How the Odyssey Score & Physical Media Keep Me Connected to Storytelling!

I've been thinking a lot about physical media lately. Specifically why I’m now adamant about doubling down on my 4K Blu-rays and vinyl records.

I think a big part of it comes down to control. 

If you’re a gamer, you probably saw that Sony recently announced that they’re discontinuing physical discs for new PlayStation games starting in 2028.

(Ironically, alongside another announcement that they’re shutting down the PS3 and PS Vita stores. Hmmm.)

It’s just another reminder of where the entertainment industry as a whole is heading.

Across streaming platforms like Spotify, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple Music, Nintendo moving toward digital key cards, on and on and on…we’re renting access rather than owning the work we care about. 

When platforms remove titles or alter their digital products, you realize how fragile digital access actually is.

I’m sure it’s no surprise but collecting physical media gives that ownership back. It also completely changes how I WANT to consume media. 

When you pull a physical disc or record off a shelf, you make a conscious choice to sit down and engage with it. 

It forces you to be intentional and it makes you appreciate the actual creation of that thing.

For me, physical media has always been directly tied to my understanding of the creative process. When I was a kid, I actually thought I wanted to be a film director.

I was obsessed with special features, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and interviews with the production team. Getting my hands on special editions made me feel connected to how movies were actually made.

As I got older, I realized…

I didn’t need to be a director to be a filmmaker. Writing music for media is filmmaking. 

Composers play an important role in guiding narrative subtext, character psychology, emotional pacing, etc. 

Holding a physical release with detailed liner notes takes me right back to that same feeling I had as a kid studying DVD special features. 

It not only keeps me grounded in the craftsmanship behind storytelling but it also influenced how I wanted to curate my own workspace.

I want the physical items in the room to mean something, to make the environment feel lively and fun, and to reflect who I am and what I care about.

For example, I picked up the IMAX exclusive popcorn bucket for The Odyssey. Instead of using it for popcorn, it sits on display in my studio holding some of my 4K Blu-ray collection!

It’s a fun piece of studio decor, but it also reflects my exact creative interests.

I also picked up the Mutant physical release for The Odyssey soundtrack. Ludwig Göransson is one of my favorite working composers, and this release is a clear example of why physical media still matters. 

The set includes three vinyl records and a booklet featuring detailed liner notes from Göransson, Nolan, and the musicologists brought on to reverse-engineer ancient Greek instruments. 

Reading through the notes while listening to the music just gave so much more depth that digital streaming platforms simply can’t deliver.

Now, in case you couldn't tell, I've been thinking about The Odyssey and Ludwig Göransson's score all weekend.

I actually just uploaded a quick reaction video sharing my thoughts on Göransson’s score! Normally I do a full thematic breakdown of the score (which I still might do soon!)

But this video is more of a direct, conversational breakdown of that initial experience with the music!

You can watch the full video here:

That’s everything for now! I’d love to hear your thoughts as well.

Let me know if you’ve gotten to see the Odyssey, how you enjoyed the score, your thoughts on physical media, whatever pops up! Excited to hear your thoughts! 😄

And as always...Happy Composing!