub is so-so while the Japanese language track benefits from superior voice acting. Stick with the original language track here, folks.

Extras:
* Neon Alley, “Tiger and Bunny” “Berserk,” and “Accel World” ads.
* Clean opening and ending.
* A character art gallery.

Overall Thoughts: It’s quite possible that “Accel World” advances beyond fights and explores the origins and mythology of the Brain Burst program and so forth, but for the time being, the series is decidedly a mixed bag.

February 13, 2014 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Accel World Set 1 Blu-ray Review