Demon Slayer In Concert review: Does it revolutionize how you experience Tanjiro's adventure?

“We want everyone to walk away with a renewed sense of awe” — The organizers of the Demon Slayer In Concert show expressed this wish in their previous interview with Sportskeeda. The show held its first performance at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, at 2 p.m. EST on September 21, 2024, which I was given the opportunity to attend.

While unsure of what to expect heading in, I left utterly floored by the level of quality the live orchestra provided in their rendition of the Unwavering Resolve arc’s soundtrack. While some aspects of Demon Slayer In Concert’s approach can be fine-tuned, the performance was incredible considering it was an unconducted orchestra that relied on a single metronome for timing and tempo.

The performance boasted meticulous attention and ceaseless effort from all parties involved and was delivered with a level of care all fans should appreciate. However, did the Demon Slayer In Concert truly redefine my experience of the anime? To answer that question, we have to go into detail.

What is Demon Slayer In Concert?

Demon Slayer In Concert follows Tanjiro Kamado and co's journey through the events of the Unwavering Resolve arc (Image via Aniplex of America)

Demon Slayer In Concert is an immersive auditory experience that sees a live orchestra bring the iconic soundtrack of the anime’s Unwavering Resolve arc to life. This performance is expertly paired with hand-picked scenes from the arc, highlighting the struggles and victories of central characters Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and Inosuke Hashibira.

It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for anime fans in general, and especially so for fans of mangaka Koyoharu Gotouge’s original story. At the showing I attended, the orchestra consisted of roughly 18 members, including one piano player, several brass and stringed instrument players, two vocalists, two drummers, and at least one guitarist.

Demon Slayer In Concert review: My experience at the show

Demon Slayer In Concert rightly foregoes focus on Muzan Kibutsuji's command of the Twelve Kizuki (Image via Aniplex of America)

Upon arrival on Saturday, I was astounded by the size and grandeur of the Kings Theatre’s lobby and actual concert hall. The building was beautifully decorated and constructed, with old-world-style aesthetics all around, which fit the performance. A merchandise table was also front and center as soon as I got through security, lending further credibility to the experience and elevating it beyond what some may have otherwise reduced to a paid anime watch party.

Demon Slayer In Concert went through the known motions of Tanjiro’s story, from Nezuko’s transformation into a demon to Tanjiro's meeting Giyu Tomioka, through his training for and passing the Final Selection, meeting enemies and allies, especially Muzan, and finally, the Mugen Train arc’s events. It’s an adequate cutup retelling of the anime's first season’s events, and while some nuances are missed, nothing major has been omitted.

Yet where the production somewhat fails is the confusing ordering of scenes, such as focusing on Tanjiro and Rui’s full fight in the Mount Natagumo arc before showing either Inosuke’s or Zenitsu’s. The Tsuzumi Mansion arc is also confusingly cut up, skipping its focus on Zenitsu’s fight even as Tanjiro’s fully plays out and the closing events of the arc (aside from Zenitsu’s fight) follow it. It’s instead revisited later, in the midst of the focus on the Mount Natagumo arc.

Demon Slayer In Concert does include the Hashira's introductions (Image via Aniplex of America)

There’s also Demon Slayer In Concert’s handling of the Kidnapper's Bog arc, which suffers from similar reordering and gets the least focus as a result. While it is arguably the least important subarc of the larger Unwavering Resolve narrative, I found its reordering somewhat jarring as a longtime fan of the series. It didn’t betray my expectations enough to take me out of the experience, but it did create momentary pause and reflection, which took me out of the viewing.

One final point of contention I found with the performance was how many scenes were repeated in some of the sequences. I felt recaps would’ve been better off selecting a different set of scenes, such as focusing on side characters in the arc and establishing their presence rather than recycling action shots. This would help to both ensure fresh material is on the screen at all times, as well as fully introduce each arc’s cast and give those characters significant focus

One area where I felt the production’s approach to the visuals and recaps was especially appealing was its handling of Tanjiro’s first steps. In this viewing experience, the narrative was most straightforward and easy to follow in the opening scenes, which highlighted Tanjiro and Nezuko’s first steps through the Final Selection process. It served as a gripping start to Tanjiro’s story, which surely affected both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise in the same way.

Demon Slayer In Concert's handling of Kyojuro Rengoku and Akaza's battle is one of its major highlights (Image via Ufotable)

I also enjoyed how Demon Slayer In Concert prefaced the focus on Tanjiro and Nezuko’s story with scenes of a massive battle playing out. The silhouetted Hashira (save for Giyu Tomioka in full glory) appear here to start, giving a sense of mystery and intrigue for franchise first-timers. The scenes of bloody demons and hordes of Slayers also served to provide an early, anchoring interest in the production, which viewers were definitely rewarded for by its end.

I also felt the Mugen Train arc was extremely well done as a recap of the series’ core narrative. It was fluid and easy to follow, while still rightfully devoting most of its focus to the climactic Kyojuro Rengoku versus Akaza fight. The syncing of the music and visuals was exceptional throughout the entire show, but especially here; the major beats of the pair’s fight were perfectly timed with the orchestra’s swells and tempo, making for a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Demon Slayer In Concert review: Unwavering Resolve arc's live rendition delivers visually and auditorily, but marred by a few questionable choices

Demon Slayer In Concert's rendition of Tanjiro's story isn't perfect, but it is very close (Image via Aniplex of America)

Throughout the entirety of Demon Slayer In Concert’s performance, what stood out to me was just how impactful hearing the music live paired with the scenes playing out was. It provided a new sense of appreciation for both these memorable moments in the series themselves and the official soundtrack that accompanied them. The live music served to evoke more emotion and excitement than either the original television broadcast or Gotouge’s manga.

The scene selection, timing, and editing also especially enhanced this, being expertly paired and matching the orchestra’s crescendos, diminuendoes, and pauses perfectly. It’s clear that each and every visual sequence was deliberately edited with the live performance in mind, almost certainly being based on rehearsal pacings with how perfectly synced it all was.

What’s truly impressive about Demon Slayer In Concert’s success in this regard is that it worked perfectly no matter what the tone of the matching visuals was. The sadness of Tanjiro discovering his family, the comedy of his first meeting with Zenitsu, the sympathy he feels for Kyogai and other demons—all of these and more are perfectly communicated and intensified by the expert skills every member of the live orchestra showed during the performance.

Demon Slayer In Concert's rendition of the official soundtrack perfectly conveys each scene's intended emotions (Image via Ufotable)

What was also especially impressive about the orchestra specifically was their performing without a conductor, using a lone metronome to set their tempo. This also allowed fans to focus on the visuals and the actual performers more than they otherwise would’ve been able to. Had my eyes drifted towards a conductor’s sudden movements, I may have missed such perfect moments as Tanjiro’s Final Selection mask cracking and the music’s swell as this happened.

The orchestra behind Demon Slayer In Concert is also commendable for how clearly enthusiastic they were. Some were bobbing their heads while listening to their colleagues play and waiting for their turn to join in, while others were clearly smiling as iconic songs like “Kamado Tanjiro no Uta” rang out from the stage. It’s a subtle yet exciting detail that further endears viewers to the experience by seeing that the performers are having just as good a time as the spectators.

The visuals in and of themselves are also of the same classic Ufotable quality fans can stream online or view on home video. Some scenes even appeared to be touched up or reanimated specifically for the concert. While I was unfortunately unable to confirm this prior to this article’s writing, I don’t quite remember some of those early season fights looking as smooth and vibrant as they did here.

Demon Slayer In Concert succeeds in ensuring Nezuko Kamado doesn't feel like an afterthought (Image via Ufotable)

Perhaps this could be attributed to Demon Slayer In Concert’s massive, ultra-high-fidelity viewing screen, which these visuals played out on. While my seat was in one of the bottom-most sections of the venue, I’m sure I’d have had no problems viewing the scenes from any section. The production is also worth commending in this regard for not forgetting what the most important part of this recipe is—the scenes and characters themselves, which fans are so endeared to.

However, I can’t quite call the production perfect, even if it gets incredibly close to being so. One of the biggest issues is the confusing reordering of scenes, which longtime viewers will at first think were skipped only to appear again later. It’s a straddling-the-line approach, which served to disorient me and briefly take me out of the viewing experience as I tried to remember what the actual order of season events was.

Demon Slayer In Concert makes this misstep at several points over the course of the show. Some are much less egregious than others, but each served to confuse and almost irritate me as the production went on. For those new to the series, this obviously won’t be an issue, yet how long-term fans will react to these changes as they try and soak it all in is certainly worth considering.

The only other major malady that plagues the production is seemingly unnecessary recaps, which highlight scenes that may have been viewed not even fifteen minutes prior. The Mount Natagumo arc specifically highlights this, showing Tanjiro and Rui’s fight three different times and repeating scenes in each sequence. While this is more of a nitpick than the above, it’s something I felt worth mentioning for how jarring it may be to some and the fact that new scenes could instead be shown.

Demon Slayer In Concert review: Does it change the viewing experience of Tanjiro and co’s starting struggles?

Demon Slayer In Concert does succeed in revolutionizing the experience of Tanjiro and co's early struggles (Image via Ufotable)

Without a doubt, Demon Slayer In Concert does succeed as a revolutionary new way of experiencing Tanjiro and co’s shared story. The sensation of live music shaking through your body and ringing in your ears intensifies every action- and emotion-packed scene throughout the Unwavering Resolve arc’s events. It gives the music a much bigger chance to shine as the star of the show, which I felt was successfully achieved here during my viewing experience.

It also makes the struggles and joys of the characters feel much more real, evoking similar sentiments and thoughts from audience members. I found myself as truly inspired, saddened, and concerned as Tanjiro and others were during their struggles, simply for how effective the incredibly well-performed live soundtrack was. Senses of perseverance, loss, regret, joy, love, anger, and more are palpable and replicable throughout each sequence thanks to this live music.

Demon Slayer In Concert also succeeds as a retelling of the Unwavering Resolve arc in and of itself. While it is difficult to separate my prior knowledge of the series from this assessment, I’m confident that the experience alone would be enough for fans to get the core plot of the series. Although some nuanced plot points may be misconstrued, there’s still a clear enough narrative arc to discern a story being told from start to finish.

Demon Slayer In Concert adapting the Entertainment District arc would likely be as equally impressive an achievement (Image via Ufotable)

The cutup scenes also provide a unique viewing experience for longtime fans, allowing them to see the series in a new light. The moments in turn feel much more impactful thanks to the live music, giving new context to and ways of viewing the anime’s most famous moments even for the most seasoned of fans.

This all helps to distinguish Demon Slayer In Concert as a truly unique experience that is worth going out of your way for when fiscally realistic. Simply muting season 1 and blaring each OST song at the appropriate times would not give me the same heart-pounding, blood-rushing sensation I felt at the Kings Theatre. In this alone, it’s clear that the production performs above and beyond any and all expectations as a new way of experiencing Tanjiro’s story.

Demon Slayer In Concert review: Final thoughts

Demon Slayer In Concert leaves a lasting impression as a news means of experiencing Tanjiro and Nezuko's story (Image via Ufotable)

On the whole, the production is a monumental success, which emphasizes just how impactful an official soundtrack can be to any anime series. It equally shows how significant the manner of experiencing said soundtrack can be. There’s no doubt in my mind that attempting to recreate the experience in any other way, shape, or form simply would not replicate the emotions and sensations I felt at the show.

It’s likewise best to judge Demon Slayer In Concert in this primary metric of whether or not it’s a unique experience that heightens the sensation of following Tanjiro’s story. Is it perfect? No, but it gets incredibly close to the point where any meaningful criticisms can be chalked up to subjectivity. Is it as accessible as the mainline anime? No, but those who are able to seek out this experience absolutely should, as it’s worth it for newcomers and long-time fans.

The experience is likewise enjoyable for all ages, with my specific showing hosting a wide range of patrons in terms of demographics. In earshot alone was a full family, a mother with her two young daughters, two older friends who seemingly bought tickets on a whim to try something new, and of course, dedicated teenaged and college-aged fans in full cosplay. In its transcendence of a key demographic such as age alone, the series deserves high praise.

The production offers a new, unique experience that serves to attract old and new anime fans and those new to the medium alike. There’s truly almost no better compliment that can be paid to Demon Slayer In Concert than its ability to transcend the shackles that can be the anime medium in the West. Yet even so, there are many, many other ways in which the production distinguishes itself as a unique, enthralling, memorable, and worthwhile experience.