The Complete Gidget Collection (Gidget / Gidget Goes Hawaiian / Gidget Goes to Rome)

I'm adding a review to the other fine reviewers' voices here to recommend some another choice to Gidget fans. My wife and I got this film set, then watched our way through all three films over three nights. Each one has its strengths:Sandra Dee is probably the best of the movie Gidgets, overall, because of her obvious fish-out-of-water innocence as she hits the beach. The joking label "a girl and a midget is a Gidget" seems to fit her perfectly. In the Hawaiian sequel, the new Gidget actually is more athletic and we see some real action on the water, plus some very professional dance moves. And, if you're along for the whole ride through Gidget's movie and TV career, the third film in Rome features some over-the-top comedy from that era that's fun to watch.What made all of this more engaging was a documentary: Accidental Icon: The Real Gidget Story. We had not been aware that there was a real Gidget. We're old enough to have enjoyed Sally Fields on TV as Gidget, but not old enough to have experienced the late-'60s bestselling novel described by the real surfer known as Gidget and written by her father. This documentary tells that story with lots of great archival photos—and it includes interviews with many women who now are professional surfers. Those women all credit the real Gidget with making the previously all-male sport something that they could consider.We can tell you: Watching that documentary, either before or after you watch this trio of movies, will really add to your appreciation of this major trend in American culture back in the '50s and early '60s.

I rewatch these all the time, especially the first one (also can't get enough of the complete Gidget TV series with Sally Field). They're just wholesome, family fun with some mild adult humor. Most surfers might run you outta town since Gidget singlehandedly took the sport from 5000 worldwide to 2 million almost immediately. The fake surf riding scenes are to laugh at, music is light hearted and there are heartfelt messages throughout. Bonus, Billy Jack is in it.

I am enjoy THE DVD

These movies are great, the shipping was fast and in great condition when I got it. One of the discs is double sided which confused me at first (I kept looking for the third disc, haha) so keep that in mind when you open it up for the first time. However, I didn't love the story plot of the third movie even though it was still entertaining. Still totally worth it for the other two movies!! They just don't make movies like this anymore.

This Gidget DVD set from Columbia-Tristar has taken a lot of criticism for being presented only in pan and scan. Yes, it's true. Also, the only extra feature is a few movie trailers for 2004 movies. Still, this DVD set has three Gidget movies and it's budget priced. This DVD set has:Gidget(1959): This first Gidget movie stars Sandra Dee as Frances Lawrence/Gidget and it's based on the novel by Frederick Kohner. In this first film, surfer Jeff/Moondoggie(James Darren) and Gidget meet for the first time.Gidget Goes Hawaiian(1961): Sandra Dee was busy acting in three movies in 1961 and the producers hired cute red-headed actress...the late Deborah Walley...to play Gidget. Walley had enough talent and charm to carry the role. James Darren returns as Jeff/Moondoggie. The first Gidget was a solid film, but Gidget Goes Hawaiian is my personal favorite film in the series. It's closer in spirit to the Sally Field Gidget TV show from 1966. While on vacation in Hawaii, a spiteful girl(Vicky Trickett) spreads rumors that Gidget is an "easy girl". There's a side-splitting scene where Gidget imagines that she's a "fallen woman"! Carl Reiner plays Gidget's father in this film. Deborah Walley does some REAL surfing in this movie!Gidget Goes to Rome(1963): This...is where the magic started to vanish! Cindy Carol was miscast as Gidget! There are dated jokes! There's only one surfing scene. Still, there are some redeeming factors. Jessie Royce Landis gives a good performance. John Williams(Star Wars, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark) wrote some quality music for this film. James Darren returns...and gives his final performance as Moondoggie. Don Porter plays Gidget's father in Gidget Goes to Rome and plays the same character in the Gidget TV show.All three Gidget movies were directed by Paul Wendkos(Guns of the Magnificent Seven). Gidget movies are a reminder that kids have fun and they have to deal with angst as well!This DVD set is a must for hard core Gidget fans!

Great!

love these movies

I think Gidget and her little pint size is adorable. I really like Sandra Dee. She’s cute as a button! I like her surfer dude friends that she hangs out with. They are really cool surfer dudes. Whenever I get in a beach mood I get out the Gidget collection movies. They are fun to watch and reminds me of the Good old days in the 60s. I’m very happy with my purchase!