Product: The Hobbit [VHS] (1977)
Rating: 1.0
Abysmal
I remember despising this program when I 1st saw it (at about age 15), so I thought I'd watch it again, as I couldn't remember why I hated it all of almost 40 years ago. The memories came flooding back...Topping the list would, of course, be the Tolkien butchery that angered me even as a kid (I'd read "The Hobbit" and "LOTR" before this was aired). Crucial parts omitted, storyline changed, spirit of the book ignored- check to all 3.Cheesy, uninspired, bottom-of-the-barrel animation. Did you ever see any of those Godawful "Bible Stories" kids cartoon videos they advertise (at outrageous prices!) on the Christial TV channels? If so, you now know what to expect. Just terrible.Sad, sad voice acting. Not surprising when one considers Orson Bean and basically the cast of "Jonny Quest" is in it, but one would think that at least John Huston and Richard Boone could have done better. (Just for fun, close your eyes when "Bard" the guardsman speaks... why, it's Race Bannon!!!)Truly grating soundtrack, featuring a howlingly bad "theme song" by the always syrupy Glen Yarborough. Harry Nilsson, where were you when we needed you? (Perhaps working on "The Point", which was a great animated special!)I'm not picking on this because I'm a Tolkien purist or anything like that, it's just a BAD show. If your offspring expresses interest in "The Hobbit", do them a huge favor and give them the book to read.***Afterthought: I've found another reason to hate this! With Orson Bean and Glen Yarborough, do you suppose if this is ever reissued it will carry the "Communist Seal of Approval"? Sheesh...