Doctor Ryan Presents: The Hobbit (1977)

By: DoctorRyan

With all the hype surrounding the all new Hobbit movies, I thought it might be a good idea to remember this classic animated movie from 1977. Developed by Rankin/Bass productions it might not be this big Hollywood epic like the motion pictures out now, but it has its own calming retro style too it. I found myself enjoying it quite a lot.

Following the events in the book by J. R. R. Tolkien. It is the story of a small halfling called a Hobbit. Hobbits are peace loving country folk, who keep to themselves and never, ever go on adventures. However, when you live in a world full of dragons, wizards, and monsters, adventures find you even if you aren't looking for them. And so we are introduced to Bilbo Baggins, our unlikely hero.

Guy's got a pretty good gig going for him. He's a bachelor living it up in his hometown of The Shire, the place I told my wife I want to go to when I retire. Rolling green hills, crisp clean air, I can already smell the grass and the pipe smoke flowing in the air. So as our little friend enjoys his pipe on his front porch, out of the ether comes a wizard that will change the young hobbit's life forever.

Seriously you have to watch this movie. Even though it has the violence toned down to almost nothing for the younger audience, it still has this sense of wonder and exploration. You will be enthralled watch as Bilbo changes from aloof bachelor man to wandering, spiritual adventurer. The music for this movie is one reason why I think it was so compelling. The theme for this movie is a bard's song if I ever heard one. Seriously, listen:

Looking for more from DoctorRyan?

READ 113204 TIMES

echidna64 Posted on May 20, 2014 at 03:56 PM

Much like Vaporman, this has been the definitive Hobbit movie for me as well. I greatly prefer their version of Gollum, Bilbo, Gandalf, Smaug, Elrond, etc. essentially the whole lot.

And yes, the music is a big part of the film and it sets the mood throughout (which is usually tense).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPkqjc23yqs

The animation is gorgeous, my only gripe is the kaleidoscope effect they use to show death (you know it when you see it) and the battle of the five armies is lazily dots and scribbles fighting each other.

Other than that the Hobbit is awesome! No other medium has captured the tone and narrative structure so perfectly. This is the version that I will be showing my kids.

Vaporman87 Posted on May 20, 2014 at 04:46 AM

This film was all I ever knew of The Hobbit for decades. I knew of no book. Just this movie. And it always left a big impression on me. The style and animation was so well done, beyond what Rankin/Bass had done in the past. The voice acting, especially for Gandalf, was just superb. For me, that voice will always be Gandalf's. Not that of old man Magneto. And the music... it was haunting. I'll never forget the sound of some of those songs for as long as I live.

Retro Read: The Stepsister

Retro Read: The Stepsister! It is time for us to take a peek into the wonderful world of young adult fiction from the nineties. I have...

Farewell Bob Hoskins

On April 29th 2014 actor and director Bob Hoskins passed away. I do not usually write about the passing of movie stars as I feel that there are othe...

90's Vs: Wishbone vs Reading Rainbow

Welcome once again to 90's Vs. This time we are looking at two more educational shows. But instead of science we are looking at reading. A basic skill...

Nickelodeon I used to remember

Nick Nick Nick Nick Nick Nick Nickelodeon!!!!! Oh my, how those words bring back memories. I was born in '93, so I grew up with vintage Nickelodeo...

MOST RECENT RETRORATING FEATURED OFFICIAL

Go to page: