Product: The Hobbit [VHS] (1977)
Rating: 4.0
A Good Introduction To "The Hobbit"
This cartoon version of "The Hobbit" is a good introduction to the book for younger viewers/readers. The movie does a good job at capturing the most important parts of The Hobbit, and does help bring to life some of hard to imagine scenes.The plot centers around the mild mannered Bilbo Baggins, the Title Character, a perfectly respectable Hobbit who never would have thought to go on an adventure. It should be noted, for those that don't know, that Hobbits are the salt of the earth and enjoy the basics of life (mostly centering around meals). Most Hobbits frown on those who disrupt the status quo or go out adventuring. Bilbo had embraced this way of life and was seemingly willing to live from day to day without any indication that he had anything more in him. All of that was changed with the arrival of Gandalf, a traveling wizard. Soon Bilbo was pulled from the comfort of his home (and many pantries), and did indeed have many adventures involving Dwarves, Trolls, Giant Spiders, Elves, Orcs, Magic Swords, Treasures, and one clever Dragon. Also of note is Magic Ring that plays a big part in the sequel, The Lord of the Rings.The animation is not great, nor is it very bad for the time, and the voice acting is actually fairly good.Recommended!