The Matrixturned 25 in 2024, andScreen Rantis happy to join in on the celebration by revealing the look of its 25th-anniversary vinyl soundtrack from Varèse Sarabande and Craft Recordings. Lilly and Lana Wachowski’s science-fiction masterpiece debuted in 1999, revolutionizing action filmmaking and greatly popularizing the philosophical idea of simulation theory. The movie also catapulted Keanu Reeves into superstardom and created a signature aesthetic that remains instantly identifiable a quarter century later.
As captivating as the story and special effects were inthe movie that changed Keanu Reeves’ life,The Matrix’s secret ingredient was its musical score by Don Davis. In addition to scoring the originalMatrixtrilogy, Davis composed the music for films includingJurassic Park III, Behind Enemy Lines,andWarriors of Virtue.Screen Rantis excited to present a first look, below, at the artwork for the 25th-anniversary vinyl release of Davis’The Matrixsoundtrack. The vinyl will be released on November 15 and can bepre-ordered here.
Why The Matrix (25th Anniversary Expanded Edition) Vinyl Might Be “The One”
Don Davis’ score aptly navigatesThe Matrixmovies’ philosophical momentsas well as its action scenes, and listeners will be able to hear that reflected in a wide selection of tracks hand-picked by the composer himself.The Matrix (25th Anniversary Expanded Edition)has 18 tracks, many of which were only previously available on the complete edition of the score. Favorites like “Main Title (fromThe Matrix) / Trinity Infinity” will be included, with less-heard tracks like “A Morpheus Movement” and “Ignorance Is Bliss / Cyber Cyphernetic” making their way over from the complete score.
The look of a special vinyl release is often nearly as important as its music, andThe Matrix (25th Anniversary Expanded Edition)features new anime-inspired art by Yuko Shimizu honoring some of thebestMatrixfight scenes. The vinyl records themselves can be found in different colors thanks to a few exclusive release opportunities. “Cyber Swirl Green” vinyl will be available to purchase from the Varèse Sarabande website, a “Blue Pill” pressing will be available at Barnes & Noble, and a “Red Pill” version can be available internationally.
WithThe Matrix 5in development and marking the first film in the franchise not to have the involvement of either Wachowski sister,The Matrix (25th Anniversary Expanded Edition)is a great way to revisit the movie that started it all.The Matrixis an inimitable pop culture landmark that established a legacy that even its sequels, for all their showstopping moments and impressively big ideas, haven’t always fully embodied. 25 years later—and in the face of another attempt to capture the Wachowski’s original magic—The Matrix, and Davis’ one-of-a-kind soundtrack, are worth celebrating.
The Matrix(25th Anniversary Expanded Edition)vinyl will be released on November 15. It can bepre-ordered here.
The Matrix
Cast
The Matrix, released in 1999, is set in the 22nd century and follows a computer hacker, Neo, portrayed by Keanu Reeves. He joins a group of underground insurgents led by Morpheus to combat the domineering computers that control the earth, in a battle that blurs the lines between reality and illusion.
