ReadNest Guide

Choosing Storybook and Soundtrack Vinyl Records: E.T., Star Trek, The Hobbit, and Little Boy Goes to Hell

A shopper-focused comparison of four vinyl records, from a low-priced E.T. read-along record book to a higher-priced 4×45 RPM set with book.

Last updated Jul 20

Choosing vinyl records in this group is less about picking a single "best" pressing and more about matching the format, condition, and included extras to the way you collect. Some shoppers will care most about a familiar film or TV tie-in, while others may prefer a multi-disc narrative set, a vintage record-and-book package, or a soundtrack item with original-cover appeal.

Quick take

  • Lowest listed price: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial Drew BARRYMORE 1982 7" 33 Vinyl Record Book SPIELBERG is the least expensive pick and is the clearest fit for shoppers who want a 1980s read-along movie item.
  • Best for Star Trek collectors: Star Trek Book and Vinyl Record Set A Mirror For Futility RARE & VINTAGE is the focused choice if the title and book-and-record format matter most.
  • Best for Rankin/Bass Hobbit interest: The Hobbit (1977) Rankin/Bass Production - 2 LP on Buena Vista Records no book has the strongest pull for shoppers looking specifically for the 1977 production on Buena Vista Records.
  • Most complete multi-disc concept: Little Boy Goes to Hell - 4×45 RPM Vinyl Set + Book - Conrad Uno / PuddleTown is the only new-condition option here and includes a four-record setup plus book.

Listed price comparison

The listed prices span $14.95 to $49.99, with the lowest price about 70% below the highest. That spread matters because the least expensive item is a compact 7-inch read-along record book, while the highest-priced item is a 4×45 RPM set with a book.

ProductListed pricePrice bar
E.T. The Extra Terrestrial Drew BARRYMORE 1982 7" 33 Vinyl Record Book SPIELBERGUSD 14.95
Star Trek Book and Vinyl Record Set A Mirror For Futility RARE & VINTAGEUSD 19.99
The Hobbit (1977) Rankin/Bass Production - 2 LP on Buena Vista Records no bookUSD 25.00
Little Boy Goes to Hell - 4×45 RPM Vinyl Set + Book - Conrad Uno / PuddleTownUSD 49.99

Decision matrix

If you care most about...Start with...Why it fitsMain tradeoff
A familiar 1980s film read-alongE.T. The Extra Terrestrial Drew BARRYMORE 1982 7" 33 Vinyl Record Book SPIELBERGIncludes narration by Drew Barrymore as Gertie, music by John Williams, and a 24-page read-along bookletUsed condition, with the record graded good plus and sleeve very good
A Star Trek book-and-record collectibleStar Trek Book and Vinyl Record Set A Mirror For Futility RARE & VINTAGEThe title is dedicated to A Mirror For Futility and includes the book-and-vinyl formatUsed condition, with original inner sleeves only if included
A 1977 animated Hobbit soundtrack-style itemThe Hobbit (1977) Rankin/Bass Production - 2 LP on Buena Vista Records no bookTied to the Rankin/Bass production and Buena Vista Records, with original cover listedNo book, poster, decals, or third songs-only vinyl
A new multi-record narrative packageLittle Boy Goes to Hell - 4×45 RPM Vinyl Set + Book - Conrad Uno / PuddleTownFour 45 RPM records plus a book, with original cover and original inner sleeve features listedHighest listed price in this group

Concise product notes

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial Drew BARRYMORE 1982 7" 33 Vinyl Record Book SPIELBERG

This is the most approachable pick if you want a compact movie read-along record tied to E.T. The Extra Terrestrial. The appeal is specific: music by John Williams, narration by Drew Barrymore as Gertie, voice credits including Henry Thomas and Robert McNaughton, and a 24-page booklet with full-color movie images. It also plays at 33 RPM, which is useful to note because the title is a 7-inch format. The limitation is condition-related: the record is described as good plus, the sleeve as very good, and the cover has minor storage scuffs, so it is better suited to a shopper comfortable with a used read-along collectible.

Star Trek Book and Vinyl Record Set A Mirror For Futility RARE & VINTAGE

Star Trek Book and Vinyl Record Set A Mirror For Futility RARE & VINTAGE is the cleanest thematic match for a shopper who wants the Star Trek name directly in the title and wants the book-and-record pairing rather than a standard album alone. The format is listed as a record, with black vinyl, original cover, and a very good plus record grading. The book is described as intact, which helps distinguish it from incomplete storybook-style vinyl packages. The main limitation is that it is still a used item, and the wording around original inner sleeves is conditional, so its strongest appeal is the title and format rather than a fully detailed component list.

The Hobbit (1977) Rankin/Bass Production - 2 LP on Buena Vista Records no book

The Hobbit (1977) Rankin/Bass Production - 2 LP on Buena Vista Records no book is the one to focus on if your collection leans toward animated fantasy, Rankin/Bass productions, or Buena Vista Records releases from the 1970s. It is listed with a cardboard sleeve, black vinyl, original cover, and deluxe edition, first pressing attributes. The records are described as about VG+, which gives it collector interest even with wear to the box. The key limitation is right in the title and description: it has no book, poster, or decals, and the third songs-only vinyl is missing, so it is not the pick for someone trying to assemble a complete package in one purchase.

Little Boy Goes to Hell - 4×45 RPM Vinyl Set + Book - Conrad Uno / PuddleTown

Little Boy Goes to Hell - 4×45 RPM Vinyl Set + Book - Conrad Uno / PuddleTown stands apart because it is a four-record 45 RPM set with a book and is the only item here marked new. The description names Conrad Uno, The Puddletown Youth Symphony, and the Minkler Brothers, which makes it a more unusual regional or narrative vinyl project compared with the better-known film and TV tie-ins. It also lists original cover and original inner sleeve features. The tradeoff is cost: it sits at the top of the price range, so it makes the most sense for shoppers who specifically want the multi-disc set and book rather than simply the lowest-cost collectible.

Final recommendation

If you want the lowest-cost way into these storybook-style vinyl records, choose E.T. The Extra Terrestrial Drew BARRYMORE 1982 7" 33 Vinyl Record Book SPIELBERG at USD 14.95. It has a clear 1980s film connection, a named John Williams credit, Drew Barrymore narration, and the read-along booklet format.

If your priority is a franchise collectible, Star Trek Book and Vinyl Record Set A Mirror For Futility RARE & VINTAGE is the more direct pick because the title centers on Star Trek and the book-and-record set is the point of the item.

For a shopper focused on 1970s animated fantasy, The Hobbit (1977) Rankin/Bass Production - 2 LP on Buena Vista Records no book is compelling, but only if the incomplete package is acceptable. The missing book, poster, decals, and third songs-only vinyl are meaningful limitations.

Choose Little Boy Goes to Hell - 4×45 RPM Vinyl Set + Book - Conrad Uno / PuddleTown if you want the most substantial package in this set of choices. At USD 49.99, it is the highest listed price, but it is also the only new-condition option and the only 4×45 RPM set with a book.

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