The set, which features the first official stereo versions of a number of tracks on CD, was released in late 2004.

The CDs were mastered from submaster tapes from the Capitol Records vaults which were prepared by Capitol A&R executive Dave Dexter Jr., who added reverb to several tracks and simulated stereo ("fake stereo") on some mono tracks.

The box set debuted on the Billboard 200 album chart on 4 December 2004 at number 35 with sales of 37,303 copies.

The box was certified with gold and platinum awards on 17 December 2004 by the RIAA.

In the weeks prior to the release of the box set, a promotional sampler disc was sent to radio stations and reviewers.