Has Spielberg done it again?

Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story cost more than £100 million to make and market. And it's now doing the rounds at cinemas up and down the UK.

The original 1961 version – lovingly crafted by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins – was an incredible feat, winning 10 Oscar's. Now, all these years later, Spielberg's stunning take on the lives of the 'Jets' and the 'Sharks', and those associated with them, has managed to bring this wonderful and tragic tale to new audiences, many who will be unfamiliar with the gripping original that created some of the most memorable music ever made.

HARD ACT TO FOLLOW: the original 1961 version is one of the best musicals ever made.

Before going into the cinema, I was thinking to myself 'why has Spielberg bothered' and 'what's the point'? My view was it would be impossible to improve on the 60s film.

Yet, in truth, the world's most famous director has delivered two hours and 40 minutes of entertainment that delights, thrills, gets your toes tapping and enthrals in equal measure.

GRIPPING AND FAITHFUL: Spielberg's remake has captured the essence of the original film.

To those of us in the 'know', there have been some tweaks to the original film. For example, the 'Doc', the male shop owner, is now 'Mrs Doc'; we get to spend a bit more time with Tony and Maria on the day after they meet; and certain songs have changed locations.

But none of these detracts from the cinematic spectacle created by Spielberg. Such changes work well, and the director has achieved his goal of capturing the essence of the original stage play as well as the 1961 film.

ANGRY AND VIBRANT: Ariana DeBose (centre) puts in a stirring performance as 'Anita'.

The language, while updated, remains faithful to the story and the time.

Among the strong cast, Ansel Elgort plays a very sympathetic 'Tony'; Ariana DeBose is a very angry and determined 'Anita', while Rachel Zelger, playing 'Maria' and making her screen debut, has a voice to die for. It was also great to see Rita Moreno, the original 'Anita', playing 'Mrs Doc' and putting in a memorable performance.

But the big question is, was all this trouble and expense worth it?

A DOOMED LOVE: Tony woos Maria in the Spielberg remake of West Side Story.

Going in, I really did have my doubts. By the halfway point, I was really loving it. And at the end, I was asking myself: if I could only watch one version again for the rest of my life which one would it be?

Sorry, Steven, the original wins out for me. But only by a whisker.

Andy Godfrey is Sorted's film reviewer and a founder of the Mark Kermode Appreciation Society.