Gigi

( 19 )

Overview

Leslie Caron plays Gigi, a young girl raised by two veteran Parisian courtesans Hermione Gingold and Isabel Jeans to be the mistress of wealthy young Gaston Louis Jourdan. When Gaston falls in love with Gigi and asks her to be his wife, Jeans is appalled: never has anyone in their family ever stooped to anything so bourgeois as marriage! Weaving in and out of the story is Maurice Chevalier as an aging boulevardier who, years earlier, had been in love with Gingold's character. Chevalier gets most of the best ...
See more details below
DVD (Remastered / Anniversary Edition)
$12.59
BN.com price
(Save 40%)$20.99 List Price
Pick Up In Store

Pick Up In Store

Reserve and pick up in 60 minutes at your local store

Other sellers (DVD)
  • All (21) from $5.88   
  • New (17) from $15.16   
  • Used (4) from $5.88   

More About This Product

Overview

Leslie Caron plays Gigi, a young girl raised by two veteran Parisian courtesans Hermione Gingold and Isabel Jeans to be the mistress of wealthy young Gaston Louis Jourdan. When Gaston falls in love with Gigi and asks her to be his wife, Jeans is appalled: never has anyone in their family ever stooped to anything so bourgeois as marriage! Weaving in and out of the story is Maurice Chevalier as an aging boulevardier who, years earlier, had been in love with Gingold's character. Chevalier gets most of the best Lerner & Loewe tunes, including "Thank Heaven for Little Girls," "I'm Glad I'm Not Young Any More," and his matchless duet with Gingold, "I Remember it Well." Caron's best number dubbed by Betty Wand is "The Night They Invented Champagne" while Jourdan gets the honor of introducing the title song. Filmed on location in Paris, Gigi won several Oscars, including Best Picture; it also represented the successful American movie comeback of Chevalier, who thanks to this film was "forgiven" for his reputed collaboration with the Nazis during World War II.
Read More Show Less

Special Features

Disc 1:; Commentary by historian Jeanine Basinger with Leslie Caron; New digital transfer; Soundtrack remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1; Vintage short the Million Dollar Nickel; Classic CinemaScope cartoon the Vanishing Duck; Theatrical trailer; Languages: English, Français; Subtitles: English, Français & Japanese; Disc 2:; Thank Heaven! the Making of Gigi - sparkling new documentary about the turbulent creation of a musical classic featuring Leslie Caron and Vincente Minnelli; 1949 nonmusical first screen version of Gigi, starring Danièle Delorme in the title role and directed by Jacqueline Audry
Read More Show Less

Editorial Reviews

All Movie Guide - Bruce Eder
Vincente Minnelli's Gigi was arguably the last great movie of the director's career and the last great musical made at MGM. It was an improbable hit in its time, and it is often denigrated as a poor relation of My Fair Lady, which, like Gigi, was the work of composer-screenwriters Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. In 1958, it had been five years since Minnelli's last successful musical The Band Wagon, and the genre was believed to be running out of steam at the box office. This project, based on a Colette story about a young courtesan matched up with a wealthy man, seemed unlikely material in the supposedly staid 1950s. But Lerner and Loewe's script downplayed the morally equivocal nature of the adults and the title character (without totally losing it) and wrapped the story around a score that drew on the richest melodic influences of My Fair Lady, which was just going into previews at the time. Gigi even inherited one song dropped from the stage version of My Fair Lady, and the score gave it the feel of a 19th century operetta, with the sweeping, melodic elegance of the Viennese tradition and the sauciness of its Parisian counterpart. It was Minnelli's enviable task to make all of this look beautiful, shooting partly in Paris (a privilege he'd been denied on An American In Paris) with a dream cast. The result was a movie that pleased audiences; got away with presenting a tale of prostitution to a general audience in a decade when the screen supposedly didn't even acknowledge the existence of moral terpitude, much less allow its heroes and heroines to have engaged in it (see Detective Story); and introduced a brace of superb songs that still play to audiences. Gigi was the last great score and script that Minnelli ever got to work with, and it is the last MGM musical that is essential viewing even for non-fans of Minnelli and the movie musical.
Read More Show Less

Product Details

  • Release Date: 9/16/2008
  • UPC: 883929003389
  • Original Release: 1958

    • Rating:

  • Source: Warner Home Video
  • Region Code: 1
  • Presentation: Remastered / Anniversary Edition
  • Time: 1:55:00
  • Format: DVD
  • Sales rank: 7,343

