Gigi (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Director Vincente Minnelli’s mother hailed from a clan named Le Beau, which may explain his gift for celebrating Gallic culture. Despite the inescapable fakery of his An American in Paris — shot almost entirely on California sets and backlots — there’s tremendous visual wit in its love-letter visions of post-WWII expatriate-artist patronage. (Never mind that beefy dance genius Kelly makes one unlikely painter.) Gigi, the story of a girl (the delightful Caron) saved from de facto prostitution by true love, is an even more scrumptious Parisian valentine, since it’s garnished with lots of actual locations. Buyer beware: The docs and commentaries are smart and well researched, but these remastered transfers should look and sound better in high-def Blu-ray next year. A