MovieChat Forums > The Hobbit (1977) Discussion > Creepy, weird, uninviting animation...

Creepy, weird, uninviting animation...

posted 13 years ago by Ultimist
12 replies | jump to latest

This movie is terribly dated, with a very weird art style. Tried to watch it as a kid and it gave me nightmares. The characters all look to be possessed by a demon or something, very creepy. Whoever did the animation has a very odd sense of what makes good art.

The characters are unfriendly, uninviting, and will likely scare most children. The art style is terrible. I think a 9 year old could do better. Keep your kids away from this pile of dung unless you wish to scar them for life.

[–] dale_cooper 12 years ago

I saw this as a kid and loved it my entire youth (and still quite like it now). The art style is a little strange (and in the case of the elves, not great) but on the whole I think it is suitably otherworldy and old-fashioned to fit the source material. A more traditional design like Disney wouldn't work nearly as well.

I'm not a big Rankin-Bass fan in general and I think they really screwed up "The Return of the King," though it's obvious they were highly limited in terms of budget or schedule on that project. "The Hobbit," on the other hand, I think they got right.

[–] Otaku-sempai 12 years ago

As it stands, the film had to drop the character of Beorn and the subplot with the Arkenstone. The design of the Wood-elves could have also used a major overhaul.

"I will not hesitate to kill you, Dwarf!" - Legolas to Thorin Oakenshield

[–] ransax 12 years ago

This film is a classic. The character design and animation is from Rankin/Bass, who were responsible for the original Thundercats series.

[–] setanta- 12 years ago

Completely disagree. I saw this as a very young child and I absolutely loved it. In fact it made such an impression that I searched for it for years to come.

As for the animation style: I also adored that. I found as a child that when it came to animation and children’s book illustration that adults often had no idea what appealed to children. There are so many beautifully illustrated children’s books that are dry as toast. What you describe as “creepy” and “weird” to a child is “interesting” and “fun”.

It would be a shame if parents prevented their children from enjoying this timeless classic due to some overprotective coddling instinct.

[–] 12 years ago

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[–] secross77 11 years ago

OP is right, this movie looks terrible and ruined the story for me. Especially Bilbo looks horrific. I didn't even want to watch the Peter Jackson version because I still had memories of this trainwreck of a movie. Luckily I did watch the new version and it was excellent.

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] sm_street 11 years ago

This version of The Hobbit is better than Jackson's version hands down. If it had only included Beorn it would have been perfect. OP might consider letting their children read the book, you're missing out on a great story.

[–] reddevils7878 11 years ago

I also like most here completely disagree with you. Wonderful classic movie with just enough monsters n such to watch it yet not be too scared. Thanks rankin n bass

[–] Stenian 9 years ago

I agree. The animation style of this is revolting. As is the style of Bakshi's LOTR film.

[–] rexcrk 8 years ago

I've always LOVED the animation and artstyle of the Rankin-Bass Tolkien movies, ever since I was a little kid (with the exception of the Wood Elves from The Hobbit lol, don't know what they were thinking).