I never got the chance to review the movie, so consider this a review for this rebroadcast and the film itself. The Mugen Train arc was an experience to watch in both formats. While it may start the second season, I wouldn't consider it the official start as that's for the Entertainment District arc next week. However, despite the hate it may have received for being a reworked version of the movie, the quality of the anime arc itself matters the most. My feelings for this tv format are the same as the movie for Mugen Train.
The plot itself continues from where season one of Demon Slayer left off and retold the events of the Mugen Train movie, but with some extra scenes in it. The pacing for both the film and the tv adaptation itself was great, not too fast, nor slow. In terms of the arc itself, it's spectacular in its own right. What makes this part of the anime incredible is the emotional substance it contains throughout the entire arc itself. Eventually, it builds up to a confrontation with supposedly the main villain of this arc until it leads to an even more surprising plot twist. I was on a roller coaster of emotions throughout this arc, and that aspect was well done. If Demon Slayer continues to go down that aspect, it may be as great as other anime.
The story of Demon Slayer itself takes place after the events of the first season, where it features the central trio who continues their journey as demon slayers. Throughout the Mugen Train arc, it reintroduces a character previously seen from the first season and expands more on his backstory and personality. Later, it builds up to a villain foreshadowed towards the first season's end and causes everything to go nuts until they're able to fight him. The build-up towards that fight was exciting and somewhat bittersweet to watch as it shows more into what the characters are like in terms of personality. The action scenes themselves were as beautiful as always, but the final fight in that arc is still one of the best battles in the entire series for now. I loved how this arc reintroduced characters seen before and how it managed to capture many feelings just by watching this arc itself. The Mugen Train arc was an experience to enjoy.
What makes part of the Mugen Train arc shine are the characters themselves. Although Tanjiro and the other three are still the same as they were when we last saw them, it was still a great refresher to see their chemistry with each other. However, the character that stood out the most was the Flame Hashira Rengoku. Like all flames, Rengoku shined brightly. He showed us how even for a small amount of screentime, a character can still be great, and Rengoku is a perfect example of that aspect. So great that the first episode of the Mugen Train arc tv series was an original about him, which is better than other anime fillers. That aspect of Rengoku was the best part of the entire Mugen Train arc itself made him one of the best characters in the series. However, the villain for this arc, Enmu, was kind of lackluster compared to the other villains from the first season. He didn't get much of a backstory, which was different from them, and his motives for the arc itself weren't interesting but was a great buildup towards another villain. Another villain named Akaza is a better villain than him. Not only was his fight with Rengoku the best-animated battle in the series yet, but his character was intriguing to watch. Because Akaza was a stronger villain introduced early, it can be considered a build-up for his return in the series in a future arc.
The animation is still breathtaking to watch, supposedly even better than the first season. Ufotable has done a great job as always, so much to the point where it made me question if they're able to outdo themselves with their future work. The music in this arc was still amazing to hear. The soundtrack alone made me appreciate Yuki Kajiura's work more in this series and other anime. The songs by LiSA were still a treat to listen to throughout the opening and the endings. The opening song and ending for the television broadcast made me feel determined and go through memories of my past, which I felt listening to it. Those notes combined with her voice are still a masterpiece. The main song for the movie, Homura, is still emotionally beautiful. It gave the impression that it was specifically a tribute for Rengoku, and it's so gorgeous to listen to. In my opinion, I felt like the music in this arc stepped up its game to sound even more exciting.
Overall the Mugen Train arc in Demon Slayer is still one of the great arcs the series has produced. Although rebroadcasting the Mugen Train arc in a tv format might've not been the best move for some fans of the series, I still enjoyed it. The first episode of the tv version itself would've been better as an OVA, but I won't complain. The animation, music, and Rengoku's character were my favorite parts of the Mugen Train arc entirely. Here's hoping that the central trio will continue to get stronger and that the Entertainment District arc can surpass Mugen Train itself next week.
