Is there anyone over a certain age who doesn't have fond memories of the cult TV series Monkey? Probably, but I've yet to meet them. Originally adapted from Wu Chengen's classic Chinese novel, Journey to the West, the 1970s series gets a rousing, special effects laden, 21st century makeover in Monkey Magic (Saiyûki), a brand new, live-action feature length adventure featuring the further comic exploits of Tripitaka, Sandy, Pigsy and, of course, the irrepressible Monkey.

On their quest from China to India to collect a set of ancient holy scrolls, the Buddhist monk Tripitaka (played by Japanese actress Eri Fukatsu) and his three protective disciples, Monkey (Shingo Katori), Pigsy (Atsushi Ito) and Sandy (Teruyoshi Uchimura), encounter a young princess, Reimi (Tabe Minako), who implores them for their help. Her once lush and peaceful homeland of the Tiger Kingdom has been taken over by two demon warlords, the cruel King Gold Horn and his equally tyrannical brother, Silver Horn. Having plundered the kingdom's palace and transformed Reimi's parents into turtles, the demons have also turned the surrounding countryside into a desert wasteland. Now, they plan to plunge the entire world into eternal darkness.

Tripitaka agrees to help Reimi and, with Monkey, Pigsy and Sandy at his side, sets out to find Remi's grandfather who is believed to be in possession of a magical orb that holds the power to return the king and queen to their human forms. But, unknown to the band of heroes, the orb is also the key to the demons' final diabolical scheme.

Being touted as a lively fantasy adventure for all ages, Monkey Magic captures the surreal, zany, comic spirit of the 1970s TV series, adding a contemporary flair to the timeless fable that has already found favour with fans of the original and could just win win over a new generation of converts.

Monkey Magic (cert. 12) will be released on UK DVD for £15.99 and Blu-ray for £19.99 by Cine Asia on 16th February 2009.

UPDATE: The release of both discs has now been brought forward to 9th February 2009.