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: