Released November 25, 2003 through American Recordings, the three–disc CD and DVD set features music from previous albums, unreleased material, and live film.

[2] Vocalist Tom Araya then suggested that if they ever opted to issue a box set, Soundtrack to the Apocalypse would be the most appropriate title.

[2] In September 2003, the record company granted permission to issue the box set and wanted an immediate release for the holiday season.

[2] Slayer submitted a range of material for the record company to choose from, instructing them to return a track list of what they felt to be the best items.

USA Today related: "[it is] a combination of the metal grinders' best-known tracks, with live and studio rarities plus 17 DVD selections.

The bonus live tracks were recorded at The Grove In Anaheim, California, on May 2, 2002, several months following the return of original drummer Dave Lombardo.

[14] Although it did not enter any charts, Thom Jurek from AllMusic praised Soundtrack to the Apocalypse, rewarding the box set with four out of five stars.

"[7] Adrien Begrand from PopMatters favoured the album, lauding the packaging but stating that "like any other CD box set that has come out in recent years, the band seems torn about whom to appeal to, longtime fans, or newcomers.

"[11] Begrand noted that the first disc "is especially great, as it captures Slayer at the peak of their career, starting with the classic 1986 album Reign in Blood.

"[11] PR Newswire said it was "a Slayer fan's ultimate experience,"[18] and The Dallas Morning News called it "a fat new audiovisual box set.