i read the book first, then got the music soundtrack, then bought the movie ( i knew i would want to own it to watch it many times.) eddie vedder's music for C D soundtrack is brilliant.i absolutly love it..the book, the movie and the music were all as good as it gets. sean penn is a brilliant director and the story he told of chris mcChandless was so well presented. i felt as though i was really introduced to this heartbreaking, amazing young man.