In an exciting announcement for film and music enthusiasts, Enjoy the Ride Records is set to release expanded vinyl editions of the iconic scores from two of Tom Cruise’s most celebrated films, Top Gun and Days of Thunder. This marks the first time these soundtracks will be available on vinyl, allowing fans to experience the music in a new and nostalgic format.

Scheduled for release on October 18, 2024, these double 140-gram LPs will feature the complete original cues from both films, along with previously unreleased demos and alternate takes. This follows the limited-edition CD release in 2023, which only scratched the surface of the rich musical compositions by Harold Faltermeyer for Top Gun and Hans Zimmer for Days of Thunder.

In the case of Top Gun, only one cue from Faltermeyer’s score was included in the original soundtrack released in 1986. An expanded edition in 1999 added a second track, the instrumental piece titled “Memories.” The upcoming vinyl release promises to deliver a more comprehensive listening experience.

The tracklist for the Top Gun vinyl includes:

• Side A
  • Main Title – 2:41
  • Carrier Takeoffs and Landings – 1:46
  • Two Migs, Not One / Cougar Chased by Mig / Mav Flips the Bird / Cougar’s Troubled Landing – 6:58
  • Mav Goes to Fightertown – 1:49
  • Jester Flying – 3:10
  • Tower Flyby – 1:10
  • Viper Comes Down on Mav – 0:50
  • Mav and Goose In Room – 2:06
  • Dinner at Charlie’s – 1:32
• Side B
  • Mav Says Goodbye to Charlie – 2:40
  • Love Scene – 3:41
  • Mav vs Viper – 2:11
  • End Locker Room and Photo – 0:46
  • Aerial Sequence – 1:27
  • Goose’s Death / Memories – 4:10
• Side C
  • Mav Reflects in Goose’s Room / Board of Inquiry / Charlie and Mav in Airport Bar – 11:03
  • Viper’s House Pt. 1 – 1:15
  • Viper’s House Pt. 2 – 1:57
  • Carrier Ready Room and Takeoffs – 2:47
• Side D
  • Mav is Launched / Mav Bugs Out / Mav Returns to Battle / Return to Carrier – 11:11
• Bonus Tracks
  • Top Gun Theme (original demo – May 4, 1985) – 3:34
  • First Shot of Mav and Goose (unused) – 0:53
  • Don’t Worry About the Mig (unused) – 0:24
  • Top Gun Theme (extended album mix) – 4:44

Each vinyl pressing will be housed in a beautifully designed gatefold jacket that features the film’s iconic poster as well as stills from the movie, making it a collector’s item for fans. The release is limited to 1,000 copies, which will be distributed across various themed color variants, ensuring that each piece is unique.

Meanwhile, the score for Days of Thunder, composed by the legendary Hans Zimmer, will also receive the same treatment. Known for its high-octane energy and emotional depth, Zimmer’s composition helped define the film’s thrilling narrative. Details about the tracklist for Days of Thunder are expected to be released alongside the vinyl.

These expanded vinyl editions not only celebrate the musical legacies of these films but also cater to the growing trend of vinyl collecting among music lovers and film fans alike. As the vinyl revival continues, releases like these highlight the enduring appeal of film scores and their ability to evoke powerful memories of cinematic experiences.

Fans of Tom Cruise, as well as collectors and audiophiles, are eagerly anticipating the release, which promises to deliver a richer, more immersive experience of these classic soundtracks. With their unique packaging and exclusive content, these vinyl editions are sure to become prized possessions for those who cherish the magic of film music.

The release of these scores on vinyl represents a significant moment for both the music and film industries, as they continue to explore new ways to engage audiences and celebrate their rich histories. As October approaches, the excitement builds for this unique opportunity to own a piece of cinematic history in the form of beautifully crafted vinyl records.