Trailer - Saiyuki (Toei, 1960)
Movie trailer for Toei Doga's 3rd animated feature film, Saiyuki. This story is based on the famous Chinese legend, and adapted from the Osamu Tezuka's manga. Tezuka was also involved in the film script, although Toei insisted on a different direction from many of his ideas. Either frustrated by working with Toei, or inspired by the possibilities of animation, Tezuka set to form his own animation studio, Mushi Productions, in 1961-62. Saiyuki was imported to American theaters under the title, "Alakazam the Great!" This version featured the voice of Frankie Avalon (pop singer), new music, and altered names. Basically, any trace of its Asian origins are muddied or erased. Saiyuki is a masterwork of the early Toei Doga films. It's probably my favorite, along with Hakujaden and Wanpaku no Orochi Taiji (Little Prince and the Eight-Headed Dragon)
