Gigi (1958)

A Musical Must

This wonderful movie is a MUST HAVE for anyone who loves musicals and never tires of the delightful experience of viewing this great film. Wonderful music, sophisticated and witty dialog, gorgeous costumes and scenery are all brought together with consumate skill. The acting is outstanding, especially the performances of the uncle, Maurice Chevalier, and Gigi's grandmother, Hermione Gingold.

Although the film was released in 1958, it has a timeless appeal for audiences of all ages. I enjoyed it when it was first released, my children and grandchildren have seen and loved it. I highly recommend watching and re-watching Gigi, especially if you're into romance and beauty! September 1, 2008

Most Of These reviews do not apply to this release

The Following is a comment on Amazon's providing correct info to purchasers.

Most of the reviews displayed here do not apply to this most recent, 2 disc release of Gigi. They can't possibly because this version is not yet available and isn't due out til Sep, 16. After doing a little research this release is in widescreen and the proper running time is
116 mins.

Amazon, you are great at providing a huge and updated selection of DVDs
to purchase, but your providing improper and incorrect info and not keeping the reviews separate as they pertain to each release of the same movie is probably costing you sales.

Thank you for the opportunity to review and to access reviews of movies because it greatly assists purchasers in more carefully selecting what they want, but each review needs to be kept specific to that particular version or release. At times, there are multiple releases of the same movie and, over time, each release gains many reviews. When a subsequent release of the same movie becomes available the reviews from the previous release or releases somehow end up in the ad for the newer one(sometimes even before it's released, as in the case of this edition of "GIGI") creating confusion among potential customers. The same also applies to the upcoming release of "How The West Was Won".

For more info on specs and extras concerning this latest release of "GIGI", please see review here by Dave "Davelandweb" posted July 21, 2008

Thanx for letting me use your orange crate. August 24, 2008

Why this version is 1.33:1?

Going through the new releases page, today 13th August 2008, I thought "Woww, a new version of the great GIGI." I was about to pre-order a copy, but when I noticed that the aspect ratio was not that of the Original Version, sorry thanks very much. I'll be happy with the version I already have in my collection. GIGI as a film, is sure is a 5 star picture. A film I always loved. I'm so disappointed!!! August 13, 2008

Excellent

I was expecting more schmaltz,and had been led to believe this was the worst Best Picture ever. In fact it was quite good, and Titanic still deserves that distinction. July 24, 2008

Loads of extras on 2-Disc Special Edition

For those wondering why they should purchase another edition of "Gigi" on DVD, here are all the extras; however, if you own a Blu-ray, you might want to wait until 2009 when this title is supposed to be released in that format.

Winner of 9 Oscars, "Gigi" was produced after the demise of the original 3-Strip Technicolor system, and photographed in the industry-standardized Eastmancolor process, which had a tendency to fade to reds and purples. For this new DVD release, Gigi has been photo-chemically restored from its original camera negative and safety separations to produce a much sharper and colorful image than has been seen in decades. It also contains a 5.1 audio mix created from the original multi-track source elements.

Disc 1 (Gigi '58): 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen * English DD5.1 Surround * French Mono * English, French and Japanese subtitles
*New Commentary with Leslie Caron & Film Historian Jeanine Basinger
*The Million Dollar Nickel [1952 MGM short]
*The Vanishing Duck [1958 MGM cartoon]
*Theatrical Trailer

Disc 2: "Thank Heaven! The Making of Gigi" The story of how 1958's Best Picture winner (the last of the classic MGM musicals) survived a turbulent production that included censorship battles over its daring sexual content and creative struggles between a studio in turmoil and a demanding, visionary director. Featuring an all-new interview with star Leslie Caron, and a rare interview with Oscar-winning director Minnelli
Original 1949 Nonmusical version of Gigi starring Daniele Delorme in the title role and directed by Jacqueline Audry (in French Mono with English subtitles)

For those not familiar with the plot, Gaston (Louis Jordan) is the descendant of a wealthy Parisian family who rebels from the superficial lifestyle of upper class Parisian 1900s society by socializing with the former mistress (Hermoine Gingold) of his uncle (Maurice Chevalier) and her outgoing, tomboy granddaughter, Gigi (Leslie Caron). When Gaston becomes aware that Gigi has matured into a woman, her grandmother and aunt (Isabel Jeans), who have educated Gigi to be a wealthy man's mistress, enjoin on him to become her provider and on her to accept such a golden opportunity. However, true love adds a surprise twist to this Cinderella story that was actually filmed in Paris. July 22, 2008

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