Has Demon Slayer Set the New Standard for Animation?

 

(Source: ComicBook.com)

The review ahead will contain spoilers so spoiler warning ahead.

As the Demon Slayer Entertainment District arc has reached its conclusion, I believe it is definitely time to reflect on such an incredible job that Studio Ufotable has done on an animation level. Demon Slayer Mugen Train arc winning best animation at the 2022 Crunchyroll awards was not surprising to me, however, it did not come without its controversy as people called to attention the fact it was the only anime movie in contention for winning the award. Definitely agreeing with that sentiment as movies usually have a higher budget for production it was definitely a controversial yet deserved win for Ufotable. 

With the release of the newest season it has completely blown away any expectations I had going into it. Each episode just became more and more of a technical marvel to view. I can confidently say that Ufotable have set a clear standard for how production studios tackle their animation from now on. The Entertainment District arc manages to bring a movie level production to a tv series and without a doubt is Studio Ufotable's best work to date. 

Let's begin to talk about where the animation shines. The real quality of the production really shines through when Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke reach the entertainment district in Yoshiwara with Sound Hashira Tengen after receiving reports that Tengen's three wives have gone missing after an investigation. We spend some time with each character as they try to solve why the women at this district are going missing. In the second half of the season, the group then come across the upper rank six demon, Daki, responsible for all the disappearances throughout the district. The fight with Daki only gives us a slight insight as to what we have in store. The group struggle to finish off Daki, only being saved by Tengen last minute beheading Daki. This is where we are introduced to the real antagonist of the season, Gyutaro. Gyutaro's eerie visual presence is perfectly portrayed from the manga. 

The fight with Gyutaro is a spectacle to watch, going where no anime has properly managed to portray on screen, a true team battle. The battle between Tanjiro and co. and Daki and Gyutaro is non stop action brining the true meaning to hype, the battle being an organic fight where every character has a purpose in the fight and doesn't skimp out on recycling frames, everything is fresh and just sheer enjoyment on the eyes with the vivid and just absolutely stunning colour pallets. Mix this in with outstanding sound design, the metal clanging noises of each blade hit and the thunderous bass of each ability landing lets you escape during those twenty minutes episodes and just immerse yourself in what can be described as one of the best onscreen fights I have ever witnessed. Removing the need for complex storylines and overcomplicated powers and just providing a perfect viewing experience where you watch your favourite characters initiate in such a well animated brawl makes it hard to argue that Studio Ufotable has not set an example of what happens when you take the time to master your craft and provide a masterpiece of a viewing experience that outshines the already impressive season one and mugen train arc. 

 

What were your thoughts on the finale of the Enterainment District?