Aniplex of America has announced and detailed the Blu-ray releases of the Sword Art Online anime series, which will be available via four Limited Edition sets scheduled to arrive monthly, beginning in August 2013. Each 3-disc set features special packaging and an array of bonus content.
Series Synopsis: Sword Art Online is an anime adaptation of one of the most popular light-novel series written by author Reki Kawahara. The story is set in a not-so-distant future where people are able to play video games more realistically with the emergence of the Nerve Gear, a virtual reality generating device, which the players wear to stimulate their senses to control their avatars in the world of the game. Kirito is an experienced player who is at first excited for the release of the new Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG), Sword Art Online, aka SAO. But when Kirito and all the other players log on to SAO for the first time, they quickly realize that things surrounding the game and its creator, Akihiko Kayaba, aren't what they appear to be.
Complete technical specifications have yet to be detailed. However, each set will include Japanese and English audio and optional English and Spanish subtitles.
Synopsis, Episodes 1-7: In the year 2022, a next-generation game known as Nerve Gear has been developed, making Full Dives into a virtual dimension possible. Nerve Gear: the world's first true VRMMORPG. Sword Art Online (SAO) has generated worldwide buzz, and on its official launch day, one player, Kirito, immerses himself in its virtual world. But Akihiko Kayaba, the developer of SAO, proclaims the game is inescapable unless all levels are cleared. And in this world, "Game Over" is equivalent to death in the real world.
Bonus Content
Audio Commentary by Creators and Japanese Cast
Special Animation "Sword Art Offline", with English subtitles
1st Season Textless Opening
Original Web Previews
Trailer
Bonus Materials & Special Package
Original Soundtrack CD 1
16-page Deluxe Booklet
Illustration Pin-ups
Exclusive Collectible Card
Rigid Box illustrated by abec (Original Character Design)
Synopsis, Episodes 8-14: It's been two years since the players of Sword Art Online were trapped in its life-or-death adventure. As Kirito and Asuna get closer, Asuna starts to want distance from the Knights of the Blood, but her wish does not come easy. Kirito challenges Heathcliff to a duel to win Asuna's freedom but ends up joining the Knights of the Blood himself. The Assault Team launches an attack on the 75th floor boss, but they find the Skull Reaper to be an extremely tough foe. Meanwhile, Kirito begins to feel suspicious of Heathcliff's actions.
Bonus Content
Audio Commentary by Creators and Japanese Cast
Special Animation "Sword Art Offline", with English subtitles
1st Season Textless Ending
Original Web Previews
Bonus Materials & Special Packaging
Bonus DVD: Staff Interview
16-page Deluxe Booklet
Illustration Pin-ups
Exclusive Collectible Card
Rigid Box illustrated by abec (Original Character Design)
Synopsis, Episodes 15-19: Although Kirito cleared SAO and returned to his real life, his adventure is far from over. Kirito finds that Asuna is in a coma in the hospital, and Nobuyuki Sugou of RECTO, the company that took over SAO, is trying to marry Asuna while she is unconscious. Hearing that Asuna has been spotted in a game called Alfheim Online (ALO), Kirito decides to dive into the virtual world once again. With the help of Leafa, Kirito rushes to the World Tree where Asuna is supposedly imprisoned.
Bonus Content
Audio Commentary by Creators and Japanese Cast
Special Animation "Sword Art Offline", with English subtitles
Original Web Previews
2nd Season Textless Opening
Bonus Materials & Special Packaging
Original Soundtrack CD 2
16-page Deluxe Booklet
Illustration Pin-ups
Exclusive Collectible Card
Rigid Box illustrated by abec (Original Character Design)
Synopsis, Episodes 20-25: Kirito and Leafa have finally reached Central Arun, the largest city in Alfheim by the foot of the World Tree. Kirito is determined to face the dangers of the Grand Quest to rescue Asuna. With the support of the Sylphs and the Cat Sídhes, Kirito will face the dangerous Grand Quest. Will Kirito save Asuna in time or will he be crushed by Oberon's evil plans?
Bonus Content
Audio Commentary by Creators and Japanese Cast
Special Animation "Sword Art Offline", with English subtitles
Original Web Previews
2nd Season Textless Ending
Bonus Materials & Special Packaging
Bonus DVD: English Cast Interview
16-page Deluxe Booklet
Illustration Pin-ups
Exclusive Collectible Card
Rigid Box illustrated by abec (Original Character Design)