Product: The Hobbit [VHS] (1977)
Rating: 4.0
Decent Adaptation of the Tolkien Classic Tale!
I recently picked up the Warner Bros. Family Entertainment (Synergy) version of the 1977 television production of Rankin/Bass' The Hobbit. I remember years ago seeing the full length theatrical version of Rankin/Bass' Lord of the Rings, but this is the first time I've seen the Hobbit.I've read Tolkien's trilogy a few times and am familiar with the book. The film follows the book fairly religiously. There are certain liberties: Bilbo is writing a narrative to Gandalf whereas this never happens in the book, but it makes a good first person plot device.Especially impressive was putting the story's original songs and poetry to music and overall it turned out pretty well. The trolls capturing the dwarves or the goblins "snap crack break snap!" songs were especially creepy.I was especially impressed with Gollum meeting Bilbo when they were swapping riddles to see if Bilbo would be tasty "my precioussss." Not all the riddles from the book were used and there was one point where one of the riddles was used as a backdrop song. Very creative.The animation is "OK" but keep in mind this was made as a low budget television picture and so would not have the resources to make a better animated feature. For what they got, they did it well.It was great to hear Hans Conried as one of the voices (Thorin the dwarf king) as I used to hear him many times on Saturday morning cartoon features.The Hobbit is not a "cartoon" but was drawn as an illustration -- the art in the background is nicely "Middle Earth"-ish; the tones are usually of a brown/tan nature, an old-fashioned look. The animation is a bit stiff but that's a minor quibble.The film is clearly made for older children and I think this film would be a great introduction to Tolkien until they get older and are ready to tackle the author's original works.Peter Jackson's The Hobbit will be released in a couple of years but why wait? Check out Rankin/Bass! Recommended.Also Suggested Items:J.R.R. Tolkien Giftset (The Hobbit/The Lord of the Rings/The Return of the King) [VHS]J.R.R. Tolkien Boxed Set (The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings)