Choosing among vintage vinyl records is rarely just about the music. Here, the central decision is whether you want *The Story of Star Wars* or *The Hobbit*, then which physical presentation best suits your shelf: a special-edition set, an illustrated-book package, or a Disneyland storyteller LP.
Quick take
The Star Wars choice is straightforward: the 1977 *The Story of Star Wars* album is the only entry centered on that film. The Hobbit selections need a closer look. Two are presented as two-record soundtrack-and-book editions, while the Disneyland 3819 issue is a 12-inch storyteller record with a 12-page booklet. All four entries are used, so the specific jacket, sleeve, box, and record-condition language matters as much as the title.
The listed prices span from $49.99 to $114.95. The two $49.99 choices are aimed at different stories rather than being interchangeable versions of the same release.
Listed price comparison
| Record | Listed price | Price position |
|---|---|---|
| THE HOBBIT Original Soundtrack SP ED | USD 74.99 | |
| 1977 "The Story of Star Wars" | USD 49.99 | |
| *The Hobbit* illustrated-book soundtrack | USD 114.95 | |
| *The Hobbit* Disneyland 3819 | USD 49.99 |
Decision matrix
- Your priority is Star Wars: Choose the 1977 *The Story of Star Wars* Original Soundtrack Vinyl Album LP w/Picture Book.
- You want a two-record Hobbit soundtrack set: Compare THE HOBBIT Original Soundtrack 2 Vinyl Records Set LP & Book Rankin Bass SP ED with the 2-LP vinyl soundtrack for *The Hobbit* (Rankin/Bass) and illustrated book. 1977.
- You prefer a Hobbit release with an original 1977 pressing description: The illustrated-book soundtrack is the direct match, with dialogue, music, and songs described.
- You want the Disneyland 3819 storyteller issue: The Hobbit Vinyl Record 1977 Rankin Bass Disneyland 3819 Storyteller Book LP VG is the relevant choice.
- Condition details drive your choice: The Star Wars album has cover wear and a replacement inner sleeve; the higher-priced Hobbit set has box edge wear and restoration needs; the Disneyland issue has light shelf wear and spine rubbing.
Product notes
THE HOBBIT Original Soundtrack 2 Vinyl Records Set LP & Book Rankin Bass SP ED
This is the Hobbit pick for someone drawn to the special-edition designation, Rankin/Bass attribution, and original-cover presentation. It is described as a 1977 Buena Vista box set containing *The Hobbit The Complete Original Soundtrack*, two 12-inch records at 33 RPM, and a book. The $74.99 listed price places it between the least- and most-expensive entries, making it a middle option within this four-record group. Its clear trade-off is condition: it is listed as Used. Choose this edition when the complete-soundtrack framing is more important than the lower starting prices of the Star Wars and Disneyland 3819 records.
1977 "The Story of Star Wars" Original Soundtrack Vinyl Album LP w/Picture Book
Put this album first when Star Wars, rather than Middle-earth, is the collection focus. It combines the 1977 soundtrack LP with a picture book and carries the joint-lowest listed price of $49.99. The record is described as lightly played, with no scratches or skips noted, while the picture book is described as having no tears. There are important presentation compromises: the cover has edge and corner wear with minor discoloration spots, and the white paper inner sleeve is a replacement rather than the original. This is the direct choice for a Star Wars soundtrack-and-book package where those cover and sleeve details are acceptable.
2-LP vinyl soundtrack for *The Hobbit* (Rankin/Bass) and illustrated book. 1977
Choose this edition when the original 1977 pressing description and its dialogue, music, and songs are the deciding appeal. The package is described as a Buena Vista two-disc album with a 16-page full-color storybook, and the records are described as in very good condition. At $114.95, it is the highest-priced record in the comparison, so the physical presentation and stated pressing details need to be central to your decision. The limitation is the sturdy cardboard box: it shows edge wear and requires restoration. This edition suits a shopper who specifically wants the illustrated-book soundtrack package and accepts the noted box condition.
The Hobbit Vinyl Record 1977 Rankin Bass Disneyland 3819 Storyteller Book LP VG
This is the focused choice for the Disneyland 3819 release of *The Hobbit: Songs and Dialogue From The Original Motion Picture*. The title identifies a storyteller-book LP, while the description adds a 12-page internal booklet and says the jacket graphics remain bright and bold. Its $49.99 listed price matches the Star Wars album, offering the lowest listed entry point among the Hobbit choices. The constraint is visible vintage wear: the outer jacket has light shelf wear and edge rubbing along the spine. Choose it for the Disneyland label, 12-inch record size, and Comedy & Spoken Word genre designation rather than for a two-record soundtrack set.
Final recommendation by use case
- For a Star Wars-centered collection: choose 1977 *The Story of Star Wars* Original Soundtrack Vinyl Album LP w/Picture Book.
- For a Hobbit special-edition soundtrack box set: choose THE HOBBIT Original Soundtrack 2 Vinyl Records Set LP & Book Rankin Bass SP ED.
- For the illustrated-book edition described as an original 1977 pressing: choose the 2-LP vinyl soundtrack for *The Hobbit* (Rankin/Bass) and illustrated book. 1977.
- For the Disneyland 3819 storyteller release: choose The Hobbit Vinyl Record 1977 Rankin Bass Disneyland 3819 Storyteller Book LP VG.
