Choosing story-driven vinyl records means deciding whether you want a compact character-themed record, a spoken-word LP, or a larger soundtrack-and-book package. Here, the three *The Hobbit* choices share a Rankin/Bass connection but differ in record count, book presentation, and listed price, while the *Star Wars* option takes a different route with a 7-inch 45 RPM format.
Quick take
For a single 12-inch *Hobbit* record with a Storyteller Book title, The Hobbit Vinyl Record 1977 Rankin Bass Disneyland 3819 Storyteller Book LP VG is the middle-ground choice at USD 49.99. Move to THE HOBBIT Original Soundtrack 2 Vinyl Records Set LP & Book Rankin Bass SP ED when two records and a book are the priority. The USD 114.95 **2-LP vinyl soundtrack for *The Hobbit* (Rankin/Bass) and illustrated book. 1977** is the most expensive listed *Hobbit* package and specifically describes a 16-page full-color storybook. For an inexpensive, smaller-format detour from Middle-earth, the *Star Wars* 7-inch is listed at USD 10.76.
Listed-price comparison
| Record | Listed price | Price position |
|---|---|---|
| The Hobbit Vinyl Record 1977 Rankin Bass Disneyland 3819 Storyteller Book LP VG | USD 49.99 | |
| THE HOBBIT Original Soundtrack 2 Vinyl Records Set LP & Book Rankin Bass SP ED | USD 74.99 | |
| 2-LP vinyl soundtrack for *The Hobbit* (Rankin/Bass) and illustrated book. 1977 | USD 114.95 | |
| STAR WARS Movie Story Book (1979) - 7" Vinyl Record 45RPM - VG | USD 10.76 |
The listed range runs from USD 10.76 to USD 114.95. The main dividing line is not simply price: the two-record *Hobbit* sets are soundtrack-oriented book packages, the Disneyland title is identified as Comedy & Spoken Word, and the *Star Wars* selection is a 7-inch 45 RPM record in a paper sleeve.
Decision matrix
- **Choose a one-record *Hobbit* experience:** The Disneyland 3819 Storyteller Book LP is the only listed 12-inch *Hobbit* choice identified as Comedy & Spoken Word.
- Choose two records plus a book at a mid-range listed price: THE HOBBIT Original Soundtrack 2 Vinyl Records Set LP & Book is the direct fit, with a Special Edition designation and cardboard sleeve.
- Choose the 16-page illustrated-book presentation: The 2-LP soundtrack package explicitly describes a full-color 16-page storybook alongside dialogue, music, and songs.
- **Choose a short-format *Star Wars* item:** STAR WARS Movie Story Book is the sole 7-inch, 45 RPM entry and has the lowest listed price.
Product notes
The Hobbit Vinyl Record 1977 Rankin Bass Disneyland 3819 Storyteller Book LP VG
Pick this 1977 Disneyland release when a single 12-inch black-vinyl *Hobbit* record is more appealing than a multi-record set. Its Comedy & Spoken Word genre and release title, *The Hobbit: Songs and Dialogue From The Original Motion Picture*, make it a particularly natural choice for someone seeking a narrative-led listen. The Storyteller Book wording also gives it a distinct book-and-record identity. Its limitation is its used presentation: the outer jacket is described with light vintage shelf wear and edge rubbing along the spine. At USD 49.99, it sits below both listed two-record *Hobbit* sets.
THE HOBBIT Original Soundtrack 2 Vinyl Records Set LP & Book Rankin Bass SP ED
This is the clearest fit for a listener who wants a stated two-record *Hobbit* soundtrack set paired with a book, without selecting the highest-priced package. The 1977 Buena Vista special edition is described as including two 12-inch records at 33 RPM, the original cover, and a book; its genre is Soundtrack, Soundtracks & Musicals. That combination suits a soundtrack-centered collection rather than a single spoken-word LP. The tradeoff is straightforward: it is a used cardboard-sleeve set, and its USD 74.99 listed price is higher than the one-record Disneyland title.
2-LP vinyl soundtrack for *The Hobbit* (Rankin/Bass) and illustrated book. 1977
Choose this 1977 *Hobbit* set when the illustrated storybook is the key attraction. It is described as a two-disc complete original soundtrack with dialogue, music, and songs, accompanied by a 16-page full-color storybook. The Special Edition Book designation and original-cover feature reinforce its appeal as a record-and-book presentation. Its limitation is the condition description for the outer cardboard box, which notes edge wear and a need for restoration, even though the inner sleeves and storybook are described more favorably. At USD 114.95, it is the highest-priced record in this comparison.
STAR WARS Movie Story Book (1979) - 7" Vinyl Record 45RPM - VG
The *Star Wars* Movie Story Book is the right pick for a compact 7-inch, 45 RPM format and a much lower listed entry price than the *Hobbit* packages. It is a used black-vinyl record in a paper sleeve, and its 1979 title gives it a separate movie-story focus from the Rankin/Bass *Hobbit* choices. Choose it for a concise *Star Wars* story-record addition rather than a multi-LP soundtrack-and-book set. Its limitation is exactly that smaller format: it is not the two-record, illustrated-book style of the larger *Hobbit* selections.
Final recommendation by use case
Choose the Disneyland Storyteller Book LP for a one-record, spoken-word-leaning *Hobbit* listen. Select THE HOBBIT Original Soundtrack 2 Vinyl Records Set LP & Book for a two-record soundtrack package with a book. Pick the illustrated-book 2-LP set when its stated 16-page full-color storybook matters most. Choose the *Star Wars* 7-inch when a compact 45 RPM movie-story record is your goal.
