Remember the days of neon leg warmers, gravity-defying hair, and music videos that felt like mini-movies? The 1980s gave us some of the most unforgettable visuals in music history. But trying to pick just a few “best of” videos from that wild decade can be tough. Do you focus on the groundbreaking special effects, the iconic dance moves, or the sheer pop power?
Navigating the vast world of 80s music videos means sifting through endless MTV reruns and grainy YouTube clips. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of fantastic, strange, and truly essential content. You want to relive those classic moments, but where do you even begin to find the truly game-changing clips?
This post cuts through the clutter. We dive deep into the defining music videos of the 80s, highlighting the innovations that changed filmmaking forever. By the end of this read, you will have a curated list of must-see videos that defined a generation’s style and sound. Get ready to press play on nostalgia as we explore the decade where music videos truly came alive.
Top Music Videos 80’S Recommendations
- Shrink-wrapped
- Audio CD – Audiobook
- English (Publication Language)
- 03/21/2000 (Publication Date) - UTV (Publisher)
- Shrink-wrapped
- Audio CD – Audiobook
- English (Publication Language)
- 08/08/2000 (Publication Date) - UMe (Publisher)
- Tears for Fears, ABC, Level 42 (Actors)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
- TRIVIA FOR ADULTS: Did you grow up in the 80s or 90s? Relive the glory days with 80s 90s Trivia.
- 5 CATEGORIES: This game is totally a radical blast from the past. Categories include movies, TV, music, sports, and culture.
- GREAT PARTY GAME: 80s 90s Trivia is easy to play making it a great party game. You'll remember all the good (and bad) things about these decades!
- INCLUDES: 220 Cards and Rules
![Essential Music Videos: 80's UK [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51qPs8PPYVL.jpg)
- Erasure, Echo & the Bunnymen, The English Beat (Actors)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
- Clews, Chris (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 330 Pages - 09/26/2022 (Publication Date) - Silver Tree Publishing (Publisher)
- Flashback to them most radical decade of all time!
- Play over 400 pop culture questions crammed with pictures, trivia and various game challenges. Relive gnarly fashions, trends, movies, tv and the tunes!
- Comes with 200 cards containing over 400 questions, 30 second timer and instructions
- Listen to the complimentary game soundtrack on Spotify
The Ultimate Buying Guide for ‘Music Videos 80s’ Collections
The 1980s were a wild time for music videos! Bright colors, big hair, and amazing songs defined an era. If you want to relive those memories or introduce them to a new generation, buying a collection of ‘Music Videos 80s’ is a fantastic idea. This guide helps you pick the best set for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for these collections, certain features make a big difference in your enjoyment.
1. Content Depth and Selection
- Artist Roster: Check which artists are included. Do you want pop icons like Madonna and Michael Jackson, or are you looking for new wave bands like Duran Duran? A good collection has variety.
- Video Count: How many videos are in the set? More videos usually mean better value.
- Rarity: Some premium sets include rare or extended versions of classic videos. These add real value.
2. Format Availability
Decide how you want to watch them.
- DVD/Blu-ray: These offer physical ownership and often the best picture quality for older footage.
- Digital Download/Streaming: These options offer convenience. You can watch them anywhere easily.
Important Materials and Technical Aspects
Since these videos were made long ago, the technical quality matters a lot.
Source Material Quality
The original masters are crucial. If the collection creators used high-quality source tapes, the final product looks much better. Look for descriptions that mention “Digitally Remastered” or “Restored from Original Masters.”
Audio Quality
Music videos rely on great sound. Check if the audio is presented in standard stereo or enhanced formats like Dolby Digital. Clear sound makes the experience much more immersive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a set great, and what can ruin it?
Quality Boosters
- Restoration Work: Professional cleaning of the video removes scratches, fuzziness, and color distortions. This significantly improves the viewing experience.
- Bonus Features: Liner notes, director interviews, or behind-the-scenes footage enhance the historical value.
Quality Reducers
Be wary of cheap, quickly compiled sets. These often suffer from:
- Poor Transfers: The video might look blurry or have colors that are way off.
- Inconsistent Sourcing: Sometimes, one video looks great, and the next looks like it was recorded off an old TV screen. Inconsistent quality is frustrating.
- Censored Versions: Occasionally, older videos had parts cut out for broadcast standards. Ensure you get the full, original versions if possible.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your 80s music video collection.
Nostalgia Trips
If you lived through the 80s, these collections are perfect for reliving those moments. High-quality visuals and sound make this trip back in time feel real.
Party Playlists
These videos are fantastic background entertainment for themed parties. Choose a set that has the biggest, most recognizable hits for maximum crowd enjoyment.
Educational Viewing
For younger viewers or students of media, these collections show how music and visual art merged. Look for sets that offer good context or historical introductions.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying 80s Music Video Collections
Q: Are all 80s music videos available in high definition?
A: No. Most videos were shot on standard definition tape formats. Even remastered versions often look better than the originals but might not reach modern HD standards.
Q: Why do some sets cost much more than others?
A: Higher prices usually mean the distributor paid for official licensing rights, used better restoration techniques, or included rare, exclusive content.
Q: Should I buy a DVD or Blu-ray version?
A: If your player supports it, Blu-ray often offers a slightly better picture, even for older content, because the data compression is better.
Q: What does “digitally remastered” actually mean?
A: It means technicians cleaned up the old video and audio signals using computers to make the picture sharper and the sound clearer than the original broadcast quality.
Q: Can I stream these videos instead of buying a physical copy?
A: Yes, many services offer access to 80s videos, but physical copies often guarantee you get the exact collection curated by the publisher.
Q: How do I know if the video quality will be good?
A: Check user reviews specifically about the picture quality. Look for comments mentioning “sharpness” or “color accuracy.”
Q: Do these collections usually include VJ commentary?
A: Sometimes, but rarely in standard releases. Commentary is usually reserved for premium, collector’s editions.
Q: Will I find every single 80s hit in one set?
A: Probably not. Licensing music videos is complicated. You might need two or three different collections to cover every major artist.
Q: Are there region codes I need to worry about for DVDs?
A: Yes. DVDs have region codes (like 1 for North America). Blu-rays are often region-free or use simpler A, B, C coding. Always check the packaging!
Q: What is the best use case for these collections?
A: They are perfect for setting a fun, nostalgic mood for gatherings or for studying the history of music marketing and visual style.
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