West Side Story (1961/2021) side-by-side comparison

A side-by-side, shot-for-shot comparison between the first teaser trailer for the 2021 adaptation of West Wide Story and the 1961 film of the same name both based on the stage musical.

This Side-by-Side is intended to show the different choices made by two groups of filmmakers sixty years apart when adapting the same work.

[whatthestuffisthis]

Oh great Steven another movie about Sharks.

[GarrettWatts]

Wow, this is really beautifully done. Awesome work, Matt.

[natalief]

i'm so incredibly proud of rachel and i'm so excited to see her as maria

[TylerDawnRosenquist]

Nice tribute to the original trailer but the best part was seeing the great Rita Moreno in both.

[moonfowlee]

I think Spielberg said that it wasn't a remake of the 1961 movie but a adaptation of the original musical like the 1961 one was.

[Rose-eozo]

I cant stop looking at the 1961 version. So much more pleasing to the eye. Think I'll go watch that version again. Classic is best.

[breezingby]

Love how different the new one looks while still appearing to stay true to the source material

[frankgallegos]

I’ve always had an admiration for West Side Story and when I first saw the new trailer it brought back so many fond memories of the classic but with Spielberg’s touch in his cinematic vision. It was beautiful, especially at the end with that very close shot for shot moment. Truly touching. Can’t wait for this.

[davids]

Fun fact - the flyover scene of the Alps at the beginning of the Sound of Music is a reflection of the flyover scene of New York at the beginning of West Side Story. Both were directed by Robert Wise.

[kelven]

hello, i posted this on twitter (and gave you credit ofc) and rachel retweeted so the rest of the cast will probably see this beautiful edit too. just wanted to let you know 🤍

[crystalanamericaninsicily]

Nothing can compare with the 1961 version...BUT. They did a Great job!! Wonderful that the Puerto Ricans are actually played by Puerto Ricans this time.

[PoissonVisageStudios]

I've never seen either, but I'm not gonna lie, the old one looks more interesting. I like the stylistic red lighting and the helicopter shots showing the scale of where it's set. The top one looks like a very generic modern movie.

[michaelgreen]

I was five years old when my teenaged cousin took me and some others to see a movie. I had no idea it was going to be 'Westside Story', but I loved it.

The remake looks to be as awesome as the original and, now, sixty years later, I'm sure I will love it too.

The songs are as timeless as ever and the dances are unforgettable.

So take a five year old to see it, and let them fall in love with a wonderful thing too.

[eshires]

After seeing this 3 times already, and yes I am a huge fan of the older movie, all I can say is why are we comparing at all? Both are equally good! Are there some things I liked better in the old movie, yes. But same with the new one. Each one is unique in its own way.
The critics are wrong about the 2021 version, it is wonderful. If all you are going to do is compare it to the old movie than don't see it. They are not the same film!
2021 Great lighting, cinematography, THE ORCHESTRA, the acting, the singing, and the dancing!! All were great! This cast and crew definitely gave 100% and it's really sad that people who haven't even given a chance are trashing it.
As for those complaining about Ansel's literally dances twice. Hardly at all.
The Spanish that is spoken, very easy to see/feel the emotion and what they are saying. Especially if you've seen the older movie.
Don't listen to the reviews. See it for yourself!

[liveactionangrybirdsplushc]

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[jazmorrison]

watched 2021 version today at cinema i was crying my eyes out sad story awsome film

[Alphawolf]

Wow. 60 years. Approx. 3 generation gap. Still the same dazzle! I can't wait for West Side Story!

[thore]

I still don't see the need for a remake of this masterpiece

[ricklowe]

The red colour and the scenary from the original movie look better than the new movie. But Spielberg has my respect. Anyway, it's difficult to improve such a big clasic. The best musical of all time and one of the Top 10 classic movies of all time.

[meginmd]

1961 or now, that whistle always gives me goosebumps. Also, Anson isn't hot enough to be Tony sorrynotsorry