Choosing a vinyl record tied to a favorite film often comes down to one question: do you want music alone, or an object that also captures the film's storytelling? The *Hobbit* (Rankin/Bass) 2-LP set is aimed at the latter. Its appeal is the combination of a complete soundtrack presentation and an illustrated book, while its central trade-off is the condition of the cardboard box.
Quick verdict
At USD 114.95, this 1977 *The Hobbit* set makes the most sense for a listener or collector who wants the animated film's dialogue, music, and songs collected in a two-record package with a 16-page full-color storybook. The records are described as being in very good condition, and the book and inner sleeves are described as being in perfect condition. The outer box, however, has edge wear and is said to require restoration.
That creates a clear decision point: the contents are the draw, but the box should be part of the purchase decision rather than an afterthought. If the illustrated-book format and complete soundtrack matter more than a pristine outer package, this is a focused piece of *Hobbit* memorabilia with a listening component.
Who it suits
This set suits shoppers looking for more than a score-only record. The soundtrack is described as including dialogue alongside music and songs, so it is positioned as a fuller audio revisit to the Rankin/Bass animated film. The included storybook further makes the package suited to someone who values the visual and narrative element of the release.
It is also a natural fit for a buyer interested in an original 1977 pressing. The cardboard-sleeve presentation and special-edition-book format give the release a distinctly period-specific character.
What stands out from the listed details
The two-LP format is the key practical feature: it allows the release to present the complete original soundtrack rather than framing the package simply as a selection of songs. For fans of the animated adaptation, the inclusion of dialogue may be as important as the musical material.
The 16-page full-color storybook is the other major reason to consider the set. It turns the record into a combined audio-and-print package, not just a pair of discs in sleeves. With the book described as being in perfect condition, that portion of the set is a meaningful part of its appeal.
2-LP vinyl soundtrack for *The Hobbit* (Rankin/Bass) and illustrated book. 1977
Choose this edition for its complete soundtrack presentation, two records, and included 16-page illustrated storybook. Its most important limitation is the sturdy cardboard box's edge wear and stated need for restoration, even though the records are described as very good and the inner sleeves and book as perfect.
Meaningful trade-offs
The condition split is the main consideration. The listening and reading components are described favorably, while the outer box has visible wear. That may be acceptable when the priority is playing the soundtrack and enjoying the storybook; it is less appealing when the cardboard presentation itself is the primary focus.
The package is also specifically tied to the Rankin/Bass animated *The Hobbit*. Its dialogue-and-song format is a reason to choose it for that adaptation, rather than expecting a general Tolkien-themed vinyl release.
Bottom line
The *Hobbit* Rankin/Bass 2-LP set is a purposeful pick for someone who wants the animated film's full soundtrack experience plus an illustrated 1977 storybook package. The USD 114.95 price is best weighed against the box condition: the records, sleeves, and book are the strengths, while the worn outer box is the trade-off.
