Vinyl Dreams or Nightmares? Marty O’Donnell Calls Out ‘Halo’ Soundtrack Reissue

The Halo soundtrack, widely celebrated for its iconic fusion of orchestral grandeur and atmospheric intensity, isn’t just background music—it’s an essential part of the gaming experience.

Recently, Microsoft announced a highly-anticipated reissue of the original trilogy’s soundtrack on vinyl, sparking excitement among fans.

However, composer Marty O’Donnell, who played a major role in creating this acclaimed soundscape, voiced sharp criticism over the release.

According to O’Donnell, neither he nor other key contributors were consulted or compensated for this reissue, calling into question both the ethics and quality of this “remastered” vinyl collection.

Microsoft announced the Halo Original Trilogy Soundtrack Collection with much fanfare: a sweeping, galaxy-effect vinyl box set featuring 73 tracks from Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and Halo 3.

Priced at £140, the release promises a high-quality collector’s experience with striking artwork from Halo 3’s concept artist and what is billed as “remastered” tracks.

But O’Donnell responded bluntly on social media, saying that Microsoft doesn’t even possess the original multitrack recordings necessary to achieve a true remaster.

Fascinating! A few thoughts:

1. First I’ve heard of this

2. Can’t actually be “remastered” because MS doesn’t have the original multitrack recordings

3. None of the composers or performers will see a dime

Other than that, cool! https://t.co/hzHWMRyHw2
— Marty O'Donnell (@MartyTheElder) November 7, 2024

“First I’ve heard of this,” O’Donnell wrote, followed by a punchy list of grievances:

Microsoft lacks the original recordings, no royalties will go to the composers or performers, and the release went ahead without notifying any of the original creators.

Fans quickly rallied around O’Donnell, sharing their frustration at what they see as a disregard for the soundtrack’s creators.

This backlash taps into a larger issue in the video game industry, where re-releases and reissues can bring new profits to companies but sometimes leave the original artists without fair compensation.

Microsoft’s “remaster” label for this release has only added fuel to the fire.

Without access to the original multitrack files, delivering a genuine remaster seems questionable.

Instead, fans might end up with a superficially enhanced version—one that lacks the depth and clarity only a true remaster could provide.

The Halo soundtrack is lauded not only for its music but for its unique genre-blending.

Its powerful orchestral cues, tribal drums, and even elements of rock fit seamlessly with the game’s sci-fi landscapes.

Halo 2 even featured a heavy metal twist on the theme, with the famous “Mjolnir Mix” collaboration between the composers and guitar legend Steve Vai, helping the soundtrack become the first video game score to chart on the Billboard 200.

Fans argue that this culturally significant music deserves respect, and many believe that ignoring the creators in this reissue process strips it of authenticity.

For some fans, the Halo soundtrack vinyl reissue may still be an irresistible piece of gaming history, but it comes with ethical questions.

Consumers are now facing a choice: whether to own a piece of Halo history on vinyl or to support the composers who helped shape the game’s legacy.

In an industry that thrives on content, the treatment of those who create it is worth scrutinising.