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Leslie Caron Gigi
Maurice Chevalier Honore Lachaille
Louis Jourdan Gaston Lachaille
Hermione Gingold Mme. Alvarez
Eva Gabor Liane d'Exelmans
Isabel Jeans Aunt Alicia
Jacques Bergerac Sandomir
John Abbott Manuel
Richard Bean Harlequin
Edwin Jerome Charles the Butler
Dorothy Neumann Designer
Pat Sheahan Blonde
Marilyn Sims Redhead
Lydia Stevens Simone
Jack Trevan Coachman
Monique Van Vooren Showgirl
Technical Credits
Vincente Minnelli Director
Preston Ames Art Director
Cecil Beaton Costumes/Costume Designer, Production Designer, Set Decoration/Design
Alexander Courage Musical Arrangement
Adrienne Fazan Editor
Arthur Freed Producer
F. Keogh Gleason Set Decoration/Design
Henry W. Grace Set Decoration/Design
William Horning Art Director
Ray June Cinematographer
Alan Jay Lerner Score Composer, Screenwriter
Frederick Loewe Score Composer, Screenwriter
Charles Parker Makeup
André Previn Score Composer, Musical Direction/Supervision
Joseph Ruttenberg Cinematographer
William J. Tuttle Makeup
Read More Show Less

Scene Index

Disc #1 -- Gigi
1. Credits [2:13]
2. Ladies in Review [2:53]
3. Thank Heaven for Little Girls [2:27]
4. All the Lessons You Need [3:35]
5. It's a Bore [3:28]
6. Tea for Two [2:36]
7. Lunch and Learn [3:29]
8. Cigars and Jewelry [3:20]
9. The Parisians [2:35]
10. Icy Patter [4:16]
11. Gossip [2:26]
12. She Is Not Thinking of Me [2:20]
13. Bore War [3:50]
14. Tragedy At Honfleur [3:49]
15. On the Town [3:45]
16. Party Host to Dinner Guest [6:36]
17. The Night They Invented Champagne [2:26]
18. Trip to Trouville [3:08]
19. I Remember It Well [3:55]
20. Crash Courses [:36]
21. The Education She Gets [5:54]
22. For Respectability's Sake [3:17]
23. Gaston's Soliloquy [3:41]
24. Gigi [3:06]
25. Bathtun Negotiations [3:43]
26. World-Famous Past [2:01]
27. Rejected and Rebuffed [5:39]
28. I'm Glad I'm Not Young Anymore [3:14]
29. Miserable With You [3:14]
30. Say a Prayer for Me Tonight [4:00]
31. Center of Attention [2:14]
32. Thinking Thing's Through [6:58]
33. Thank Heaven for Little Girls (Finale) [2:19]
Disc #2 -- Gigi
1. Credits [1:04]
2. Eiffel Tower Eyeful [6:07]
3. Visiting Mamita [2:38]
4. Lessons From Aunt Alicia [4:03]
5. Liane on Ice [5:00]
6. Aspects of Her Education [4:23]
7. We Lose to Athletes [3:57]
8. Handling a Gigolo [3:38]
9. Who Will Be Next? [1:51]
10. One More for Dinner [3:58]
11. My Best Friend [4:00]
12. Together At Trouville [4:33]
13. High Time [3:00]
14. Great Decisions [4:12]
15. Best Advantage [4:00]
16. No Longer Young [5:53]
17. Game to Be Played [4:09]
18. She Doesn't Want To [6:08]
19. Mixed Feelings [4:17]
20. Unhappy With You [1:42]
21. The Hand of Gigi [3:19]
22. Cast List [:28]
Read More Show Less

Menu

Disc #1 -- Gigi
   Play Movie
   Scene Selections
   Special Features
      Commentary by Jeanine Basinger With Leslie Caron
      The Million Dollar Nickel
      The Vanishing Duck
      Theatrical Trailer
   Languages
      Spoken Languages
         English
         Français
      Subtitles
         Englidh (For the Hearing Impaired)
         Français
         Japanese
         Off
Disc #2 -- Gigi
   Play Movie
   Scene Selections
   Special Features
      Thank Heaven! the Making of Gigi
   Languages
      Gigi
         Spoken Languages
            Français
         Subtitles
            English (For the Hearing Impaired)
            Japanese
            Off
      Thank Heaven! the Making of Gigi
         Spoken Languages
            English
         Subtitles
            Japanese
            Off
Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 19 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(12)

4 Star

(5)

3 Star

(2)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines
Add Recommendations
Your Name: Create a Pen Name or

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identity on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

 
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously
Sort by: Showing all of 19 Customer Reviews

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Gigi

    Gigi(Leslie Caron) is a musical about an awkward,clumsy,and silly girl that is "backwards for her age". The rich and "bored" Gaston is fond of Gigi's family. He spoils her and is amused by her company and banter. As Gaston flirts with the sophisticated women of Paris Gigi becomes a woman. Gaston then realizes that "there is sweeter music when she speaks" and "a different bloom about her cheeks".
    This is my favorite musical and perhaps movie. Their love is sweet and innocent. It is not greedy or hungry.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Great Film, Bad Transfer

    Gigi is the apex of the great MGM/Arthur Freed musicals. It is a classic. Unfortunately, the DVD transfer of this masterpiece is nothing short of abysmal. The colors bleed. The original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 has been artificially squeezed down to 1:85 !This causes the most annoying distortion on the right and left side of the screen. The image on both sides is stretched vertically! Warner Home Video should be ashamed of themselves for their treatment of a great Hollywood classic. They should hand to over to The Criterion Collection to get the treatment it deserves.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted September 14, 2012

    more from this reviewer

    ¿Gigi¿ was a great film about a young woman who falls in love wi

    “Gigi” was a great film about a young woman who falls in love with a wealthy man. He is only technically meant to be her “mentor”. The only thing I did not like about “Gigi” was the suicide part. I am compassionate towards those who have attempted or followed through on suicide. However, I do not believe that there is no human being worth committing suicide over. Aside from that caveat, “Gigi” provided an interesting glimpse into the life of a courtesan who is being trained to work among the upper class. “Gigi” is great for those who enjoy musicals with love stories.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    The Aristocats
    The King and I
    Bedknobs and Broomsticks

    Outstanding Musical!

    Gigi is a delightful musical filled with memorable music and classic actors and actresses. The outstanding costumes and beautiful scenery only add to the magic of the show. As soon as I watched Gigi for the first time, I downloaded the entire musical score! This light-hearted movie will entertain people of all ages. It also contains a lot of social commentary and insights into the time period in France! I purchased the DVD version of Gigi first, and then, immediately purchased the Blu-Ray version as soon as it was available. However, I was a little disappointed in the quality of the Blu-Ray version. I was expecting a sharper picture and even more stunning views of the scenery and costumes, but this version just appeared more "grainy" on the screen. I believe the DVD version is just as good if not better than the Blu-Ray!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    Thank Heaven for Gigi

    "Gigi" is such a wonderful musical. I have loved it forever. Leslie Caron plays the part perfectly, supported by such top notch entertainers as Louis Jordan, Maurice Chevalier, Hermione Gingold and many others. They all made their mark on the world of entertainment and thank heaven we can watch them long after they are gone. You will love the music, costumes and the scenes of Paris . This musical deserved it's award of Best Picture and and nine other Acedemay Awards.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    A great classic

    This movie has it all--sumptuous visuals, biting adult wit, trenchant social commentary, an endearing central character, splendid music, and wonderful performances, even from Maurice Chevalier. What is so extraordinary is the re-creation of the Art Nouveau, Belle Epoque exteriors, interiors and costumes. That extraordinary beauty makes more credible the social mores of the time, which seem so out of synch with today's sensibilities and yet fascinating and intriguing. Leslie Caron is stunning and Auntie, teaching Caron the arts of her trade, is simply priceless. Best scene: Auntie leaves her house.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Good Music

    I enjoy old movies with good music. This one is great with a good cast and cute story line.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    A Beautiful Experience

    How lovely and loving a film. Wonderful performances by some great people from film and stage. Music and lyrics are most memorable and have been through the years. A beautiful piece of work to share with young people and for us others to remember it well.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Long-time favorite

    Has always been a favorite of mine. The additional narratives on the film extras are very informative. Well worth the time and money.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A reviewer

    The earlier incarnation of this film did not do it justice...now, here it is, restored and loaded with extras with the great Leslie Caron herself....and a blu-ray release is soon to follow this one....can't wait til September!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Beautiful movie

    The movie is great! Leslie Caron puts the perfect touch on GIGI.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 12, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted March 23, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 16, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 20, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 23, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted September 21, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 25, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 29, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 19 Customer Reviews